explain structural influence on water retained by clay?

Answer 1

Wow what a question, so strange it sucks you in.

We are made from clay so if we took the water out it would be very uncomfortably to move around.

Clay is plastic and the water must make it that way - less water the less plastic right down to a clay brick that is least plastic.

Clay is also a term used to describe a group of hydrous aluminium phyllosilicate (phyllosilicates being a subgroup of silicate minerals) minerals (see clay minerals), that are typically less than 2 μm (micrometres) in diameter. Clay consists of a variety of phyllosilicate minerals rich in silicon and aluminium oxides and hydroxides which include variable amounts of structural water. Clays are generally formed by the chemical weathering of silicate-bearing rocks by carbonic acid but some are formed by hydrothermal activity. Clays are distinguished from other small particles present in soils such as silt by their small size, flake or layered shape, affinity for water and high plasticity index.

Depending upon academic source, there are three or four main groups of clays: kaolinite, montmorillonite-smectite, illite, and chlorite (the latter group is not always considered a part of the clays and is sometimes classified as a separate group within the phyllosilicates). There are about thirty different types of 'pure' clays in these categories but most 'natural' clays are mixtures of these different types, along with other weathered minerals.

Montmorillonite, with a chemical formula of (Na,Ca)0.33(Al,Mg)2Si4O10(OH)2·nH2O, is typically formed as a weathering product of low silica rocks. Montmorillonite is a member of the smectite group and a major component of bentonite.

Varve (or varved clay) is clay with visible annual layers, formed by seasonal differences in erosion and organic content. This type of deposit is common in former glacial lakes from the ice age.

Quick clay is a unique type of marine clay, indigenous to the glaciated terrains of Norway, Canada, and Sweden. It is a highly sensitive clay, prone to liquefaction which has been involved in several deadly landslides

Answer 2

Basically because clay is structured in layers. When a clay hydrates, the water molecules are stored between the layers, thereby physically expanding the clay.

You will have to consult a textbook to get the details, but that is the concept.

Answer 3

its been a long time since college but i think you will find what you are looking for @ http://www.subsidence.org.uk/causes.asp.

This site will explain the causes of clay shrinkage and expansion due to the water content of the clay. Both these scenarios can lead to either heave or subsidence and cause structural failure.

Answer 4

Do your own homework.

Answer 5

why?