Use of Nanomaterials in the Stabilization of Expansive Soils into a Road Real-Scale Application

Abstract

<jats:p>Stabilization is a traditional strategy used to improve soils with the main objective of ensuring that this base is compliant with the technical specifications required for the subsequent development of different infrastructures. This study proposes the use of commercial nanomaterials, based on a solution of silicates, to improve the technical characteristics and bearing capacity of the expansive soil. A physical–chemical property study was carried out on the additive nanomaterial. Subsequently, different mixtures of expansive soil, selected soil and artificial gravel with quicklime and commercial nanomaterials were developed to evaluate the improvement obtained by the use of nanomaterials in the technical characteristics of the soil. Compressive strength and the Californian Bearing Ratio index were considerably increased. A full-scale study was carried out in which the nanomaterial product was applied to two different sections of stabilized road compared to a control section. The results obtained showed that the use of nanomaterial led to the possibility of reducing the control section by 30 cm, thus achieving less use of quicklime and a mechanical means for preparing the road section. The use of commercial nanomaterial improved the behavior of the stabilized sub-base layer. Through life cycle assessment, this study has shown that the use of nanomaterials reduces the environmental impact associated with soil stabilization.</jats:p>

Feasibility of Using Nanosilanes in a New Hybrid Stabilised Soil Solution in Rural and Low-Volume Roads

“…This work is a continuation of the one carried out by Rosales et al [32] in which a conventional control section was made according to Spanish specifications [33], and two alternative experimental sections based on nanomaterials and quicklime were performed in order to reduce the total thickness of the treated layers.…”

“…To carry out the trial sections in a successful manner, the following phases were followed in the present work: Phase 1. Conceptualisation and predesign of alternative sections based on the study conducted by Rosales et al [32]. Phase 2.…”

“…According to the results obtained by Rosales et al [32], three alternative sections composed of two layers were proposed: one of lime stabilised expansive clayed soil (CS) and another upper one of a mixture of CS and sandy soil (SS) stabilised with cement.…”

“…Three alternative sections (AS) were designed to reduce the thickness of the control section analysed by Rosales et al [32], while the mechanical and durability properties of the current section were maintained or improved.…”

Laboratory Study on Improvement of Expansive Soil by Chemically Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation

“…Chemical stabilization is one of the effective techniques to overcome the undesirable behavior of expansive soils. Among the chemical stabilization methods, traditional treatments such as physical mixing of lime, cement, fibers and fly-ashes with soils have been commonly used for the soil treatment [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. However, these traditional methods show some limitations in engineering applications.…”