Influence of extracted nanosilica on geotechnical properties of soft-clay soil subjected to freeze-thaw cycles

Expansive clay soils exhibit more voids that are problematic in foundations of the structures in loading and unloading but overcoming these problems, the soil stabilized with additives in the proper percentages. The additives are cement, lime and chemicals that are voids fill in micro-level. Later on, the stabilized soil was affected and showed more problems with weather conditions subjected to durability characteristics such as freeze and thawing of the soil due to drastic variations in temperatures and affected more on the soil. In the situations, the soils rectify with stabilization with innovative technologies that stabilize with nanomaterials because the pores filled in the nano-level and controlled and enhanced all geotechnical properties under freeze-thaw cycles. This paper deals with nanosilica extracted from rice husk by precipitation methodology and stabilizing soft soils with extracted nanosilica subjected to freeze-thaw cycles. The optimum dosage of nanosilica is based on specific gravity and compaction characteristics. The engineering properties were determined with the optimal dosage of extracted nanosilica, even subjected to freeze-thaw cycles and characterized with microstructural analysis. The extracted nanosilica is used for many applications in building pathology and rehabilitation. From test results, the geotechnical properties are more improved with extracted nanosilica. On the other hand, the influences of freeze-thaw cycles reduced the index and engineering properties, and the stabilized soil showed more ductility. The soil stabilization process reduced building pathology and rehabilitation techniques with improved building quality lift time.