Engineering properties and zoning of loess and loess-like soils in China

Abstract

The widely distributed loessic soils of China are described, concentrating on the collapsible soils of the upper strata of the loessic series. A general trend of gradual, steady reduction in the tendency to collapse on wetting is found going in the direction from northwest to southeast. Cases of damage and flooding tests of pits are cited for illustration. Results of electron microscope studies of structural features of loess specimens from different locations are compared with the engineering behavior, especially the susceptibility to self-subsidence and degree of collapsibility.In view of this trend and the differences between loessic soils of different regions, a preliminary zoning of the loessic soils was made, resulting in seven zones as shown on a schematic map.