Feasibility Study to Evaluate the Application of Microsilica in Enhancing the Mechanical and Physical Characteristics of an Oil-Contaminated Silty Soil

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Civil Engineering, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran

2 Department of Civil Engineering, Omidiyeh, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Department of Civil Engineering, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Golestan, Iran

Abstract

This study investigates the modification of oil-contaminated soils using microsilica, a pozzolanic material. Laboratory tests, including compaction, Atterberg limits, direct shear, consolidation, and unconfined compression, were conducted. The results show that adding an optimal dosage of 15% microsilica improved soil mechanical properties: it reduced the compression index, decreased void ratio over time, and lowered plasticity. These improvements are attributed to particle agglomeration, flocculation, and long-term pozzolanic reactions between microsilica and soil minerals. Overall, 15% microsilica effectively enhanced the strength and consolidation behavior of oil-contaminated soils after 28 days of curing.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Civil Engineering and Applied Solutions
Volume 2, Issue 4
October 2026
Pages 15-27

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 December 2025
  • Revise Date: 14 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 23 April 2026
  • First Publish Date: 23 April 2026

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