Estimation of water retention behaviour of bentonite based on mineralogy and mercury intrusion porosimetry tests

In this paper a water retention model is developed based on soil mineralogy and microscopic features of material behaviour. The estimates the content at given total suction as sum bentonite minerals’ interlayer in interparticle pores. proposes simple formulae to estimate void ratio mineralogical properties. Additionally, uses mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) measurements approximate larger validation proposed procedure relies published data for MX-80 GMZ bentonites yields promising results. Even though discussion are restricted here, generic nature can be modified easily other geomaterials. also offers insights into links between soil's microstructure its macroscopic contribution provides new tool quick indirect estimation behaviour porous materials with known mineral composition available microstructural – example, MIP tests. Such great practical interest design nuclear waste repositories, where large pool may considered initially.