Macro–Micro Correlation Mechanism Between Structural Potential and Mechanical Strength in Collapsible Loess
The collapsibility of loess in the northwest region poses a significant threat to infrastructure stability. Current research predominantly separates macroscopic mechanical behaviour from mesoscopic structural characteristics, lacking a systematic methodology to quantify their interdependence. This s...
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MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| author | Yao Zhang Minghang Shao Gang Li Chenghao Chen |
| author_facet | Yao Zhang Minghang Shao Gang Li Chenghao Chen |
| author_sort | Yao Zhang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The collapsibility of loess in the northwest region poses a significant threat to infrastructure stability. Current research predominantly separates macroscopic mechanical behaviour from mesoscopic structural characteristics, lacking a systematic methodology to quantify their interdependence. This study integrates consolidation tests, laser particle size analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) tests, and fractal theory to propose a multi-scale evaluation framework for assessing the structural potential of collapsible loess in strength, with on-site verification conducted. This framework quantitatively links grain size, pore potential, and connection potential to the collapsibility of loess. The experimental results indicate that loess’s high compressibility and collapsibility are primarily governed by grain size and pore potential. In contrast, the connection potential of soluble salts mitigates structural instability through ionic bonding. Field verification demonstrates a strong correlation between the three structural potentials and the subsidence coefficient (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.92, <i>p</i> < 0.01), validating the framework’s effectiveness in evaluating structural stability. A ternary evaluation system has been established based on fractal dimension, void ratio, and soluble salt content. These research findings provide predictive tools for managing collapse risks in loess-related projects, enabling fixed-point design of loess foundations and early warning of collapse risks. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-3a0ffcbd280744ffbe4deb423d1ccb4d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2075-5309 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
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| series | Buildings |
| spelling | doaj-art-3a0ffcbd280744ffbe4deb423d1ccb4d2025-08-20T03:46:52ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-06-011511194010.3390/buildings15111940Macro–Micro Correlation Mechanism Between Structural Potential and Mechanical Strength in Collapsible LoessYao Zhang0Minghang Shao1Gang Li2Chenghao Chen3Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Safety and Durability of Concrete Structures, Xijing University, Xi’an 710123, ChinaShaanxi Key Laboratory of Safety and Durability of Concrete Structures, Xijing University, Xi’an 710123, ChinaShaanxi Key Laboratory of Safety and Durability of Concrete Structures, Xijing University, Xi’an 710123, ChinaShaanxi Key Laboratory of Safety and Durability of Concrete Structures, Xijing University, Xi’an 710123, ChinaThe collapsibility of loess in the northwest region poses a significant threat to infrastructure stability. Current research predominantly separates macroscopic mechanical behaviour from mesoscopic structural characteristics, lacking a systematic methodology to quantify their interdependence. This study integrates consolidation tests, laser particle size analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) tests, and fractal theory to propose a multi-scale evaluation framework for assessing the structural potential of collapsible loess in strength, with on-site verification conducted. This framework quantitatively links grain size, pore potential, and connection potential to the collapsibility of loess. The experimental results indicate that loess’s high compressibility and collapsibility are primarily governed by grain size and pore potential. In contrast, the connection potential of soluble salts mitigates structural instability through ionic bonding. Field verification demonstrates a strong correlation between the three structural potentials and the subsidence coefficient (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.92, <i>p</i> < 0.01), validating the framework’s effectiveness in evaluating structural stability. A ternary evaluation system has been established based on fractal dimension, void ratio, and soluble salt content. These research findings provide predictive tools for managing collapse risks in loess-related projects, enabling fixed-point design of loess foundations and early warning of collapse risks.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/11/1940loessstructural potentialmacro-mesoscopic associationfractal dimensionpore characteristics |
| spellingShingle | Yao Zhang Minghang Shao Gang Li Chenghao Chen Macro–Micro Correlation Mechanism Between Structural Potential and Mechanical Strength in Collapsible Loess Buildings loess structural potential macro-mesoscopic association fractal dimension pore characteristics |
| title | Macro–Micro Correlation Mechanism Between Structural Potential and Mechanical Strength in Collapsible Loess |
| title_full | Macro–Micro Correlation Mechanism Between Structural Potential and Mechanical Strength in Collapsible Loess |
| title_fullStr | Macro–Micro Correlation Mechanism Between Structural Potential and Mechanical Strength in Collapsible Loess |
| title_full_unstemmed | Macro–Micro Correlation Mechanism Between Structural Potential and Mechanical Strength in Collapsible Loess |
| title_short | Macro–Micro Correlation Mechanism Between Structural Potential and Mechanical Strength in Collapsible Loess |
| title_sort | macro micro correlation mechanism between structural potential and mechanical strength in collapsible loess |
| topic | loess structural potential macro-mesoscopic association fractal dimension pore characteristics |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/11/1940 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT yaozhang macromicrocorrelationmechanismbetweenstructuralpotentialandmechanicalstrengthincollapsibleloess AT minghangshao macromicrocorrelationmechanismbetweenstructuralpotentialandmechanicalstrengthincollapsibleloess AT gangli macromicrocorrelationmechanismbetweenstructuralpotentialandmechanicalstrengthincollapsibleloess AT chenghaochen macromicrocorrelationmechanismbetweenstructuralpotentialandmechanicalstrengthincollapsibleloess |