Abstract
Sand reinforced with hydraulic binder (cement) has played an important role in recent decades. However, the natural properties of soil have deteriorated due to pollution resulting from excessive use of cement. Today, the use of biopolymers as a soil improvement method has become very popular. However, since biopolymers are organic and degradable, their long-term effects are not fully understood.
This study investigates the effectiveness of using xanthan gum as a binding agent to improve the shear strength and volume change behavior of Chlef sandy soil. Samples were prepared with varying xanthan gum percentages (XG = 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) and curing times (7, 14, and 30 days) at a medium relative density (Dr = 50%). The samples were subjected to normal stresses of 50 kPa, 100 kPa, and 200 kPa.
Results showed significant improvement in the shear strength, cohesive intercept, and friction angle of the treated sand. The study highlights the potential of using xanthan gum as a microbiological binding agent and provides insights for the long-term effectiveness of sand reinforcement.
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Acknowledgements
All tests were carried out in the Laboratory of Material Sciences & Environment at Hassiba Benbouali of Chlef, Algeria. The writers acknowledge the technicians who contributed to this experimental program.
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This work was supported by the the Directorate General for Scientific Research and Technological Development, (DGRSDT), Algeria.
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A.B.E., N.D., M.M.B., S.B., S.D., S.S. and E.B. contributed equally to this work. A.B.E., M.M.B., S.B., S.D., S.S. and E.B. wrote the whole manuscript. A.B.E., S.D. and M.M.B. drew all the figures and tables. N.D., M.M.B., S.B., S.S. and E.B. reviewed and edited the paper. A.B.E., N.D., M.M.B., S.B., S.D., S.S. and E.B. conceptualized the work. All authors read and approved the final paper.
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Elroul, A.B., Della, N., Benziane, M.M. et al. A Laboratory Study on Shear Behavior of Biocemented Chlef Sandy Soil. Transp. Infrastruct. Geotech. 11, 726–741 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40515-023-00303-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40515-023-00303-4