Application of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology in the Improvement of Dynamic Properties of Sand and Clay
摘要
The use of nanomaterials (NMs) in soil stabilization is redefining geotechnical engineering by addressing the limitations associated with traditional methods such as cementation, chemical grouting, and deep densification. While conventional techniques have been widely adopted, they often suffer from environmental concerns, high carbon emissions, and limited effectiveness in fine-grained soils or areas with high water tables. NMs, including nanosilica (NS), nanoclay (NC), graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), nano-colloidal silica (NCS), and nano-MgO (NMg), have shown significant potential in improving the dynamic properties of sandy and clayey soils. These materials enhance critical properties such as shear modulus, damping ratio, liquefaction resistance, and shear strain capacity through mechanisms such as particle densification, improved bonding, and structural modification at the nanoscale. Experimental findings reveal that NMs can increase the small-strain shear modulus by up to 214%, reduce the damping ratio by up to 20%, and enhance liquefaction resistance by 65%, highlighting their effectiveness under cyclic and seismic loadings. Moreover, NMs require lower volumes than traditional stabilizers, reducing material costs and construction times, while their low viscosity allows deep penetration, making them suitable for urban and fine-grained soil stabilization. In addition to technical benefits, NMs contribute to sustainability by significantly reducing CO2 emissions, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change. This chapter presents a comprehensive review of experimental studies on the use of NMs in enhancing soil behavior under dynamic loading, emphasizing both technical efficacy and environmental sustainability. The findings suggest that NMs are not only effective but also economically viable solutions for long-term infrastructure resilience, particularly in earthquake-prone regions.