Evaluating the Effect of Nano-SiO2 on Different Types of Soils: A Multi-Scale Study
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Material
2.2. Sample Preparation
2.3. Testing Methods
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Constant Temperature Evaporation Test
3.2. Direct Shear Test
3.3. Unconfined Compression Test
- : Residual strength;
- : Unconfined compressive strength.
3.4. SEM (XRD) and X-ray Diffraction Analysis
3.5. pH Tests
3.6. Limitation and Future Work
4. Conclusions
- Nano-SiO2 has a great specific surface area, which results in a smaller final water evaporation loss and lower evaporation rate in regard to nano-SiO2-reinforced soil, when compared with plain soil.
- Nano-SiO2 can improve the shear strength of clayey and sandy soil under cured and uncured conditions. The enhancing effect increases with the increase in nano-SiO2 content, and the enhancing effect on clayey soil is better than on sandy soil.
- Nano-SiO2 can fill the pores between soil particles in order to improve the mechanical properties of the matrix. In addition, it can form a gel to enhance the connection between soil particles. By these means, the shear strength of soil is promoted. As sandy soil has larger particles and a looser structure, the reinforcing effect of nano-SiO2 possesses less influence.
- The unconfined compressive strength of nano-SiO2-reinforced clayey soil increases with the rise of nano-SiO2 content. Nano-SiO2 also increases the soil brittleness, which results in a decrease in failure strain.
- The results of SEM and X-ray diffraction show that nano-SiO2 enhances soil strength in two ways: one is by improving the interfacial contact area and the particle packing density of soil; the other is by enhancing the cementation between soil particles. There is no new mineral composition generated in nano-SiO2-reinforced soil.
- When compared with traditional cement material, nano-SiO2 has less influence on the soil pH value.
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
- Chen, C.; Wei, K.; Gu, J.; Huang, X.; Dai, X.; Liu, Q. Combined Effect of Biopolymer and Fiber Inclusions on Unconfined Compressive Strength of Soft Soil. Polymers 2022, 14, 787. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Wang, D.; Du, Y.; Xiao, J. Shear Properties of Stabilized Loess Using Novel Reactive Magnesia-Bearing Binders. J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 2019, 31, 04019039. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wang, D.; Korkiala-Tanttu, L. 1-D compressibility behaviour of cement-lime stabilized soft clays. Eur. J. Environ. Civ. Eng. 2020, 24, 1013–1031. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Hejazi, S.M.; Sheikhzadeh, M.; Abtahi, S.M.; Zadhoush, A. A simple review of soil reinforcement by using natural and synthetic fibers. Constr. Build. Mater. 2012, 30, 100–116. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ismail, M.A.; Joer, H.A.; Sim, W.H.; Randolph, M.F. Effect of cement type on shear behavior of cemented calcareous soil. J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 2002, 128, 520–529. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Fan, J.; Wang, D.; Qian, D. Soil-cement mixture properties and design considerations for reinforced excavation. J. Rock Mech. Geotech. Eng. 2018, 10, 791–797. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Lin, Q. Research on the Tests of Cement–Soil Pile Compound Foundation. Master’s Thesis, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, 1989. [Google Scholar]
- Soltani, A.; Deng, A.; Taheri, A.; Mirzababaei, M. Rubber powder–polymer combined stabilization of South Australian expansive soils. Geosynth. Int. 2018, 25, 304–321. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Parmar, J.; Yadav, V.; Pandya, S. Influence of Biopolymer Treatment on Suction Characteristics of Bhavnagar Expansive Soil. In Ground Improvement and Reinforced Soil Structures; Springer: Berlin, Germany, 2022; pp. 471–487. [Google Scholar]
- Gu, J.; Cai, X.; Chen, C. Study on the impact of a biopolymer-fiber combination on soil reinforcement. Adv. Eng. Technol. Res. 2022, 3, 65. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Chen, C.; Wu, L.; Perdjon, M.; Huang, X.; Peng, Y. The drying effect on xanthan gum biopolymer treated sandy soil shear strength. Constr. Build. Mater. 2019, 197, 271–279. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Chen, C.; Wu, L.; Harbottle, M. Exploring the effect of biopolymers in near-surface soils using xanthan gum–modified sand under shear. Can. Geotech. J. 2020, 57, 1109–1118. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Hyung, H.; Fortner, J.D.; Hughes, J.B.; Kim, J.-H. Natural organic matter stabilizes carbon nanotubes in the aqueous phase. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2007, 41, 179–184. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Finch, G.; Havel, H.; Analoui, M.; Barton, R.W.; Diwan, A.R.; Hennessy, M.; Reddy, V.; Sadrieh, N.; Tamarkin, L.; Wolfgang, M. Nanomedicine Drug Development: A Scientific Symposium Entitled “Charting a Roadmap to Commercialization”; Springer: Berlin, Germany, 2014. [Google Scholar]
- Hanus, M.J.; Harris, A.T. Nanotechnology innovations for the construction industry. Prog. Mater. Sci. 2013, 58, 1056–1102. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kong, R.; Zhang, F.; Wang, G.; Peng, J. Stabilization of loess using nano-SiO2. Materials 2018, 11, 1014. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Fattahi Masrour, F.; Naghdipour Mirsadeghi, M.; MolaAbasi, H.; Jamshidi Chenari, R. Effect of nanosilica on the macro-and microbehavior of dispersive clays. J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 2021, 33, 04021349. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wang, W.; Zhang, C.; Li, N.; Tao, F.; Yao, K. Characterisation of nano magnesia–cement-reinforced seashore soft soil by direct-shear test. Mar. Georesources Geotechnol. 2019, 37, 989–998. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Li, B.; Luo, F.; Ai, X.; Li, X.; Li, L. Mechanical properties of unbound granular materials reinforced with nanosilica. Case Stud. Constr. Mater. 2022, 17, e01574. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Zieba, Z.; Garlikowski, D.; Monka, J. The Influence of Nanosilica on Unconfined Compressive Strength of Frost-Susceptible Soil. IOP Conf. Ser. Mater. Sci. Eng. 2019, 603, 42060. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Khodaparast, M.; Rajabi, A.M.; Mohammadi, M. Mechanical properties of silty clay soil treated with a mixture of lime and zinc oxide nanoparticles. Constr. Build. Mater. 2021, 281, 122548. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Choobbasti, A.J.; Samakoosh, M.A.; Kutanaei, S.S. Mechanical properties soil stabilized with nano calcium carbonate and reinforced with carpet waste fibers. Constr. Build. Mater. 2019, 211, 1094–1104. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kulanthaivel, P.; Selvakumar, S.; Soundara, B.; Kayalvizhi, V.; Bhuvaneshwari, S. Combined effect of nano-silica and randomly distributed fibers on the strength behavior of clay soil. Nanotechnol. Environ. Eng. 2022, 7, 1–12. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Sarli, J.M.; Hadadi, F.; Bagheri, R.-A. Stabilizing geotechnical properties of loess soil by mixing recycled polyester fiber and nano-SiO2. Geotech. Geol. Eng. 2020, 38, 1151–1163. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Li, G. Properties of high-volume fly ash concrete incorporating nano-SiO2. Cem. Concr. Res. 2004, 34, 1043–1049. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Patro, A.; Sahoo, R.R. Strength and Microstructure Evolution of Soft Soils by Using Nano-silica. In Ground Characterization and Foundations; Springer: Berlin, Germany, 2022; pp. 315–325. [Google Scholar]
- Ghavami, S.; Naseri, H.; Jahanbakhsh, H.; Nejad, F.M. The impacts of nano-SiO2 and silica fume on cement kiln dust treated soil as a sustainable cement-free stabilizer. Constr. Build. Mater. 2021, 285, 122918. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- ASTM D698-12; Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3)). ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2021.
- Tomar, A.; Sharma, T.; Singh, S. Strength properties and durability of clay soil treated with mixture of nano silica and Polypropylene fiber. Mater. Today Proc. 2020, 26, 3449–3457. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kalhor, A.; Ghazavi, M.; Roustaei, M.; Mirhosseini, S. Influence of nano-SiO2 on geotechnical properties of fine soils subjected to freeze-thaw cycles. Cold Reg. Sci. Technol. 2019, 161, 129–136. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Chen, C.; Wu, L.; Harbottle, M. Influence of biopolymer gel-coated fibres on sand reinforcement as a model of plant root behaviour. Plant Soil 2019, 438, 361–375. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Wanare, R.; Jayanthi, P.; Iyer, K.K. A study on cracking behavior of marine soil modified with ultrafine slag under cured and uncured conditions. Mater. Today Proc. 2022, 65, 662–668. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- ASTM D3080/D3080M-11; Standard Test Method for Direct Shear Test of Soils Under Consolidated Drained Conditions (Withdrawn 2020). ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2020.
- ASTM D4219-22; Standard Test Method for Short-Term Unconfined Compressive Strength Index of Chemically Grouted Soils. ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2022.
- Zeng, L.; Wang, L.; Xu, H.; Jiao, G.; Cui, S.; Han, H.; Zhang, B. Analysis Method for Clay Minerals and Ordinary Non-Clay Minerals in Sedimentary Rocks by the X-ray Diffraction; Petroleum Industry Publishing House: Beijing, China, 2010. [Google Scholar]
- ASTM D4972-19 p6; Standard Test Methods for pH of Soils. ASTM International: West Conshohocken, PA, USA, 2019.
- Diaz, F.; Jimenez, C.; Tejedor, M. Influence of the thickness and grain size of tephra mulch on soil water evaporation. Agric. Water Manag. 2005, 74, 47–55. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Burt, C.M.; Mutziger, A.J.; Allen, R.G.; Howell, T.A. Evaporation research: Review and interpretation. J. Irrig. Drain. Eng. 2005, 131, 37. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Gardner, W.; Hillel, D. The relation of external evaporative conditions to the drying of soils. J. Geophys. Res. 1962, 67, 4319–4325. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- An, N.; Tang, C.-S.; Xu, S.-K.; Gong, X.-P.; Shi, B.; Inyang, H.I. Effects of soil characteristics on moisture evaporation. Eng. Geol. 2018, 239, 126–135. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Huang, Y.; Wang, L. Experimental studies on nanomaterials for soil improvement: A review. Environ. Earth Sci. 2016, 75, 1–10. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Changizi, F.; Haddad, A. Effect of nanocomposite on the strength parameters of soil. KSCE J. Civ. Eng. 2017, 21, 676–686. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Jo, B.-W.; Kim, C.-H.; Tae, G.-h.; Park, J.-B. Characteristics of cement mortar with nano-SiO2 particles. Constr. Build. Mater. 2007, 21, 1351–1355. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Qing, Y.; Zenan, Z.; Deyu, K.; Rongshen, C. Influence of nano-SiO2 addition on properties of hardened cement paste as compared with silica fume. Constr. Build. Mater. 2007, 3, 539–545. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Mallela, J.; Quintus, H.V.; Smith, K. Consideration of lime-stabilized layers in mechanistic-empirical pavement design. Natl. Lime Assoc. 2004, 200, 1–40. [Google Scholar]
- Basudhar, P. Modeling of soil–woven geotextile interface behavior from direct shear test results. Geotext. Geomembr. 2010, 28, 403–408. [Google Scholar]
- Ple, O.; Lê, T. Effect of polypropylene fiber-reinforcement on the mechanical behavior of silty clay. Geotext. Geomembr. 2012, 32, 111–116. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Zeng, H.; Yin, L.-Y.; Tang, C.-S.; Zhu, C.; Cheng, Q.; Li, H.; Lv, C.; Shi, B. Tensile behavior of bio-cemented, fiber-reinforced calcareous sand from coastal zone. Eng. Geol. 2021, 294, 106390. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kannan, G.; Sujatha, E.R. Effect of Nano Additive on Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber Reinforced Soil. J. Nat. Fibers 2022, 1–15. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ghavami, S.; Farahani, B.; Jahanbakhsh, H.; Moghadas Nejad, F. Effects of silica fume and nano-silica on the engineering properties of kaolinite clay. AUT J. Civ. Eng. 2018, 2, 135–142. [Google Scholar]
- Liu, Y.; Chang, M.; Wang, Q.; Wang, Y.; Liu, J.; Cao, C.; Zheng, W.; Bao, Y.; Rocchi, I. Use of Sulfur-Free Lignin as a novel soil additive: A multi-scale experimental investigation. Eng. Geol. 2020, 269, 105551. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Afrakoti, M.T.P.; Choobbasti, A.J.; Ghadakpour, M.; Kutanaei, S.S. Investigation of the effect of the coal wastes on the mechanical properties of the cement-treated sandy soil. Constr. Build. Mater. 2020, 239, 117848. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Bahmani, S.H.; Huat, B.B.; Asadi, A.; Farzadnia, N. Stabilization of residual soil using SiO2 nanoparticles and cement. Constr. Build. Mater. 2014, 64, 350–359. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
Property | Value | |
---|---|---|
Sandy Soil | Clayey Soil | |
Specific gravity | 2.55 | 2.73 |
Maximum dry unit weight (kN/m3) | 17.05 | 16.85 |
Optimum moisture content (%) | 11.00 | 22.00 |
Liquid limit (%) | \ | 18.08 |
Plastic limit (%) | \ | 32.47 |
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. |
© 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Share and Cite
Gu, J.; Cai, X.; Wang, Y.; Guo, D.; Zeng, W. Evaluating the Effect of Nano-SiO2 on Different Types of Soils: A Multi-Scale Study. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 16805. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416805
Gu J, Cai X, Wang Y, Guo D, Zeng W. Evaluating the Effect of Nano-SiO2 on Different Types of Soils: A Multi-Scale Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022; 19(24):16805. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416805
Chicago/Turabian StyleGu, Jiayu, Xin Cai, Youqiang Wang, Dahan Guo, and Wen Zeng. 2022. "Evaluating the Effect of Nano-SiO2 on Different Types of Soils: A Multi-Scale Study" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19, no. 24: 16805. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192416805