Journal of Transportation Infrastructure Engineering

Journal of Transportation Infrastructure Engineering

Investigation and Comparison of the Mechanical Behavior of Marl Soil Stabilized with Xanthan Gum and Lime

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
1 Master of Science in Geotechnical Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Yazd University, Yazd, I. R. Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Road and Geotechnics, Department of Civil Engineering, Yazd University, Yazd, I. R. Iran.
3 PhD candidate, Department of Road and Geotechnics, Department of Civil Engineering, Yazd University, Yazd, I. R. Iran.
Abstract
Marly soils are classified as problematic soils and are widely distributed in Iran and many other regions of the world. Although these soils generally exhibit adequate strength and bearing capacity under dry conditions, the presence of moisture can substantially reduce their mechanical strength and bearing capacity, thereby emphasizing the need for appropriate stabilization techniques. In this study, lime, as a conventional stabilizing agent, and xanthan gum biopolymer, as an environmentally friendly additive, were used to improve the engineering properties of marl soil. The mechanical behavior of marl soil stabilized with lime at 3%, 4%, and 5% by dry weight of soil and xanthan gum at 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% by dry weight of soil, with some additional tests conducted up to 2%, was investigated and compared. The experimental program included compaction, unconfined compressive strength, direct shear, and California Bearing Ratio tests. Results showed that increasing the lime content up to 4% increased the dry density from 1.68 g/cm³ to 1.88 g/cm³, while addition of 1% xanthan gum increased dry density to 1.91 g/cm³. The unconfined compressive strength increased by 4.33 times in lime-treated specimens and by 7.66 times in xanthan gum-treated specimens. Moreover, direct shear test results indicated that cohesion of marl soil increased by 44% with addition of 5% lime, whereas use of 1.5% xanthan gum led to a 152% increase in cohesion. The internal friction angle increased from 17.7° to 23.5° for specimens treated with 4% lime and to 26.37° for specimens stabilized with 1.5% xanthan gum. In addition, the CBR value increased by 111% for soil treated with 4% lime and by 122% for soil stabilized with 1.5% xanthan gum. Overall, the findings indicate that both lime and xanthan gum can improve mechanical properties and bearing capacity of marl soil, while xanthan gum shows promising potential as an environmentally friendly stabilizing additive for geotechnical applications.
Keywords
Subjects

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  • Receive Date 08 June 2025
  • Revise Date 09 May 2026
  • Accept Date 14 May 2026
  • Publish Date 22 May 2026