Nanomaterial-Enhanced Stabilization of Soft Clayey Soils: Optimal Content, Mechanical Performance, and Practical Frameworks

  • Authors

    • Fawzi Kh. Khalaf College of Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, 43000 Selangor, Malaysia and Madenat Alelem University College, 10006, Baghdad, Iraq
    • Nur Irfah Mohd Pauzi College of Engineering, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, 43000 Selangor, Malaysia
    • Mohammed Y. Fattah Civil Engineering Department, University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq
    • Hasan Ali Abbas Madenat Alelem University College, 10006, Baghdad, Iraq and Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Wasit University, Baghdad, Iraq
    • Saad T. Y. Alfalahi Madenat Alelem University College, 10006, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4352-650X
    https://doi.org/10.14419/qm67pf13

    Received date: August 12, 2025

    Accepted date: August 17, 2025

    Published date: August 25, 2025

  • Nanomaterials, Clayey Soil, Soil Improvement, Mechanical Properties, Physical Properties

  • Abstract

    Soft clayey soils, characterized by low shear strength and high compressibility, present significant challenges for construction and infrastructure development. This review synthesizes current research on the application of nanomaterials such as nano-clay, nano-silica, and nano-Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in enhancing the engineering performance of clayey soils. Emphasis is placed on identifying optimal nanomaterial contents and their corresponding effects on both mechanical and physical properties. Owing to their high surface-to-volume ratios and strong interparticle interaction potential, nanomaterials have demonstrated substantial improvements in soil stabilization, including increased compressive strength, reduced plasticity, and enhanced compaction characteristics. Experimental studies report optimal dosages ranging from 0.25% to 7% by dry soil weight, with notable enhancements often achieved at contents below 1%. Improvements are observed in key mechanical parameters such as cohesion, internal friction angle, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR), as well as in physical properties including liquid limit, plastic limit, and dry density. Nano-Silica, nano-clay, and nano-Titanium dioxide are particularly effective in reducing plasticity and increasing strength, while synergistic use with lime or other stabilizers yields further gains. The findings underscore the importance of tailoring nanomaterial type and dosage to specific soil conditions, thereby reducing reliance on trial-and-error approaches.

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    Khalaf, F. K. ., Mohd Pauzi, N. I. ., Fattah, M. Y. ., Abbas, H. A., & Alfalahi, S. T. Y. (2025). Nanomaterial-Enhanced Stabilization of Soft Clayey Soils: Optimal Content, Mechanical Performance, and Practical Frameworks. International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 14(4), 630-640. https://doi.org/10.14419/qm67pf13