ABSTRACT
Permeability, which is one of the most important physical indexes of loess, refers to the capability of water to permeate and flow through the pores of loess. The permeability of loess formed in different geological times also show considerable differences. The large pores in loess are the main component of the seepage channel, and the small pores and micropores have a lesser effect on the loess's permeability. The confining pressure applied in experiments can affect the obtained results of loess permeability. The rearrangement of loess particles, the fine particles clog the pores and channels, leading to a decrease of permeability coefficient. The scanning electron microscope images magnified 1200 times clearly show the structure changes of the primary loess before and after permeability tests. Generally, the lower loess in early geological age has relatively small void ratio and permeability coefficient. Loess compactness changes significantly with buried depth. The confining pressure applied in experiments can affect the obtained results of loess permeability.
