Laterite soil stabilization using cellulose biopolymer

Abstract

Laterite soil stabilization is a promising technique that aims to enhance the engineering properties of this naturally occurring soil, Cellulose are one of the potential bio-polymer stabilizers that have been widely employed. The effectiveness of Cellulose (CL) biopolymer in stabilizing laterite soil is shown in this study. In various proportions of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% by dry soil mass, cellulose biopolymer is treated with laterite soil. The engineering parameters of soils treated with cellulose biopolymer were determined using modified proctor tests, direct shear tests, and CBR tests. The treated soil's dry density increases slightly up to 3% cellulose content, but the optimum moisture content decreases. The addition of cellulose biopolymer greatly increased the strength and cohesiveness of laterite soil mixtures. The CBR value increases with increasing the cellulose dose up to 3%; however, with addition of dose, the CBR value decreases slightly in both soaked and unsoaked conditions. The examination of the microstructure through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) examinations revealed the emergence of novel cementitious substances as a consequence of chemical interactions between cellulose and laterite soil components at the microscopic scale. These reactions led to the enhancement of soil composition by fusing soil particles and occupying the voids within the soil framework. The use of cellulose as a material for the stabilization of laterite soil is therefore a solution for an environmentally benign soil stabilizing material.