Pollution prevention by soil stabilization with organic polymers

Abstract

In this paper it is presented results of laboratory and field tests of sandy soils stabilized with solutions of organic polymers. Comparison was done of properties of conventional polymer resins with properties of modified resins. Such properties of solution of resins have been investigated: density, viscosity, pH (alkalinity level), evaporation of components from solution in water and air. During the next stage of investigations properties of alluvial medium dense sand stabilized with conventional and modified resins have been compared. Such properties of reinforced soil have been investigated: compressed strength, evaporation of formaldehyde from stabilized soil, time dependent strength of soil in air and water medium. Third stage of investigations has been done in field. During field tests two modified resins have been grouted in medium dense alluvial sand. After one week stabilized soil was excavated and investigated. Results of field tests confirmed the results of laboratory tests. Addition of active components to polymer resins increase density and pH of solution of organic polymers, decrease viscosity. Unconfined strength of sands stabilized with polymer resins is time dependent and increased from 2.2 MPa after 7 days to 2.9 MPa after 3 months. 12 to 19 times less formaldehyde is liberated into the air from soil stabilized with the modified resins than from the soil stabilized with the unmodified resins.