Concentration diffusion, fluid flow and fabric changes are coupled phenomena in fine soils.  Indeed, experimental results previously presented by the authors showed the presence of a pressure front advancing ahead of the diffusing high-concentration front in bentonite and kaolinite specimens.  This note presents a simple analysis of diffusion-fabric-flow coupling, based on elementary double-layer repulsion and attraction.  Model predictions adequately agree with experimental data.  High specific surface, high initial void ratio, and low initial pore-fluid concentration increase the sensitivity of soils to changes in pore-fluid concentration and enhance the potential development of pore pressure fronts.