Biopolymers are a highly promising additive for soil improvement with low carbon cost, expecially in comparison with cement. While they can generate impressive strength gains, there is a need to target their utilization to appropriate applications, while seeking to extend this range.

Our work has developed a rapid micro-macro toolbox (MEBAS) for assessing soil-biopolymer mixes that can speed up the assessment process by up to a factor of 50.

We are also investigating the effects of metal content in soils on biopolymer performance, targeting applications in both natural soils and mine tailings.

Working with colleagues from the Department of Chemistry we seeking to develop a fundamental geotechnical/chemistry based approach to address the challenges of bio-degradation control and issues around strength loss on saturation.

Key Publications

Armistead SJ, Rawlings AE, Smith CC & Staniland SS (2020) Biopolymer stabilization/solidification of soils : a rapid, micro-macro, cross-disciplinary approach. Environmental Science & Technology.