Stabilization of Soil Using Guar Gum Biopolymer

Abstract

Soil stabilization in a broader sense refers to various methods and techniques employed to improve the geotechnical properties of a problematic soil to enhance its load bearing capacity. Many materials like cement, lime, bitumen etc. are employed to improve the properties but they are not ecofriendly as such. In this study, an effort has been made to study the effect of natural occurring polymer, Guar Gum to improve the mechanical properties of soil rich in clayey minerals. This biopolymer is biodegradable in nature and have less carbon footprint than other conventional materials. Five different varying proportion (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.75%, 2.50% and 3.25%) of Guar Gum with soil has been used to find the optimum dosage required for stabilization. Three major properties like Optimum Moisture Content -Maximum Dry Density relation, California Bearing Ratio Test (both unsoaked and soaked) and Unconfined Compressive Strength Test were studied on the soil and mixes. From the results it was concluded that soil with 1% Guar Gum has shown maximum improvement in the geotechnical properties of soil.