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Effect of the Addition of Nano Alumina on the Mechanical Properties of Clay

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Abstract

The properties of clay can be altered with the addition of nanomaterials such as nano alumina. Previous studies have shown that nano alumina (Al) can be used to improve the Atterberg limits, compaction, permeability, swelling and shrinkage of fine-grained soil. The current study investigated the effect of the addition of 0%, 2%, 4% or 6% nano Al on the shear and unconfined compressive strength of kaolinite clay using direct shear and unconfined compressive strength tests, respectively. SEM images of the soil microstructure were analyzed. The results showed that the addition of 6% nano Al (by weight of dry soil) increased the shear strength of the soil to about 1.5 times that of soil without nanoparticles. The unconfined compressive strength of the soil increased by 15% with the addition of 4% nano Al. The SEM images showed that nano Al decreased the size of the soil pores by filling the soil voids and this compaction further increased the shear strength and unconfined compressive strength of the soil. Shear strength and unconfined compressive strength parameters should be considered for soil stabilization and have not previously been investigated. The research gap for the application of nano alumina in soil has been examined in the present investigation by means of unconfined compressive strength and direct shear testing. The inconsistencies in earlier studies have been cleared up by looking at the Atterberg limits.

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Data Availability

Some or all data, models, and codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

This research was carried out at the Soil Mechanics Laboratory of the Civil Engineering Department in the School of Engineering at the Shahed University. The assistance and constructive suggestions of all experts and personnel of the lab, especially Mr. Naseri are greatly appreciated.

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The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Shahed University, Opposite Holy Shrine of Imam Khomeini, Khalij Fars Expressway, P.O. Box 18155/159, Tehran, 3319118651, Iran

    Manizheh Parsaei, Mahdi Rojhani & Seyedyashar Seyedahmadian

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  1. Manizheh Parsaei
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  2. Mahdi Rojhani
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  3. Seyedyashar Seyedahmadian
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Correspondence to Mahdi Rojhani.

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Parsaei, M., Rojhani, M. & Seyedahmadian, S. Effect of the Addition of Nano Alumina on the Mechanical Properties of Clay. Geotech Geol Eng 41, 3767–3779 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-023-02488-4

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