Exploring Environmentally Friendly Biopolymer Material Effect on Soil Tensile and Compressive Behavior.

Area of Science:

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Biopolymer Applications

Background:

• Growing interest in eco-friendly biopolymers for soil improvement.
• Limited understanding of micro-mechanisms in biopolymer-treated soils.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the impact of xanthan gum biopolymer content on sand properties.
• Analyze micro-behavior and strengthening mechanisms.
• Develop predictive models for soil tensile strength.

Main Methods:

• Parallel experimental and numerical (discrete element method) testing.
• Direct tensile tests under varying conditions.
• Micro-parameter analysis of biopolymer-treated sand.

Main Results:

• Biopolymers substantially increase uniaxial compressive and tensile strength.
• Higher biopolymer content leads to stronger micro-scale bonding.
• Visualization of contact forces and crack propagation.

Conclusions:

• Xanthan gum biopolymer effectively strengthens sand.
• Numerical simulations clarify mechanical and fracture behavior.
• Provides insights into biopolymer strengthening mechanisms for soil stabilization.