Geotechnical characterisation of recycled biopolymer-stabilised earthen materials

Muguda, S; Hughes, P.N; Augarde, C.E; Perlot, C; Bruno, A.W; Gallipoli, D

Abstract

Earthen structures (i.e. structural units manufactured from soil) are often regarded as sustainable forms of construction due to their characteristically low carbon footprint. Unstabilised earthen materials can easily be recycled or disposed, however, modern earthen structures rely on cement to obtain desirable strength and durability. This lowers both green credentials and recyclability potential of the material. With growing global interest in sustainability, it becomes imperative to explore alternatives to chemical stabilisers which can address these issues without compromising on the desired engineering properties of earthen construction materials. It has been reported that, earthen material treated with biopolymers, namely guar and xanthan gums have improved strength and durability properties. This study reports a preliminary assessment of the recyclability potential of these biopolymer treated earthen materials. Geotechnical properties of the recycled soil mixture such as particle size gradation, Atterberg limits and linear shrinkage were compared with the original unamended soil mixture to assess the changes due to recycling. Findings from this study provide an insight on the recyclability potential of biopolymer treated earthen materials and any associated environmental concerns relating to their disposal.

Citation

Muguda, S., Hughes, P., Augarde, C., Perlot, C., Bruno, A., & Gallipoli, D. (2019). Geotechnical characterisation of recycled biopolymer-stabilised earthen materials.

• Conference Name: The XVII European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
• Conference Location: Reykjavik Iceland
• Publication Date: 2019
• Deposit Date: Feb 13, 2020
• Keywords: Earthen material, biopolymers, recyclability, rammed earth
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1141173