Improving Engineering Properties of Soil for Highways Purposes by Halloysite Nanotubes

This study investigates the stabilizing effects of Halloysite nanotubes on geotechnical features gypseous soil as a subgrade. The that was utilized for this collected from Ayn al-Tamr in Karbala City, southwest Iraq, having an average gypsum 30% and designated (SP) by (USCS). As percentage dry unit weight soil, mixed with small amount nanomaterial (Halloysite nanotubes). A set physical chemical identification tests have been conducted original well additive, direct shear, collapsibility, California bearing ratio (CBR) testing both untreated treated samples using nanotubes. Three different additive proportions (2.5, 5, 7.5) % were added to samples. results revealed properties sample considerably modified. nanomaterials increases, collapse potential instantly decreases. In addition, strength stability increased increasing CBR values, severity changed moderate trouble no problem. Thus, value 2.5% can be considered optimum based mentioned tests.