Micro porosity evolution in compacted swelling clays - A chemical approach

Micro/macro-porosity evolutions with dry density and relative humidity are presented. The results are compared with alternative approximations reported in the literature which show a close correlation. Variations of the micro and macro-porosity in compacted bentonite with hydration processes are also studied through the application of the model under restrained swelling and isothermal conditions. The results provide an insight into the evolution of pore water in compacted bentonite during saturation and quantify the distribution of water in micro and macro pores.