STUDY ON INHOMOGENEITY OF XIASHU LOESS

Xiashu loess deposits are widely distributed on various geomorphic elements at different height, such as hilltop, terrace, foothill and basin etc. It is composed of both loess and red loam, with significantly different composition and structure, especially their stable water content. So we can consider the Xiashu loess deposits to be inhomogeneous. When they are located above the ground water table or in opening state these soils are unsaturated and a negative pore water pressure may appear. Then matrix suction could also be developed. But any downward net flux must be controlled in order to constrain the increasing tendency of saturation when soil behavior is used in construction practice.