Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Biopolymer-Treated Soil and Its Influencing Factors

ABSTRACT This study explores the mechanical properties of casein-treated and agar-treated sand, considering biopolymer content, dehydration time, immersion periods, relative densities, porosity ratios, and porosity/volumetric biopolymer contents. Adding casein was found to improve the water resistance of agar-treated sand. Results reveal that 4 % and 5 % casein-treated sand exhibit the highest water resistance after a week of submersion, with wet strength of 0.359 MPa and 0.493 MPa, respectively. Increased relative density and biopolymer content correlate with higher unconfined compressive strength, inversely linked to sample porosity. An empirical equation connecting unconfined compressive strength to porosity/volumetric biopolymer content is derived.