Improving geotechnical properties of silty sand by using xanthan gum and waste brick

This study presents change the engineering properties of silty sand altered by the addition of xanthan gum and brick which is a waste material. The samples were prepared by mixing silty sand at various proportions by dry weight of xanthan gum biopolymer (0, 0.5, 1, 3%) and dry weight of waste brick (%10), and then tested at the end of different curing times (0, 7, 28, and 56 days). To understand the effect of waste material and biopolymer on silty sand, a series of laboratory tests carried out such as specific gravity test, Atterberg limit test, fall cone test, vane shear test, compaction test, falling head permeability test, California bearing ratio (CBR), oedometer test (consolidation), unconfined compression test (UCS). According to the results of all experiments it was determined that the best efficiency would be obtained when 0.5% XG was added to a mixture of silty sand and 10% waste brick for soil improvement.