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Mechanical and micro-structure characteristics of cement-treated expansive soil admixed with nano-MgO

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Abstract

Because of some limitations in engineering applications of cement-treated expansive soil, nano-MgO (NM) is used to improve its mechanical characteristics and micro-structure. NM-modified cement-treated expansive soil (NMCS) was analyzed by using unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, and NM contents were 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%, respectively. Results of the test suggested that (1) a new statistical method was proposed to better correct the UCS test error of NMCS. (2) The stress–strain curve of NMCS was characterized by softening type. (3) The compressive strength, stiffness, and toughness of cement-treated soil were improved after adding NM, and the optimal NM content was 1%. (4) Microscopic tests showed that NM promoted the cement hydration reaction and filled the pores of soil samples, making the internal structure of cement-treated soil more compact. Accordingly, it is feasible to investigate the applicability of NMCS in engineering.

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All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the submitted article.

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Funding

This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52179107) and China Scholarship Council (201607910002).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Civil Engineering, Shaoxing University, Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing, 312000, China

    Wei Wang, Beifeng Lv, Na Li & Shaoyun Pu

  2. School of Transportation, Southeast University, Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, 211189, China

    Chen Zhang

Authors
  1. Wei Wang
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  2. Beifeng Lv
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  3. Chen Zhang
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  4. Na Li
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  5. Shaoyun Pu
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Correspondence to Chen Zhang.

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Wang, W., Lv, B., Zhang, C. et al. Mechanical and micro-structure characteristics of cement-treated expansive soil admixed with nano-MgO. Bull Eng Geol Environ 82, 48 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-022-03055-6

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