ABSTRACT
Advancements in engineering construction have led to an increase in significant challenges with foundations and pavement infrastructure built on silty soil. Silty soils are created through the combination of mainly silt-sized particles (< 0.075 mm), typically with a small percentage of clay and vulnerable to frost. Biopolymer can possibly be an alternate solution for calcium-based stabilizers or be used as a co-additive. This study aimed to investigate the interaction of biopolymer-induced soil with multivalent ions via unconfined compressive strength to identify a potential stabilizer and appropriate dosages. For comparative analysis, biopolymers with different cations on silty soil strength were evaluated after curing for 7 days and 28 days. The results indicated that the biopolymer networks develop slowly; however, cross-linking the biopolymers with different cations enhanced their rate of stiffness and strength increase. This composite sample indicated a possible solution for partially replacing calcium-based stabilizers in frost susceptible silty soil.
