The microscopic mechanism of water immersion and collapsibility in Malan loess with different particle size

Abstract

Collapsibility of loess is a widespread, highly destructive geological hazard on the Chinese Loess Plateau. Malan loess exhibits distinct regional particle size variations, but the collapsible deformation characteristics and underlying microscopic mechanisms of loess with different particle sizes remain insufficiently understood. This study selected sandy (Jingbian), silty (Yan’an), and clayey (Jingyang) Malan loess in Shaanxi as representative samples to investigate collapsible deformation and clarify intrinsic mechanisms. Results show particle size and clay content significantly affect loess’ physical-mechanical properties: particle shape transitions from angular to sub-rounded/rounded, with clay distributing as adhesion (sandy), bridging (silty), or filling (clayey). Collapse is dominated by clay softening, skeleton destruction, and void filling. Post-collapse, macropores (>50 μm) convert to mesopores (2–50 μm), porosity drops ~10%, and pore orientation homogenizes. Generalized collapse mechanism models for different particle size Malan loess are proposed, providing a theoretical basis for hazard mitigation.