Low pressure grouting with nanosilicate to reduce the liquefaction susceptibility of sand

The severe damages on buildings and infrastructures induced by earthquake liquefaction has highlighted the importance of implementing reliable techniques to reduce the susceptibility of loose sandy deposits beneath new or existing buildings. In this direction, the present paper presents the results of an experimental campaign aimed at analyzing the effectiveness of low-pressure grouting of sand with nanosilicatesto mitigate the effects of liquefaction. Sandy specimens, reconstituted at two initial relative densities have been treated with grout prepared with silica content ranging from 1.2% to 5.0% by weight, cured for different periods and have then been subjected to different physical and mechanical tests. The results reveal a lower tendency of the treated material to accumulate excess pore pressuresduring undrained cyclic loading, proving in this way that the technique can be successfully adopted to mitigate the effects of liquefaction of loose sandy deposits.