Physical-Mechanical Properties and Microstructure Features of Cohesive Soil in the Central South Yellow Sea

Based on microstructure theory and technical method of soil property, the microstructure features of cohesive soil in the central South Yellow Sea were studied. Combined with parameters of physical-mechanical properties, the relation of physical-mechanical properties to particle contact, particle accumulation and pores is studied. The study indicates that soils in this area are mainly cohesive soil including clayey silt, muddy clay and mud. They have three microstructure types: granular link-bond structure, honeycomb structure, and loose matrix structure. Mud and muddy clay are of honeycomb structure and loose matrix structure; they have the characteristics of high water content, high pore ratio, low shear strength, and high compressibility. Clayey silt is of granular link-bond structure;its water content and pore ratio are lower than that of mud and muddy clay. The cohesive soils in this area are a disadvantage for submarine projects and will create direct or potential hazards to structures. During const...