Effect of Nano-Silica on Geotechnical Properties and Microstructural Analysis of a Soft Soil

Volume 12 , Issue 3 , May 2026

Authors

Gulistan Ali 1 ; Yousif Ismael Mawlood 2

1 Civil Engineering Department, Engineering College, Salahaddin University-Erbil

2 Civil Engineering Department, Engineering College, Salahaddin University-Erbil,KR,Iraq

Keywords

Abstract

Nanotechnology offers an innovative approach to soil stabilization in geotechnical engineering. This study investigates the physical, mechanical, and hydraulic properties of soils treated with nano-silica at contents of 0%, 0.6%, 1.2%, 1.8%, 2.4%, and 3% by dry mass of the soil. Specimens for unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and permeability were compacted using a remolding device. The novelty of this study lies in the use of nanomaterials, which are rarely used in soil stabilization, and in employing a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) for microstructural analysis and to assess the effect of the curing period. Introducing 0.6% nano-silica reduced the liquid limit (LL) and plastic index (PI) by 13% and 53%, respectively. At curing periods of 1, 7, and 28 days, UCS and elastic modulus (E50) increased by 208%-181.74%, 182.39%-108.75%, and 184.38%-188.41%, respectively, for 0.6% nano-silica. Furthermore, permeability decreased sharply at 0.6%, then increased at higher contents. FESEM analysis confirmed particle rearrangement and gel formation, thereby refining pores and enhancing strength. Furthermore, the average pore diameter decreased by nearly 32%.

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  • First online21 May 2026

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