Stabilization of sandy soil with geopolymers based on nanomaterials and Taftan pozzolan

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Masters student of Civil and Surveying Engineering, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran.

2 Department of Civil Engineering, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran

3 Faculty of Civil Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.

Abstract

In this study, geopolymers based on Taftan natural pozzolan and nanomaterials (nanoclay and nanosilica) were used to stabilize sandy soil. Various parameters such as type of nanomaterial, amount of nanomaterial, alkaline activator solution ratio and curing time were taken into account as the affecting factors on the behavior of stabilized specimens. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were performed to evaluate the effect of geopolymer and nanomaterials on sandy soil stabilization. Then, the X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were performed to verify the microstructure of the stabilized soil. The results showed that the addition of pozzolan and nanomaterials to soil and increasing the amount of alkaline solution caused an increase in the compressive strength of the soil. Additionally, the strength of geopolymer specimens increased with the addition of nanomaterials up to 2%, and subsequently due to the accumulation of nanomaterials decreased. The microstructural analysis indicates a strong reaction of chemical additives and the formation of aluminosilicate gel in geopolymer compounds, which itself increases the load-bearing capacity of the soil and stabilized. Based on this study, natural Taftan pozzolan and nanomaterials are appropriate and beneficial alternative materials in the stabilization of earth structures.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Amirkabir Journal of Civil Engineering
Volume 52, Issue 9
December 2020
Pages 2357-2378

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