Relationship between Disintegration Characteristics and Intergranular Suction in Red Soil

Abstract

Red soil is widely distributed in South America, Africa and Southeast Asia (approximately between the 30° S and 30° N latitudes). These soils are typically formed by the weathering of carbonate or other rocks rich in iron and aluminium oxides in hot-humid climates and susceptible to a large reduction in disintegration upon wetting or other conditions. This paper provides a state-of-the-art review on the red soil disintegration mechanism and intergranular suction with reference to red soil. The present paper reviews the research progress that has been made regarding the disintegration characteristics and testing methods of the intergranular suction of red soil, including (1) influencing factors of disintegration and the mechanism of action, (2) advantages and disadvantages of each intergranular suction testing method and (3) the intrinsic relationship between disintegration and intergranular suction. The study indicated that the research on the disintegration mechanism of red soil is still in the macro stage, involving the different moisture contents, temperatures and other directly influential conditions. Soil disintegration characteristics have not been extensively analysed from the micro perspective (including pore structure and distribution, fracture development degree and particle arrangements). When these problems are solved, disintegration studies of red soil will be advanced. Some limitations of the previous research are highlighted at the end of the paper, and suggestions are made for future research.