Laboratory Investigations on Geotechnical Characteristics of Albumen Treated Loess Soil

Abstract

An environmental improvement method using albumen, which is convenient, cost-effective, rapid and environmentally friendly, has been used for soil stabilization. In this research, the improvement influence of albumen added in various percentages to loess soil was investigated. Atterberg limits and compaction test were performed to study the influence of albumen on the soil. In addition, oedometer test and compression and extension triaxial tests were conducted to analyze geotechnical characteristics of the soil after treatment. From an engineering perspective, compression and extension strength of soils stabilized with 2% albumen at confining pressure of 200 kPa were 1.47 and 0.122 times larger than that of untreated soils, respectively. In all treated specimens, secant deformation modulus versus albumen content displayed higher values than untreated specimens, it means that deformability of treated specimens is less than untreated soil. In undrained compression test maximum pore water pressure decreased in treating specimens. Also, pore water pressure in extension triaxial test changed from negative to a positive value when treating the specimen with 2% albumen at confining pressure of 200 kPa. Treated specimens are shown more stable structure in comparison with untreated specimens. The behavior of the specimens changed to be more dilative, especially, in treating specimens with 2% albumen. Furthermore, settlement of the treated specimens decreased compared with untreated specimens. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images presented less porous and denser soil structure on the surface of treated specimens. Albumen additive can be implemented as a soil stabilizer in geotechnical projects.