Geotechnical Properties of Laponite-Treated Sands in Reliquefaction Events

Abstract

Laponite is a nanomaterial that can modify the behavior of the fluid in which it is dispersed, transforming it into a non-Newtonian fluid with initial low viscosity that hardens with time. Additionally, since the gel recovers after shear stress has been removed, it has resilient properties. In this study, several series of laboratory element testing, such as oedometer, drained, and undrained tests, were performed to assess the effect of adding 1% laponite on the geotechnical properties of loose saturated sand. The results of one-dimensional consolidation tests indicated that the addition of laponite did not influence the compressibility of the host sand, but monotonic undrained tests showed that laponite could reduce friction between particles. Furthermore, the laponite’s ability to recover was evaluated by subjecting the treated samples to a series of three cyclic loading phases. These specimens require up to 100 times more cycles to liquefy compared to untreated sand specimens with a similar relative density.