A feasibility study on calcareous soil stabilization using polymers in Barka region

Abstract

In the Gulf region most of the soils require soil stabilization to increase soil bearing capacity for construction of safe and sustainable buildings. The soils are stabilized either by physical stabilization, chemical stabilization or by mechanical stabilization. The aim of this project is to stabilize calcareous soil in the Barka region with synthetic polymers. The soil samples from the Barka region collected by using standard soil sampling methods. The synthetic polymer was mixed with the calcareous soil in 1%, 3% and 5%. The soil samples were tested for sieve analysis, Atterberg Limit, Particle Density, Proctor test and California Bearing Ratio test before and after addition of synthetic polymer. It was observed that there is a positive impact on the geotechnical properties of soil with the addition of Polymer. The optimum moisture content of the soil reduced and the maximum dry density of the soil increased. The optimum results were found at 5% addition of polymer where the optimum moisture content was found out to be 12.6% and the maximum dry density was found out to be 1.997 Mg/m³. The Atterberg limit test to show that the plasticity index of the soil reduced with the addition of polymer and the optimum results were found out at 5% addition of polymer. Finally, the CBR test results determine that the soil bearing capacity increases with the addition of Polymer. After the addition of 5% Polymer, the CBR value was found out to be 27.465% compared to 14.19% for the fresh calcareous soil. The results are encouraging.