Pore changes in an illitic clay during one-dimensional compression

The pore size, shape and orientation of an illite-dominant clay were mapped during one-dimensional compression, using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), scanning electron microscopy gas adsorption. total porosity was found to spread over the three International Union Pure Applied Chemistry classes pores sizes: micropores (below 2 nm), mesopores (2–50 nm) macropores (above 50 all observed compression. structure is aggregated, with visible inter-aggregate (about 80% porosity), remaining intra-aggregate size approximately equal thickness illite platelets (50–100 layers). During compression largest first collapsed, followed by a progressive collapse, in orderly manner, smaller pores. MIP data suggest that macroscopic deformation mainly translates at scale into changes porosity, while micro- mesopore range. Gas adsorption tests show volume decreases loading, probably due rearrangement particles composing aggregates, specific surface area reduces. Examination pores’ on both vertical horizontal planes confirms preferential normal loading direction, gradual flattening