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Pore Characterization of Sandy Silty Soil in Metro Surrounding Rock: A Synchrotron Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Experiment

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Abstract

To examine the pore structure characteristics of sandy silt in metro tunnel surrounding rock, the pore size distribution patterns and fractal dimension of sandy silt samples were determined through small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments. This study also explored the relationship between the internal microscale pore structure of sandy silt and its macroscopic behavior. The results show that spherical pores within sandy silt predominantly exist in the forms of micropores and mesopores, with a concentrated distribution in the pore size range of 20–50 nm. Moreover, for scatterers with shapes like ellipsoids and disks, a smaller ratio of height to diameter or major axis to minor axis corresponds to a narrower range in observed pore diameter distribution, accompanied by a higher volume fraction. Meanwhile, the fractal dimensions for sandy silt samples B-1, B-2, and B-3 were 2.33, 2.33, and 2.38, respectively, aligning with the range of 2–3. The augmentation of fractal dimension corresponds to heightened surface irregularity or roughness, indicating a moderately smooth sandy silt surface. Additionally, the results show that the various deformation and strength characteristics possessed by the soil can be considered as a comprehensive reflection of the adjustment and evolution of its internal microscale pore structure elements. By utilizing the pore size distribution features and fractal dimension of the internal pore structure, a quantitative relationship between the internal pore structure of sandy silt and its macroscopic permeability or mechanical properties can be established.

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Data Availability

All data and models that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgments

This research was financially supported by the opening project of the State Key Laboratory of Explosion Science and Technology (Beijing Institute of Technology, KFJJ22-15M), National Natural Science Foundation of China (52274245), the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality (8192036), and the Innovation Engineering Project of Beijing Academy of Science and Technology (23CA001-04). The authors also extend their appreciation to Zhihong Li, Guang Mo, and Wenmin Li from the Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (BSRF) for granting access to the SAXS experimental facilities and their invaluable assistance during the experiments. Furthermore, the authors acknowledge EditSprings (https://www.editsprings.cn) for their proficient linguistic services.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Emergency Management and Safety Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Ding No. 11 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100083, People’s Republic of China

    Qi Zhang, Xiangchun Li, Jianhua Zeng, Xin Tian & Yaoyu Shi

  2. State Key Laboratory of Explosion Science and Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, People’s Republic of China

    Xiangchun Li

  3. Occupational Hazards Control Technology Center, Institute of Urban Safety and Environmental Science, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100054, People’s Republic of China

    Chunli Yang

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  1. Qi Zhang
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Correspondence to Xiangchun Li.

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Zhang, Q., Li, X., Yang, C. et al. Pore Characterization of Sandy Silty Soil in Metro Surrounding Rock: A Synchrotron Small-Angle X-ray Scattering Experiment. Nat Resour Res 32, 2981–2993 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-023-10270-9

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