Efficiency of Albumin and Eggshell Powder in Soil Stabilization

Abstract

A new approach to soil stabilization is presented in this study using two newly introduced materials, artificially manufactured albumin and eggshell powder (E.S.P.). Albumin, which was used a long time ago in some middle east countries as a water-proofing agent (prime coat) under painting, and in Japan as a main component of the mortar in building masonry-arch bridges, is used here in an attempt to improve and stabilize the problematic Shirasu. Eggshell powder was tried also in the hope of some similarity to albumin. Shirasu was mixed with 1.0%, 1.50% and 2.0% of albumin and with 5.0%, 10.0% and 15.0% of eggshell powder based on its dry weight and then compacted to a constant density before being oven dried at different temperatures. Direct shear tests, unconfined compression tests, slaking tests and permeability tests were performed. All tests produced very good results, especially in raising the shear strength and the unconfined compressive strength, with albumin; they did not give the desired results with eggshell powder.