Geotechnical Properties of Soil-Ball Milled Soil Mixtures

Abstract

Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the fundamental geotechnical properties of mixtures of natural soils and its product after ball milling operation. The product after ball milling process is termed nano-soil herein. SEM analysis showed that much more nano size particles were obtained after the milling process. Testing and comparison of the properties of original kaolinite, montmorillonite and UKM soil with regard to its liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, and specific surface and after addition of its nano-soil were also conducted. Laboratory tests results showed that the values of liquid limit and plastic limits were higher after nano-soil addition. However, its plasticity index reduces which is advantageous in many geotechnical constructions. Compressive strength of original soil-cement-1% nano-soil mixture showed almost double its value without nano-soil. It demonstrated that a small amount of these crushed particles or nano-soil can provide significant improvement in the geotechnical properties of soil. Thus, nanoparticles are potentially suitable for improving the properties of soil/clay for various applications.