Mixing Methods Evaluation of a Styrene-Acrylic Based Liquid Polymer for Sand and Clay Stabilization

Abstract

In recent years, alternative soil stabilizers to supplement to cementitious soil stabilizers have been attempted for some applications and provided promising results. This study focuses on the application of a low viscosity liquid polymer for shallow soil improvement. The mixing method of soil specimens treated with the liquid polymer soil stabilizer, which belongs to Styrene Acrylic family, was studied through an experimental testing program. The tested soils included poorly graded sand and sulfate-rich clay. The water, liquid polymer and dry soil were mixed with different sequence to assess the effect on strength. The specimens were cured in controlled environment for up to 35 days before tested. It was found that the curing of the polymer stabilizer in sand and clay were time consuming and took to a month to reach their full strength. The mixing method did not show tangible difference for stabilized sandy specimens and demonstrated significant effect on stabilized clay specimen. Specifically, as to clay, when water was added after the dried soil and polymer were thoroughly, no improvement was observed.