Biopolymer based soil treatment for geotechnical engineering applications

Abstract

Biopolymers (natural polymers) are exuded by micro- and macro-organisms (bacteria, plants, etc.) and have been shown to affect the geotechnical engineering behavior and properties of different soil types for low dosage levels. The long-chain structure of biopolymers and certain constituting chemicals (e.g., hydroxyl, ester, or amines) supply adhesive forces that help coating and binding together the soil particles. This chapter presents a review of the state of the art in biopolymer-based soil treatment (BBST), aimed at focusing more attention on the various potential uses of biopolymers, as alternatives to conventional (cement and lime) binders, for a variety of applications in the geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering sectors. Compared to conventional binders, the benefits of BBST include its low environmental impact, non-toxicity, and non-secondary pollution. This chapter also discusses various challenges and issues related to the field application of BBST and identifies various research needs.