title: A quantification model for the structure of clay materials.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this paper, the quantification for clay structure is explicitly explained, and the approach and goals of quantification are also discussed. The authors consider that the purpose of the quantification for clay structure is to determine some parameters that can be used to quantitatively characterize the impact of clay structure on the macro-mechanical behaviour.
  
  
  METHODS
  According to the system theory and the law of energy conservation, a quantification model for the structure characteristics of clay materials is established and three quantitative parameters (i.e., deformation structure potential, strength structure potential and comprehensive structure potential) are proposed. And the corresponding tests are conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The experimental results show that these quantitative parameters can accurately reflect the influence of clay structure on the deformation behaviour, strength behaviour and the relative magnitude of structural influence on the above two quantitative parameters, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These quantitative parameters have explicit mechanical meanings, and can be used to characterize the structural influences of clay on its mechanical behaviour.
authors.affiliation: School of Earth Sciences and Geological Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou - China.
authors.forename: Liansheng
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.affiliation: School of Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou - China.|Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Geological Processes and Mineral Resources, Guangzhou - China.
authors.forename: Haitao
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sang
authors.affiliation: School of Earth Sciences and Geological Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou - China.
authors.forename: Haokun
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: School of Earth Sciences and Geological Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou - China.
authors.forename: Yinlei
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: School of Earth Sciences and Geological Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou - China.
authors.forename: Longjian
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D000538:Aluminum Silicates / Q000737:chemistry*; D000077215:Clay; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
chemical_list: D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D000077215:Clay