Mechanical properties of silty clay soil treated with a mixture of lime and zinc oxide nanoparticles

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the geotechnical properties of lime-stabilized silty clay soil using uniaxial compressive strength, direct shear and Californian bearing ratio tests as well as scanning electron microscopy of the improved microstructure of the specimens. The optimum lime content of 6% increased the strength of the soil specimens. Tests on the specimens cured for 7 days showed that their strength increased with an increase in the soil cohesion and cement bonds. The ultimate strength was recorded at the optimum nano-ZnO content of 1.5. The nano-ZnO acted as a filler in the lime and ZnO-stabilized specimens, causing formation of smaller crystals and increasing reactivity, which increased the strength of the soil specimens. SEM micrographs revealed a more homogenous and finer microstructure with a lower surface porosity with the addition of nano-ZnO.