Diatom (rock) soil is a rare special soil. It is generally a fossil diatom accumulation soil deposit formed by the silicate remains of single-cell algae collectively referred to as diatom after a accumulation period of about 10000 to 20000 years. It is mainly distributed in China, the United States, Denmark, France, Romania, Namibia and other countries. In China, it is mainly distributed in Jilin, Zhejiang, Yunnan, Shandong Sichuan and other provinces. It has the properties of fine, loose, light, porous, strong water absorption and permeability. It is an excellent industrial raw material and decoration auxiliary material. However, from the engineering point of view, diatom (rock) soil has multiple characteristics of clay, soft soil and expansive soil. It has the characteristics of low dry density, high moisture content, high void ratio, strong structure and easy disintegration. It varies greatly from place to place. Such characteristics of high sensitivity, strong swelling and shrinkage and porous structure may bring many hidden dangers to the construction projects in the region, Such as slope stability and foundation settlement.

After consulting, there are few theories and experiences related to large-scale engineering construction based on diatom land, no systematic analysis and research, and no specifications and standards for this special soil types. At present, there are gaps and deficiencies in the bearing capacity of diatomite foundation, settlement calculation and foundation reinforcement, the value of ultimate lateral resistance of pile foundation, and the checking calculation of diatomite slope stability. Therefore, it is necessary to collect research and application of relevant aspects globally to form a special series and share achievements together.