Evaluation of Structural Strength and Parameters of Collapsible Loess

Loess is one of the problematic soils with a worldwide distribution for its collapsibility. To study structural strength and parameters of collapsible loess, a number of double-oedometer tests on intact and remolded loess specimens, sampled from Xinjiang, western China, at different initial moisture contents were conducted. The collapse potential curve can be divided into three stages, and the curve at each stage represents the change of the loess internal structure during the collapse deformation process. Stage I: loess initial structure transforms into the secondary structure; Stage II: damage to the secondary structure; and Stage III: loess structure has been destroyed. Proceeding from the damage to loess anticompression capabilities resulting from soaking, a model is proposed to evaluate the structural strength and parameters of collapsible loess. The variation of loess structural strength with moisture content and vertical pressure is investigated, and the loess structural parameters under different conditions are determined. The results ought to enable geotechnical engineers to evaluate the structural strength, stability, and water sensitivity of collapsible loess.