Strength Characteristics of Nano Calcium Silicate, Fly Ash and Lime Blended Tropical Soils

The current study evaluates the strength characteristics of tropical soil treated with nano calcium silicate (NCS) (synthesized with a proprietary method of the authors) and in combination with two different materials such as lime and fly ash added with dosages of 0.04% NCS, 6% lime and fly ash in the ratio of 1:1 with soil. The results of the investigation showed significant improvement in maximum dry density, plasticity index, and unconfined compressive strength. It was found that the strength development with various combinations were soil fly ash NCS, soil Lime NCS, and soil NCS. Nano calcium silicate particles promote pozzolanic reaction by transforming the calcium and silica of the mixtures into calcium silicate hydrate gel(s), which enhanced the strength characteristics of soil.