Scanning electron microscopy of engineering soils

Specimen preparation for the scanning electron microscopy of engineering soils is vitally important. The usefulness of critical point drying is assessed on the basis of macroscopic and microscopic data obtained from the critical point drying and the air drying of several natural undisturbed soft clays.

It is emphasised that scanning electron microscopy can play a valuable reconnaissance role, thus providing an indication of the broad character of the soil microfabric, over a wide range of magnification, which aids in the selection of the appropriate programme and methods of quantification.

It is also demonstrated that scanning electron microscopy observations are extremely useful in the interpretation of, and for providing the very necessary background to, quantitative data such as that yielded by optical thin section and mercury porosimetry studies.