Efficacy of Cross-Linking of Biopolymers in Soil—Stabilization

Soil stabilization relying on sustainable methods like BPST (biopolymer-based soil treatment) has been gaining attention in the recent past. These biopolymers form a hydrogel between soil and pore water, and the durability of hydrogel is affected under varying conditions. Cross-linking of biopolymers addresses this issue by forming hydrogels of enhanced physical and mechanical properties. In this present study, xanthan gum (XG) and guar gum (GG) were cross-linked with varying percentages (i.e., 1% GG and 2% XG) to treat clay of high plasticity. The performance indicators include Atterberg limits, standard proctor compaction test, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test and permeability tests. The test results have shown an increase in Atterberg limit values with an increase in the percentage of cross-linked biopolymer dosage. The standard Proctor test results reveal that the maximum dry density (MDD) of soil decrease, and the UCS test results show an increase in the UCS value, which is attributed to the suction of the soil specimen. Moreover, the coefficient of permeability (k) values decreased due to the filling of pore spaces with hydrogels.