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A Novel Method for Obtaining the Loess Structural Index from Computed Tomography Images: A Case Study from the Lvliang Mountains of the Loess Plateau (China)

Author

Listed:
  • Yaming Tang

    (Xi’an Center of China Geological Survey, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory for Geo-hazards in Loess Area, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xi’an 710054, China)

  • Yinqiang Bi

    (Key Laboratory for Geo-hazards in Loess Area, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xi’an 710054, China
    China Jikan Research Institute of Engineering Investigations and Design Co., Ltd., Xi’an 710043, China)

  • Zizheng Guo

    (Faculty of Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China)

  • Zhengguo Li

    (Xi’an Center of China Geological Survey, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory for Geo-hazards in Loess Area, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xi’an 710054, China)

  • Wei Feng

    (Xi’an Center of China Geological Survey, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory for Geo-hazards in Loess Area, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xi’an 710054, China)

  • Jiayun Wang

    (Xi’an Center of China Geological Survey, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory for Geo-hazards in Loess Area, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xi’an 710054, China)

  • Yane Li

    (Xi’an Center of China Geological Survey, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory for Geo-hazards in Loess Area, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xi’an 710054, China)

  • Hongna Ma

    (Xi’an Center of China Geological Survey, Xi’an 710054, China
    Key Laboratory for Geo-hazards in Loess Area, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xi’an 710054, China)

Abstract

The structural index is an important quantitative parameter for revealing the structural properties of loess. However, there is no a widely accepted measurement method for structural index at present. This study aims at presenting a novel method for obtaining the loess structural index (LSI), based on the application of computed tomography (CT) scanning techniques and laboratory physico-mechanical tests. The mountainous area of Lvliang in northwest China was taken as the study area, and Late Pleistocene loess samples were taken from various sites in the region. Several physical parameters were first measured using laboratory tests, including dry density, pore ratio, and liquidity index. CT scanning was used to observe sample microstructures, and a mathematical relationship was established between CT image parameters and the physical property indices, through three dimensions (3D) reconstruction and slice porosity analysis. The results revealed that LSI can be expressed as a non-linear function related to CT image parameters, dry density, and the liquidity index of the loess. Compared with traditional calculation methods, this novel technique calculates the LSI by using an empirical formula, which is less labor-intensive. Such results indicate that the method warrants wide application in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Yaming Tang & Yinqiang Bi & Zizheng Guo & Zhengguo Li & Wei Feng & Jiayun Wang & Yane Li & Hongna Ma, 2021. "A Novel Method for Obtaining the Loess Structural Index from Computed Tomography Images: A Case Study from the Lvliang Mountains of the Loess Plateau (China)," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:10:y:2021:i:3:p:291-:d:515598
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    References listed on IDEAS

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