Enhancing Soil Stabilization Using Polymer-Based Composite Materials: A Sustainable Approach for Geotechnical and Construction Applications

Unofficial AI-generated summary based on the public title and abstract. Not an official translation.

🔬研究者:Geotechnical and materials researchers can explore polymer-soil interaction mechanisms and optimization of composite formulations.

🏢実務担当者:Construction firms and civil engineers may adopt these composites for road construction, slope stabilization, and foundation systems to reduce carbon footprint.

🏛政策担当者:Policymakers in sustainable construction and green building standards can use these findings to incentivize low-carbon soil stabilization methods.

Soil stabilization has emerged as a critical aspect of modern geotechnical engineering, particularly in the face of increasing infrastructure demands and the urgent need for sustainable construction practices. Traditional methods involving cement, lime, or bitumen-based additives often pose environmental challenges due to high carbon emissions and energy consumption. This research investigates the efficacy of polymer-based composite materials as eco-friendly alternatives for enhancing soil strength and stability, particularly for applications in road construction, foundation systems, and slope stabilization. The study explores the formulation and application of a novel polymeric blend comprising biodegradable polymers reinforced with natural fibers and industrial by-products. Laboratory experiments were conducted on clayey and silty soils subjected to varying dosages of the composite materials. Key geotechnical parameters including unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), permeability, and Atterberg limits were evaluated before and after treatment. Results indicate that polymer-based composites significantly improved the mechanical properties of treated soils, with a recorded increase of over 60% in UCS and a notable reduction in the plasticity index. Additionally, water retention capacity and erosion resistance were enhanced, indicating long-term durability under varying environmental conditions. The microstructural analysis through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) provided insights into the bonding mechanisms and interactions between polymer chains and soil particles. These interactions contribute to improved cohesion, reduced void ratio, and higher resistance to cyclic loading. The findings affirm that polymeric soil stabilizers not only meet but often exceed the performance of conventional stabilizing agents, while significantly reducing environmental footprint. Moreover, a cost-benefit assessment was carried out to evaluate the economic viability of deploying polymer-based solutions on a larger scale. The results support the integration of such composites into mainstream construction practices, especially in regions prone to soil instability and moisture fluctuations. This study underscores the potential of polymerbased composites in transforming soil stabilization from a conventional engineering challenge into a sustainable and innovative solution, aligning with green building goals and circular economy principles.

• semanticscholar https://doi.org/10.25258/ijddt.16.14s.73first seen 2026-06-29 07:17:56