Abstract: To reveal the intrinsic correlation between the micro-meso moisture-distribution and the engineering properties of the solidified sediments, the lake sediments were solidified by cement. The mechanisms of water transfer and pore structure development in the process of sediment solidification were explored using the nuclear magnetic resonance test. The relationships of the moisture parameters with the permeability k, strength and deformation modulus of solidified specimens were investigated. The experimental results showed that the hydration rate was fast within 7 days, and the pore water in the sediment solidification transferred into hydration water. Meanwhile, the most probable pore size decreased, which caused a decrease in k and increases in and , and hence inducing the formation of the pore structure. However, after 7 days, the hydration reaction continued slowly only if the water diffused and penetrated through hydrates membrane. Significant increases in and were also observed for this case. The hydration water varied as a linear function of lgk, however, exponential relations were existed between and , and . Based on the quantified relation model between the micro moisture parameters and the engineering properties, the macro and micro evolution mechanisms of the cement solidified sediment were revealed.

Key words: nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), engineering properties, water transfer, pore structure