Some studies on microstructural behaviour and unconfined compressive strength of soft soil treated with SiO2 nanoparticles

Abstract

The nanoparticles are basically the smallest particles known in the soil environment. Soil being a particulate material and its essential particles have a different size range. On the other hand, nanoparticles range between 1 and 100 nm and most properties of nanoparticles are size-dependent. In this paper, an experimental study was conducted to study the improvement of strength characteristics of soil treated with SiO2 nanomaterial. Also, X-ray diffraction tests were performed on collected soil samples and nanomaterial. Furthermore, scanning electron microscope analysis was performed to identify the underlying mechanisms of nanomaterials. Soft soils of two types were collected and were treated with nano-silica (SiO2) additive at percentages of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%. The test outcomes revealed that the unconfined compressive strength increased significantly with increasing percentage of nano-silica. Moreover, a decrease in maximum dry density and increase in optimum moisture content of treated soil were observed. The addition of nanoparticles increased the sample’s reactivity even at an early age and subsequently strength was increased. Therefore, the main aim of this paper was to stabilize soft soil deposits for utilization of various geotechnical applications for sustainable environment.