Micro-structural and volumetric behaviour of bimodal artificial soils with aggregates

Bimodal soils with aggregates present a complex micro-structural and volumetric behaviour. This occurs because they showcase several variables, such as mineralogical, different grain sizes structures. The objective of this paper is to develop methodology for producing simple, non-mineralogical variability controlled double porosity. In sense, using Kaolin were created obtain bimodal samples. produced stable in water the samples analysed by means Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Soil Water Retention Curve (SWRC) analysis shrinking process. Results show that presence proportions has direct impact on soil's: plasticity; classification; compaction curve; retention well pore size distribution (PSD), where micro macro pores observed. expansion reduced both expansive potential. During process fitting equation presented describe trend strain samples, from which it was possible separate soil associated drying microstructure its relationship curve. Therefore, study contributes better understanding role microstructural behaviour soils.