Effect of Nanosilica on the Undrained Shear Strength of Organic Soil

Organic soil is widely recognized for its low shear strength and high compressibility, which pose challenges for construction projects. One of the most commonly used methods for enhancing the mechanical properties of soil is chemical stabilization using various additives. In this study, the undraine...

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Main Authors: Carlos Solórzano-Blacio, Jorge Albuja-Sánchez
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Nanomaterials
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/9/702
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author Carlos Solórzano-Blacio
Jorge Albuja-Sánchez
author_facet Carlos Solórzano-Blacio
Jorge Albuja-Sánchez
author_sort Carlos Solórzano-Blacio
collection DOAJ
description Organic soil is widely recognized for its low shear strength and high compressibility, which pose challenges for construction projects. One of the most commonly used methods for enhancing the mechanical properties of soil is chemical stabilization using various additives. In this study, the undrained shear strength of organic soil from Quito, Ecuador, with an average organic content of 43.84%, was reinforced using 0.5, 1, 3, and 6% nanosilica. A series of tests, including Atterberg limit, specific gravity, compaction, and unconfined compression tests, were conducted on specimens cured for 28 days. The results indicate that increasing the nanosilica content leads to higher plasticity, lower maximum dry density, and higher optimum moisture content. In addition, the modulus of elasticity and undrained shear strength improved. The optimal nanosilica content was found to be 1%, resulting in a 211.28% increase in the undrained shear strength. The mechanisms of soil improvement driven by the chemical interactions between nanosilica, mineralogical components (analyzed via XRD), and soil organic matter are discussed in detail.
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spelling doaj-art-6eec8e3403c04313a3bedb3831bb73782025-08-20T02:24:55ZengMDPI AGNanomaterials2079-49912025-05-0115970210.3390/nano15090702Effect of Nanosilica on the Undrained Shear Strength of Organic SoilCarlos Solórzano-Blacio0Jorge Albuja-Sánchez1Multidisciplinary Engineering Research Hub (MER Hub), Faculty of Habitat, Infrastructure, and Creativity, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito 170143, EcuadorMultidisciplinary Engineering Research Hub (MER Hub), Faculty of Habitat, Infrastructure, and Creativity, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE), Quito 170143, EcuadorOrganic soil is widely recognized for its low shear strength and high compressibility, which pose challenges for construction projects. One of the most commonly used methods for enhancing the mechanical properties of soil is chemical stabilization using various additives. In this study, the undrained shear strength of organic soil from Quito, Ecuador, with an average organic content of 43.84%, was reinforced using 0.5, 1, 3, and 6% nanosilica. A series of tests, including Atterberg limit, specific gravity, compaction, and unconfined compression tests, were conducted on specimens cured for 28 days. The results indicate that increasing the nanosilica content leads to higher plasticity, lower maximum dry density, and higher optimum moisture content. In addition, the modulus of elasticity and undrained shear strength improved. The optimal nanosilica content was found to be 1%, resulting in a 211.28% increase in the undrained shear strength. The mechanisms of soil improvement driven by the chemical interactions between nanosilica, mineralogical components (analyzed via XRD), and soil organic matter are discussed in detail.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/9/702soil stabilizationorganic soilnanosilicaundrained shear strengthelastic modulus
spellingShingle Carlos Solórzano-Blacio
Jorge Albuja-Sánchez
Effect of Nanosilica on the Undrained Shear Strength of Organic Soil
Nanomaterials
soil stabilization
organic soil
nanosilica
undrained shear strength
elastic modulus
title Effect of Nanosilica on the Undrained Shear Strength of Organic Soil
title_full Effect of Nanosilica on the Undrained Shear Strength of Organic Soil
title_fullStr Effect of Nanosilica on the Undrained Shear Strength of Organic Soil
title_full_unstemmed Effect of Nanosilica on the Undrained Shear Strength of Organic Soil
title_short Effect of Nanosilica on the Undrained Shear Strength of Organic Soil
title_sort effect of nanosilica on the undrained shear strength of organic soil
topic soil stabilization
organic soil
nanosilica
undrained shear strength
elastic modulus
url https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/9/702
work_keys_str_mv AT carlossolorzanoblacio effectofnanosilicaontheundrainedshearstrengthoforganicsoil
AT jorgealbujasanchez effectofnanosilicaontheundrainedshearstrengthoforganicsoil