Smectite clay microstructural behaviour on the Atterberg limits transition

- Microstructural investigation of smectite clay in Atterberg limits was conducted.
- Clay particles form a framework with established hierarchic structural elements.
- The water loss was observed mostly from interconnected, inter-floccules voids.
- Size of intra-flock voids resulting of the water loss on liquid and plastic limits.
- Significant differences in Atterberg limits values were result of sample seasoning.