Investigation on strong vertical permeability and micro-pore characteristics of Jinan red clay using X-ray micro-tomography

Due to the peculiarity of spring domain strata in Jinan, phenomenon serious water seepage appears process excavation. The macro permeability soil is closely correlated with its microstructure. In this study, using X-ray micro-tomography (micro-CT) system and a self-designed device, internal pore structure Jinan red clay flow inside sample under different stages were observed. microstructure phase air was segmented by watershed algorithm. Calculation comparison throat size distributions coordination number (CN) at conducted establishing network model (PNM). Meanwhile, experiment simulations based on 3D clay. results show that preferentially obvious due existence vertically developed macropore channel. fine particles (mainly silt particles) are washed away during seepage, thereby expanding channels. maximum radius connectivity have important influence characteristics clay, but correlation between porosity small.