Frequency-Domain Analysis of Electrical Dispersion of Soils
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical Engineering
Volume 121, Issue 8
Abstract
A theoretical frequency-domain general solution for the electric dispersion of soils is presented here. The theory rigorously takes into account the effects of particle shape, frequency, soil mineralogy, pore fluid type, porosity, solid-fluid interaction, anisotropy, and direction of measurement. The electric dispersion of soils is affected by the preceding basic soil parameters and the ratio of effective permittivities (βε=ε2/ε1) and conductivities (βσ=σ2/σ1) of the solid particles (subscript 2) and pore fluid (subscript 1). In general, the response can be categorized into three cases, βσ<βε< 1, βε<βσ< 1, and βε< 1 <βσ, each representing a distinct soil-fluid interaction phenomena. No dispersion is observed for βσ=βε. Effects of factors such as particle shape, orientation, etc. on dispersion are different in each case. Good comparisons are observed between the theory and experimental data. Results indicate that frequency-domain interpretation of the dispersion data be used to predict soil microstructure, soil and pore fluid type and interaction, porosity, particle characteristics, anisotropy, and geoenvironmental conditions at a site. These parameters can then be related to engineering soil behavior parameters in a fundamental way.
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Copyright © 1995 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Published online: Aug 1, 1995
Published in print: Aug 1995
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