Loess shear failure micro-mechanisms: insights from 3D microstructural evolution and sensitivity analysis

Description

Using X-ray micro-computed tomography and advanced image processing, we comprehensively quantified the three-dimensional microstructure of intact Malan loess, including particle and pore size, shape, and orientation. We analyzed data from different regions of a triaxially sheared loess sample to track the evolution of these microstructural parameters during deformation. To identify the most responsive indicators of loess failure, we assessed the sensitivity of various microstructural parameters using relative entropy. The detailed results directly link macroscopic behavior to microstructural changes, providing a deeper understanding of loess shear failure mechanisms.

Steps to reproduce

The stress-strain relationship was obtained by performing the triaxial test on the loess sample using the GDS Triaxial Testing System. The microstructure data was obtained by performing high-resolution scans on the following subsamples from various locations: two within the shear band (labelled as 2-1, 2-2), two above the shear band (1-1, 1-2) and two below the shear band (3-1, 3-2), as well as from intact loess (0-1)blocks for comparison.

Institutions

• Chang'an University

  Shanxi, Xian
• Nanjing Tech University

  Jiangsu, Nanjing

Categories

Funders

• National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Beijing, China

  Grant ID: 42102305
• Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, CHD

  Grant ID: 300102264716
• National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Beijing, China

  Grant ID: 42330704

Licence