Effect of Bio-Polymer on the Properties of Expansive Soil

Abstract

The process of modifying soil's properties by adding various admixture and additives is one of the most widely practiced ground improvement methods. The stabilization of expansive soils has been examined both from the aspect of removing their potential for swelling and shrinking, as well as from the standpoint of increasing those mechanical properties of relevance in civil engineering. This study evaluated the performance of biopolymer i.e Guar Gum in enhancing Free swell index, Unconfined compressive strength, Atterberg limit, Consolidation, pH and Conductivity of expansive soils. The varied Guar Gum dosages were maintained by dry soil mass weight. According to the results, when the amount of Guar Gum was raised, the strength of the expansive soil after treatment increased swelling characteristics decreased, Atterberg limit increased, coefficient consolidation decreases, pH increased and conductivity decreased. One of the main advantages of using biopolymers such as guar gum as soil stabilizers is that relatively low amounts of Guar Gum percentage i.e. 0.5% - 1.00% are needed to achieve maximum modification of the geotechnical properties comparable to those obtained with conventional soil stabilizers like cement and lime. This is a significant advantage in terms of cost, resource efficiency, and environmental impact. The practical engineering significance of Guar Gum on the properties of expansive soils lies in its ability to effectively stabilize these soils, enhance their strength, improve their workability, and provide a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for construction projects compared to treatment using traditional materials such chemicals such as cement and lime. Guar gum reduces swelling, mitigates plasticity, making it a valuable tool in addressing the challenges posed by expansive soils. Its environmentally friendly nature and cost-effectiveness further enhance its appeal, particularly in projects that prioritize sustainability. By using guar gum to stabilize expansive soils, engineers can ensure more reliable, durable, and cost-efficient infrastructure and improving the safety and performance of structures. Geo-environmental engineering has given a lot of attention to biopolymers because they offer a carbon neutral substitute and stabilize the soil.