Experimental Study of Chemical Composition of Hangzhou Soft Clay

摘要

X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests are performed to investigate the chemical composition of Hangzhou soft clay. For comparison purposes, the above two tests are carried out on Hangzhou stiff clay. Based on EDS results, sulfur (S) can't be found in Hangzhou stiff clay but it can be found in Hangzhou soft clay. The existence of humus is confirmed because S is one of main elements of humus. It can be seen from XRD results that the Quartz content and Anorthite content in Hangzhou soft clay are less than that in Hangzhou stiff clay. However, the Chlorite content and Phlogopite content in Hangzhou soft clay are more than that in Hangzhou stiff clay. According to Mohs' scale of hardness, it can be roughly judged that the compressibility of Hangzhou soft clay is higher than that of Hangzhou stiff clay.