Change in microstructure of soils due to natural mineralization

Abstract If a very long-term stability of soil materials is concerned, it is necessary to consider natural mineralization processes resulting from physical, chemical and biological actions. Precipitation, dissolution and reprecipitation of minerals due to these actions will change the microstructure of soils in terms of void distribution, strength, permeability, etc. Precipitated minerals at the contacts between soil particles may play an important role as cement agent, while the formation of nodules will make soils unhomogeneous. On the other hand, dissolution of minerals produces very large pores. It may cause high permeability of the soils. Therefore, this paper describes natural mineralization under various conditions and discusses the possibility of mineralization in some crucial site, such as a deep excavated-buried ground.