Influence of Graphene Oxide on Strength Enhancement and Swelling Potential Improvement of Expansive Clay

The stabilization of clay soils to enhance their mechanical and physical properties is crucial in engineering and construction projects, particularly in soils with swelling characteristics. Due to their high sensitivity to moisture changes and swelling potential, clay soils can cause significant issues in structures. This study examines the effect of adding Graphene oxide (GO) to clay soil on mechanical properties such as compressive strength, shear strength, and swelling potential. Clay samples with varying percentages of GO (0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2%) were tested. Compressive strength tests were conducted over three curing periods of 3, 7, and 28 days, while other tests, including direct shear and swelling potential, were only evaluated during the 28-day period. In addition, SEM/ImageJ-based microstructural analysis was conducted to quantify fabric and void changes in untreated and GO-treated samples. The results indicated that GO reduced the soil’s swelling potential and enhanced its mechanical strength. The most significant improvement in properties was observed in samples containing 0.1% GO. These findings highlight the high potential of GO in stabilizing swelling soils for use in construction projects.