ABSTRACT
Micaceous soils are highly problematic in geotechnical engineering due to their low compactability, high resilience, low shear strength, and high compressibility. These issues are exacerbated when mica content exceeds 10%, making micaceous sand unsuitable for use as fill material in embankments, pavements, and retaining walls. This study investigates the effectiveness of Xanthan Gum biopolymer in stabilizing micaceous sand with 30% mica content. Direct shear and 1D Oedometer tests were conducted on samples treated with 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% Xanthan Gum, with curing periods of 1, 3, and 7 days. Results indicate that shear strength increased with higher Xanthan Gum content and longer curing time, while compressibility significantly decreased. SEM analysis revealed that Xanthan Gum forms adhesive bridges between particles, mitigating the unfavorable microstructure of untreated micaceous sand. This stabilization approach enhances geotechnical properties, making micaceous sand more viable for engineering applications.
