Mechanical properties of biopolymer-stabilised soil-based construction materials

TLDR

Soil-based construction materials are attractive for their green credentials and historical prevalence, yet their mechanical and hydraulic behaviour is poorly understood and can be better studied from a geotechnical perspective. The study aims to improve the properties of earthen construction materials by testing unconventional organic stabilisers. Researchers conducted a major testing programme on soil mixtures stabilized with unusual organic compounds, such as gums, to assess their mechanical performance. Guar and xanthan gums significantly altered specific mechanical properties of the soil mixture, with some effects explainable and others warranting further investigation.

Abstract

Soil-based construction materials are of interest as structural building materials due to their green credentials, as well as being present in many historical structures. For effective conservation of the latter, and to motivate greater uptake for new construction, understanding of the mechanical and hydraulic properties of these materials is in need of improvement. Earthen construction materials can be considered to be manufactured unsaturated soils, and advances in understanding can be made by considering them from a geotechnical point of view. This paper presents initial results from a major programme of testing, seeking improved properties for earthen construction materials, where unusual organic compounds have been employed as stabilisers. Two gums (guar and xanthan) used as stabilisers for a soil mixture are shown to have significant effects on certain mechanical properties, some of which can be explained, and other aspects which are in need of further investigation.