Mechanical and biodeterioration behaviours of a clayey soil strengthened with combined carrageenan and casein

• DOI: 10.1007/s11440-022-01588-4
• Publication Date: 2022-06-03T18:02:43Z
• Authors: Jing Ni; Shan-Shan Li; Xue-Yu Geng
• Keywords: Biopolymer; Carrageenan

Abstract In the last decade, biopolymers have been used as organic soil binders in ground improvement and earthen construction material modification. Although biopolymer-treated soils substantially enhanced mechanical strength, deformation characteristics under external loads durability (e.g. biodeterioration due to microbial activity) not yet fully understood, which limits situ practical application of biopolymer-based treatment technology. This study investigated efficiency combined carrageenan casein strengthening a clayey with consideration. Both tests unconfined compressive strength one-dimensional consolidation) biological high throughput sequencing rating mould growth) were conducted. Results indicated that usage carrageenan–casein mixture induced higher compared either carrageen or casein, formation three-dimensional gel network. addition, decreased compressibility soil, might be attributed casein’s peculiarity self-associating into micelles, leading minimal interactions water molecules. Carrageenan, its affinity for water, increased compressibility. Under impact activity, underwent deterioration both surface appearance (i.e. coloured stains patches caused by strength. A linear relationship was proposed, reduction approximately 11% is expected while growth one five-rating system. The current research demonstrates reinforcement able improve behaviours. It also suggested take account considerations design implementation practices.