Geotechnical Characteristics of Bio-modified Sand: A Review

Abstract

The usage of environmental friendly material for soil treatment and improvement are a key viewpoint for the sustainable development. Biopolymers are polymers produced by characteristic natural process and comprise of monomeric units that are accumulated into bigger arrangements and it is perceived as a choice to use instead of traditional chemicals due to their potential cost-effective, low environmental impacts, non- poisonous and nonsecondary impact. Some geo-environmental and geotechnical application of biopolymers are now being explored includes binding the soil particles to improve strength, load carrying capacity, soil erosion resistance, liquefaction resistance, permeability coefficient, groundwater movement restriction. This paper presents the latest research works including laboratory experimental results and conclusion based on that. It was concluded for the review that biopolymers have great potential to enhance geotechnical engineering characteristics of soil at low concentration and can possibly substitute traditional binder in geotechnical engineering application as sustainable material for soil stabilization.