The use of nanomaterials to stabilize soil is a developing research area in geotechnical engineering. In this study, the use of carbon nanotube was compared to carbon nanofiber for possible applications in soil stabilization. Fundamental properties such as Atterberg’s limits and compaction characteristics were first explored. Then the hydraulic conductivities of the soil-nanomaterial reinforcement were determined. The maximum amounts of the nanomaterial used is 0.2 % by dry weight of the soil. Both nanomaterials increased the specific gravity, dry densities and pH values slightly. Furthermore, the hydraulic conductivity decreases for samples with carbon nanotube and greater decrease was obtained for samples with carbon nanofiber. These results indicated that small amounts of nanomaterials used can provide measurable changes in the soil behavior. Thus, the nanomaterials used in this study can be further considered as potential soil stabilization materials.
