Stabilising highly expansive soil by using Nano-Clay additive

This study aims to investigate the efficacy of hydrophilic bentonite Nano-Clay in improving the geotechnical characteristics of expansive soil sourced from the Al-Mushaqar region in Jordan. In this study sonic wave-assisted and manual mixing techniques applied to expansive soil specimens. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was conducted to explain the disparities in outcomes between these two mixing methods. Various proportions of Nano-Clay were introduced into the soil, ranging from 0% to 2.5% by dry weight of the soil. The study focused on evaluating their influence on key parameters, including compaction, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), and Free Swell Index (FSI). The introduction of Nano-Clay into the soil exhibited a noteworthy enhancement in its strength characteristics, accompanied with a reduction in its swelling tendencies. Notably, the application of 0.5% Nano-Clay during sonication led to a remarkable 53.4% augmentation in UCS and a simultaneous 41% reduction in FSI. In contrast, non-sonicated samples treated with 1% Nano-Clay exhibited a notable 35.21% increase in UCS and a substantial 52.4% reduction in FSI. These findings underscore the significant potential of Nano-Clay in fortifying expansive soils, thereby offering promising prospects for geotechnical engineering applications.