Effects of high-diluted colloidal silica grout on the mechanical behavior of a liquefiable sand

The paper presents the results of an experimental testing campaign pointing out how colloidal silica dilution modifies the mechanical properties of a liquefiable sand. Cyclic and monotonic triaxial tests for untreated sand, as well as for sand treated with different CS contents, were carried out. Oedometer tests were performed to explore additional effects of the CS treatment on soil properties. The effects of a 5% CS by weight concentration were evaluated and taken as the reference for comparison with the results of previous studies. Furthermore, different CS contents, lower than 5% CS by weight, were used to prepare stabilized specimens. As a result, experimental evidence revealed that these dilutions can also be used to improve the behavior of the material against liquefaction.