Geotechnical Properties and Stabilization Mechanism of Nano-MgO Stabilized Loess

This study focused on the utilization of nano-MgO as an energy-saving and eco-friendly stabilizer to improve engineering performance loess. To this end, loess samples at various contents curing times were prepared, then standard compaction, consistency limits, unconfined compression tests performed. The achieved results demonstrated that adding increased liquid limit, plastic optimum water content loess, while it decreased index maximum dry density. compressive strength (UCS) presented increasing trend with time a “rise-fall” addition nano-MgO. At 2%, about 72% UCS gain was be expected 28 days curing. variation deformation modulus similar UCS, strain failure opposite trend. Empirical models for these properties formulated validated by literature data. Finally, from NMR analyses, improving mechanism found induced transformation free bound water.