Strengthening Sand Particles of Thar Desert Using Biopolymer

Abstract

Sand-biopolymer interactions are one of the nature-friendly solutions to develop a bond between sand grains. The current study presents different orders of pore volume (PV) with different percentages of biopolymer, mixed with sand to assess the improved strength of sand. To check the effect of sand-biopolymer binding, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and split tensile strength (STS), tests are conducted on the treated desert sand to assess the efficacy of Acacia Gum (AG). This research aims to shed light on the importance of AG biopolymer as an environment-friendly solution for enhancing the mechanical properties of desert sand, unlocking new paths for sustainable desert stabilization and improvement techniques. These biopolymers were used at three different levels i.e., 0.5, 1, and 1.5%, and with two different PVs i.e., 1 PV and 0.75 PV. The STS and UCS test samples were prepared by mixing sand and biopolymer solution with aspect ratios of 1:1 and 1:2, respectively. The UCS test samples were first tested for non-destructive testing i.e., UPV, and then tested for destructive test. It was found that the maximum values for UPV, UCS, and STS were 1340 m/s, 1265 kPa, and 162 kPa respectively for AG/0.75/1.5%, and the minimum values for UPV, UCS, and STS were 637 m/s, 495 kPa, and 56 kPa respectively for AG/1/0.5%. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), test was performed for microstructural analysis. SEM analysis revealed a strong bond between sand particles and biopolymers. The results of the present study indicate the strength improvement attained with varying biopolymer percentages and PV and is useful for desert sand strengthening. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.