Biopolymer-stabilised soils: Impact on water retention, plasticity, and sorption properties
Kusbergenova Z. Tulebekova A. Dąbska A.K. Aldungarova A. Yessenzholov B.
2026Institute of Technology and Life Sciences - National Research Institute
Journal of Water and Land Development
2026#2026Issue 6817 - 25 pp.
Due to the growing interest in sustainable and environmentally friendly construction materials, biopolymers are increasingly being explored and applied for soil stabilisation in geotechnical engineering. In this study, particular attention is given to assessing the effectiveness of three widely used biopolymers – xanthan gum, chitosan, and carboxymethylcellulose – added at concentrations of 1, 2, and 3% by soil weight for stabilising the structure and improving the physical properties of heavy sandy clay loam. An additional objective of the research is to examine how varying levels of water saturation influence the performance and stability of these biopolymer-treated soils. A series of laboratory experiments was carried out, including measurements of soil plasticity, natural water content, and consistency limits. Furthermore, sorption behaviour and equilibrium moisture content were determined using the vapour equilibrium technique with saturated sodium chloride and potassium chloride solutions, allowing for controlled regulation of relative humidity. The findings demonstrate that incorporating biopolymers leads to noticeable improvements in Atterberg limits, particularly the plasticity and liquid limits, indicating enhanced cohesion and structural integrity. At the same time, changes in moisture retention characteristics were found to depend strongly on environmental conditions, especially humidity levels and the specific salt solution used. Overall, the results provide valuable insights for predicting soil behaviour under diverse climatic conditions and offer a scientific basis for developing practical recommendations for the use of biopolymers in construction. The study ultimately confirms that such additives represent effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly solutions for improving soil performance in engineering applications.
biopolymer , moisture retention , plasticity , sorption characteristics
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L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Department of Civil Engineering, Satpayev St, 2, Astana, 010008, Kazakhstan
Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Department of Hydro-Engineering and Hydraulics, Nowowiejska St, 20, Warsaw, 00-653, Poland
International Education Corporation, LLP, Almaty, 050043, Kazakhstan
Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University, Department of Mining, Construction and Ecology, Abay St, 76, Kokshetau, 020000, Kazakhstan
L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University
Warsaw University of Technology
International Education Corporation
Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University
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Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026