Enhancing durability and erosion resistance of soils with varying plasticity using crosslinked biopolymers

Biopolymers adopted for ground improvement works pose several constraints such as reduced water resistance and biodegradability. To overcome these limitations, inter- or intra-crosslinking between the biopolymers has been recommended to modify the molecular structure. The current study investigated the effect of individual biopolymers (Xanthan gum and Guar gum) and crosslinked biopolymer on the erosion and durability characteristics of murrum, Medium plasticity clay, and High plasticity clay. A dosage of 2% was adopted for the individual and crosslinked biopolymers based on the previous works involving the aforementioned biopolymers. All samples were cured for 28 days to aid the bonding between soil particles and biopolymer. Based on the surface erosion phenomenon by falling water, the biopolymer stabilized samples exhibited enhanced resistance against deterioration and maintained a firm surface compared to untreated samples. The hydrogel enhanced the soil stability by forming a cohesive matrix that binds particles together, reducing detachment, minimizing runoff impact, and improving soil structure to prevent erosion. Among the different soil types, Murrum mixed with crosslinked biopolymer sustained up to 12 wetting and drying cycles and exhibited the highest resistance.