Characterization of Compacted Loess by Electrical Resistivity Method

Loess, a wind-blown cemented silt deposit, covers extensive areas of northwest and northern central of China, and is used in most geotechnical constructions including embankments and liners. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential application of resistivity measurements for monitoring and assessing the quality of compacted loess soils. The relationships between soil resistivity, water content, pore fluid chemical components, degree of saturation and temperature have been studied based on the measurement of the resistivity of the compacted loess sample. Test results show that soil resistivity decreases with the increase in temperature, water content, degree of saturation and porosity. The higher conductivity of pore fluid, the lower soil resistivity.