Comparison of Nanomaterials with Other Unconventional Materials Used as Additives for Soil Improvement in the Context of Sustainable Development: A Review

Abstract

Since the concept of sustainable development enjoys popular support in the 21st century, various kinds of unconventional materials were introduced for soil improvement in the past few decades to replace the traditional materials like concrete and lime. This paper compared nanomaterials with other three kinds of representative unconventional materials to demonstrate its superiority in soil treatment. The other three kinds of unconventional materials include microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP), recycled tire and environmental fiber. Nanomaterial and MICP have a comprehensive effect on soil reinforcement, since they can improve shear strength, adjust permeability, resist liquefaction and purify the environment. Recycled tire and environmental fibers are granular materials that are mostly adopted to reinforce reconstituted soil. The reinforcement mechanisms and effects of these four kinds of unconventional materials are discussed in detail, and their price/performance ratios are calculated to make an evaluation about their market application prospects. It can be seen that nanomaterials have promising prospects. Colloidal silica, bentonite and laponite present a satisfactory effect on liquefaction mitigation for sandy foundation, and carbon nanotube has an aptitude for unconfined compressive strength improvement. Among the investigated nanomaterials, colloidal silica is the closest to scale market application. Despite the advantages of nanomaterials adopted as additives for soil improvement, they are known for unwanted interactions with different biological objects at the cell level. Nevertheless, research on nanomaterials that are adopted for soil improvement are very promising and can intensify the relationship between sustainable development and geotechnical engineering through innovative techniques.

g-C3N4promotes agro-ecosystem productivity: a case study for rice

“…In recent years, due to their unique physical and chemical properties, nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as new and sustainable agricultural products such as pesticides, soil additives and fertilizers. [1][2][3] Appropriate doses of NMs have shown beneficial effects in promoting seed germination, improving crop growth and yields, and enhancing soil enzyme activities. 4 For example, nano-ZnO can increase the biomass of maize and promote rice germination.…”

Enhancement of Clay Compressibility and Strength Using Nano Magnesium Oxide

“…The cement particles are rather large, so they cannot penetrate the voids in the soil mass by themselves except through injection pressure. Hence, the cement treatment causes severe disruption to the environment [9]. Besides, the highly alkaline circumstances generated by cement may adversely affect the stability of pollutants (heavy metals) in reclaimed soils and plant growth performance [10].…”

“…Besides, the highly alkaline circumstances generated by cement may adversely affect the stability of pollutants (heavy metals) in reclaimed soils and plant growth performance [10]. Although the influence of the surrounding environment when chemical grout materials (acrylate grout, epoxy grout, and sodium silicate) are used is a small disruption, it can lead to significant groundwater pollution [9]. In light of the mentioned these concerns about using traditional materials as soil stabilizers, we must prioritize using alternative soil stabilizers as a matter of sustainability.…”

Investigation of the Effect of Graphene Oxide on the Properties and Microstructure of Clay-Cement Composite Grouting Materials

“…Therefore, even if these materials are added in small amounts, they can have significant impacts on the physical and chemical properties of soil [ 18 , 19 ]. Nano materials have increasing value in the application of clay solidification because of their excellent properties and suitable cost performance [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. GO is an oxidized form of graphene, which is produced by the oxidizing graphite using a strong oxidant and then stripping it [ 24 , 25 ].…”