The distribution and geotechnical properties of loess soils, lateritic soils and clayey soils in China

In China, various soils covering vast regions occur: loess soils of the Yellow River in northern China, lateritic soils in southern China and clayey soils in central China. The special geotechnical properties of these soils are briefly described. The relationship of their material components and microstructural features with their geotechnical properties is studied. It is shown that the special geotechnical properties of these soils depend mainly on their material component and microstructural features. The distribution of these soils is studied in relation to geographical environment and climatic conditions. It is suggested that the formation of the geotechnical properties of these soils have undergone three different development stages.