Study of the fabric of fine-grained sediments with the scanning electron microscope

Abstract

Abstract Micrographs obtained with a scanning electron microscope are used to illustrate the fabrics of some fine-grained limestones and clay soils which have properties of special engineering interest. Fine structure is revealed with unusual clarity. Of particular interest are: the nature of contacts of fine-grained crystals with one another and with coarser crystals, particularly dolomites; the disposition of the noncarbonates, and/or cementitious material along grain boundaries; and the orientation of mica-type minerals in shales, mudstones, and clay soils. The relative merit of several methods of sample preparation is discussed.