Eco-Friendly Soil Stabilization Using Xanthan Gum: A Sustainable Approach to Enhancing Geotechnical Properties
摘要
Soil stabilization is critical in civil engineering to enhance soil properties, ensuring the stability and longevity of structures. Traditional stabilizers like cement and lime are effective but pose environmental concerns. This study explores Xanthan Gum (XG), a biodegradable biopolymer, as a sustainable alternative for soil stabilization. Experiments were conducted to assess the impact of XG on soil's compaction characteristics, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and shear strength. The research involved preparing soil samples with varying XG concentrations (1, 2, 3%), followed by Standard Proctor tests, UCS tests, and Direct shear tests to evaluate improvements. Results demonstrated that XG significantly enhances soil stability, with increased maximum dry density (MDD), and improved UCS and shear strength. Higher XG concentrations correlated with greater strength gains, indicating its effectiveness as a soil stabilizer. Additionally, the environmental benefits of XG, including biodegradability and non-toxicity, make it a viable alternative to conventional methods.