Recent research has illuminated the potential of Acacia gum (AG), a natural polysaccharide biopolymer, as a sustainable solution for enhancing the strength of problematic soils commonly used in roadway construction. Conducted by Muralidaran Vishweshwaran at the Centre for Advanced Research in Environment, School of Civil Engineering, SASTRA Deemed University, this study offers promising insights into how AG can be utilized to improve the geotechnical properties of silty and clay soils under various curing conditions.
The increasing cost of constructing pavements on weak soils has long been a concern for the construction industry. With subgrade failure being a primary cause of pavement deformation, the need for effective soil stabilization methods has never been more pressing. Vishweshwaran noted, “Our findings suggest that Acacia gum not only enhances soil strength but also aligns with sustainable construction practices, making it a viable alternative to traditional materials.”
The study demonstrated that a mere 1.5% dosage of AG could yield remarkable improvements in soil strength. Specifically, the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) of low compressible clay (LCC) reached an impressive 2530 kN/m² after thermal curing at 333 K for one week. This level of enhancement could significantly reduce the costs associated with pavement failures, which can reach INR 3000 per square meter for reconstruction.
Moreover, the research highlights the versatility of AG, which is not only biodegradable but also produced from renewable resources without harming the environment. The ability of AG to form flexible gels upon hydration allows it to adapt to various soil textures and compositions, making it a highly effective stabilizer. Vishweshwaran emphasized this adaptability, stating, “The unique properties of Acacia gum make it an excellent candidate for addressing the challenges posed by fine-grained soils.”
The implications of this research extend beyond immediate soil stabilization. As the construction sector increasingly seeks sustainable materials, AG presents an opportunity to reduce reliance on synthetic polymers, which are often associated with environmental degradation. The study also points to the potential for AG to be integrated with other natural fibers and materials, paving the way for innovative geotechnical solutions.
With the findings published in ‘Polymers’, the research not only contributes to the academic discourse but also offers practical applications that could reshape construction practices. The study sets the stage for future explorations into the long-term performance of AG-stabilized soils, including assessments of freeze-thaw durability and strength loss under wet-dry cycles.
As the construction industry grapples with the dual challenges of cost and sustainability, the integration of biopolymers like Acacia gum into soil stabilization practices could herald a new era of environmentally friendly construction methods. For more information about this research and its implications, you can visit lead_author_affiliation.