Effect of nano-silica on physio-mechanical properties and microstructure of soil: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Nano-silica has emerged as an admixture having its application in geotechnical engineering. This review paper summarizes the properties of the nano-silica, effects of inclusion of nano-silica on silty or clayey soils in terms of varied components, physio-mechanical properties and microstructural determination. The nano-silica has a positive effect on both the unconfined compressive strength and shear strength of soil. This paper also presents the influence of nano-silica on compaction parameters, atterberg limits and plasticity index, specific gravity, hydraulic conductivity, consolidation, california bearing ratio and elasticity modulus. Also, the microstructural determination is discussed in details. The incorporation of nano-additives reduces the plasticity, influences compaction parameters and consolidation, increases elasticity modulus and california bearing ratio but reduces specific gravity and hydraulic conductivity of soil. Further, the recommendation for future works of nano-silica incorporation on soil is presented.