Investigating the effects of nanochemical-based ionic stabilizer and co-polymer on soil properties for pavement construction

Abstract

ABSTRACT Stabilization of soil is imperative to the performance and serviceability of the pavement. Conventionally, soil stabilization has been done using cement, lime and fly ash; with advent in engineering and machinery, new technologies have been coming up, latest being the use of nanomaterials. This paper focuses on studying the changes in geotechnical properties of soil when treated with two nanochemicals, S (ionic stabilizer) and P (binding co-polymer). The chemicals were added to soil in varying dosages, and in final investigation, 3% cement was also added to the mix to study the suitability of soil for use in subgrade and sub-base layers for application in low-volume roads. The test results showed improvement in properties of the soil on incorporating nanochemical stabilizers. It also revealed that the strength of the soil treated with nanochemicals increases with curing time, and better results are reported as the cycle of treatment is increased. Abbreviations: CBR: California Bearing Ratio; FSI: Free Swell Index; LL: Liquid Limit; MDD: Maximum Dry Density; MoRTH: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India; OMC: Optimum Moisture Content; PI: Plasticity Index; PL: Plastic Limit; UCS: Unconfined Compressive Strength