A Strategy to Optimize the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Loess by Nano-Modified Soil Stabilizer

With the increasing demand for soil modification technologies in the field of civil engineering, this study employed cement-stabilized soil and MBER (Material Becoming Earth into Rock) stabilized soil as controls to investigate the modification effects of an N-MBER (nanosilica reinforced MBER) stabilizer on the mechanical properties and microstructure of loess. The mechanical and water stability characteristics of N-MBER-stabilized loess under varying moisture contents and compaction degrees were analyzed through unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, softening coefficient tests, falling-head permeability tests, and wet–dry cycle tests. Combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, the underlying mechanism of the N-MBER stabilizer in loess stabilization was thoroughly revealed. The results indicate that the N-MBER stabilizer significantly enhances the UCS and softening coefficient of loess. Particularly, under conditions of 28-day curing, a moisture content of 16%, and a compaction degree of 1, the compressive strength achieves a local optimum value of 3.68 MPa. Compared to soils stabilized with MBER stabilizers and cement stabilizers, the N-MBER-stabilized loess exhibits superior water resistance and microstructural density, with a significant reduction in the proportion of pore defects. Specifically, after five wet–dry cycles at a curing age of 28 days, the strength loss rates for MBER-stabilized soil and cement-stabilized soil were 24.4% and 27.54%, respectively, while that for N-MBER-stabilized soil was 18.23%, demonstrating its enhanced water resistance. Additionally, compared to cement-stabilized soil, the N-MBER-stabilized soil exhibited a 21.63% reduction in total pore number, with a 41.64% reduction specifically in large pores. The extremely small particle size and large specific surface area of the nanomaterial enable more effective interactions with soil particles, promoting hydration reactions. The resulting ettringite (AFt) and three-dimensional networked C-S-H gel tightly interweave with soil particles, forming a stable cemented structure. Compared to traditional concrete roads, stabilized soil roads enable the utilization of locally available materials and demonstrate a significant cost advantage. This study provides theoretical support and experimental evidence for the application of nanomaterials in loess improvement engineering.