Correlation between Soil Structural Parameters and Soil Adhesion Based on Water Film Theory

The ability of soil particles to adhere to an external medium after acting with water is called soil adhesion, and the strength of soil adhesion is defined by the adhesive force. Soil adhesion is closely related to the material of the external medium and the soil type. In this study, a small-scale model was used to measure adhesive force. In order to study the effects of different particle sizes on soil adhesion, six soil samples from China (Lanzhou loess, Songling soil, Tahe soil, Harbin clay, loam, and Genhe red clay) were selected as research objects. The correlation between soil adhesion and parameters was analyzed by calculating the fractal dimension. It was confirmed that, with increases in moisture level, the fractal dimension was positively correlated with soil moisture content when the adhesive force was maximum. The fractal dimension had an impact on the peak value of the adhesive force and moisture. Soil clay content played a key role in soil adhesion.