STUDY ON THE STABILIZATION OF SOIL USING BANANA FIBER, SODIUM SILICATE AND GUAR GUM POWDER
Keywords:
Soil Stabilization, Banana Fiber Reinforcement, Sodium Silicate, Guar Gum Powder, Biopolymer Stabilization, Sustainable Construction Materials, Shear Strength, California Bearing Ratio (CBR)Abstract
Soil stabilization is a critical process in geotechnical engineering to enhance the physical properties of soil, particularly in weak or expansive soils. This study investigates the combined effects of banana Fiber, sodium silicate, and guar gum powder as eco-friendly stabilizing agents. Banana fiber, a natural lignocellulosic material, was incorporated to improve the tensile strength and reduce soil brittleness. Sodium silicate was used for its cementitious and binding properties, promoting soil particle agglomeration. Guar gum powder, a biodegradable polysaccharide, acted as a natural binder and water retention agent, enhancing soil cohesion. Laboratory tests including Atterberg limits, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), compaction characteristics, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) were conducted on untreated and treated soil samples. Results demonstrated a significant improvement in UCS and CBR values, with optimal performance observed at specific percentages of each additive.
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