Improving the Engineering Properties of Highly Expansive Soil by adding Psyllium Seed Biogel
Received: 18 October 2024 | Revised: 3 November 2024 and 15 November 2024 | Accepted: 20 November 2024 | Online: 2 February 2025
Corresponding author: Sondos Kareem Al-Mousawi
Abstract
This study investigates the use of environmentally sustainable materials, particularly biopolymers, to enhance the engineering properties of expansive soils. Psyllium Seed (PS) biogel, added in four percentages, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, and 1.6% by dry weight of soil, was evaluated as a biopolymer additive for highly expansive soil. A series of tests were conducted on treated and untreated soil samples. The results revealed a slight decrease in the Atterberg limits with 1.6% PS biogel, where the liquid limit (LL) reached 75.3%, the plastic limit (PL) dropped to 32.65%, and the plasticity index (PI) was reduced to 42.65%. The swelling potential decreased significantly by 76% at 1.6% PS biogel. Compressibility improved with a 52.3% reduction in the compression index (Cc) and a 96% reduction in the recompression index (Cr) at 1.6% PS biogel content. The Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) increased, with the best improvement being observed at 0.8% PS biogel (81.6%), and continued enhancement with longer curing periods. Elasticity also improved, with the strain at failure increasing by 83.75% at 1.2% PS biogel. The SEM analysis confirmed that 0.8% PS biogel rearranged the clay particles and reduced voids, leading to enhanced UCS and reduced swelling. These findings highlight the PS biogel as an environmentally sustainable and effective material for improving the engineering properties of expansive soils.
Keywords:
expansive soil, biopolymer, biogel, swelling, psyllium seed biogel, swelling presure, sustainable materialsDownloads
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