Investigation of strength properties of xanthan gum treated clay soil
Project no. 727 · Status: Kapanmış · 2016
Summary
In this study, the effects of biopolymers on mechanical properties of kaolin clay were investigated. Xanthan gum was chosen in order to designate the effect of biopolymer. Specimens were prepared using standard Proctor energy at four different water content (25%, 30% 35% and 40%) with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2% biopolymer inclusion levels. The specimens were cured for 1,7,28 and 90 days. Moreover, some of the specimens were kept in the curing room for 3 years to observe the long-term effect of biopolymers. At the end of certain curing periods, specimens were subjected to unconfined compression test and SEM (Scanning electron microscope) analysis for determining strength properties. The results were evaluated according to biopolymer content, water content and curing time parameters. The results revealed that, unconfined compressive strength of specimens treated with biopolymers increased in all biopolymer inclusion level and water content up to 90-day curing period. Moreover, increasing water content caused more ductile behavior so axial deformation also increased.