Improvement of geotechnical properties of clayey soil using biopolymer and ferrochromium slag additives

In this study, geotechnical properties of a clay soil and its mixtures with different proportions of biopolymer (Agar Gum, AG) (0.75%, 0.85%, 1%, and 1.15%) and ferrochromium slag (FS) (0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1%) having various curing periods (1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days) were studied through a series of soil mechanical tests to investigate possibilities to improve its inadequate plasticity, strength, compaction and consolidation characteristics. The clayey soil, named as Handere clay, is present throughout the northern parts of Adana city where extensive settlement projects are now underway especially after the two devastating earthquakes on February 6th, 2023. Laboratory testing such as Atterberg Limits, Compaction, Unconfined Compression strength, and Direct Shear test were performed. The results revealed that both AG and FS improved the geotechnical engineering properties of the clay soil considerably.