Effect of graphene oxide nanosheets on the geotechnical properties of cemented silty soil

In the present study, the effect of graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) on the geotechnical properties of cemented soil was investigated. Various concentrations of GO (0.02, 0.05 and 0.1 wt% of cement) were added to the soil to evaluate the influence of GO on the soil's compaction characteristics, consistency limits, unconfined compression strength (UCS) and direct shear parameters. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis were used to characterize the structure of synthesized GO and stabilized soil samples. The addition of GO decreased the plasticity and compressibility parameters of the treated soil samples. The tensile and the shear strength of the treated soil samples were increased with an increase in the GO concentration. The unconfined compressive strength was increased as the GO content increased in the cemented soil samples. The obtained results showed that the GO as a stabilizing agent has a considerable influence on the mechanical properties of stabilized soil.