STUDY OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF SOIL-POLYMER AND BENTONITE-POLYMER COMPOSITES.
Polymer; Bentonite; New Geotechnical Materials.
The mechanical properties and durability of composites formed by soil, bentonite, and polymers were investigated to enhance the characteristics of the soil for engineering applications through stabilization with alternative materials that provide greater strength and sustainability. The materials used in the study included local soils, bentonite, and a commercial polymer. Tests conducted included the determination of the ideal polymer content, the analysis of different combinations of soil, bentonite, and polymer, the evaluation of the curing time influence on the mechanical properties of the composites, compaction tests to determine the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content, simple compression tests to measure the compressive strength of the composites, direct shear tests to evaluate shear strength, and cyclic triaxial tests to determine the resilient modulus. Mineralogical characterization was performed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the addition of polymers and bentonite to the soil significantly increases compressive and shear strength while reducing deformability. The soil-polymer and bentonite-polymer composites performed superiorly compared to natural soil, demonstrating greater durability and stability. The interaction between the components was confirmed by the formation of new mineral phases, contributing to the improved properties of the composites. The research highlights that soil stabilization with polymers and bentonite is effective, sustainable, and offers a viable alternative to traditional methods using cement and lime, which have greater environmental impacts. The literature review indicates that polymers improve soil cohesion and adsorption, while bentonite enhances swelling capacity and gel formation, contributing to the material's strength. It is concluded that composites formed by soil, bentonite, and polymers are an effective technique for soil stabilization, demonstrating significant improvements in mechanical properties and providing a sustainable alternative to conventional methods. The research recommends the continuation of studies to optimize the proportions of materials and explore other combinations and applications. The use of soil-polymer and bentonite-polymer composites can be applied in various engineering works, such as road pavements and foundations, where soil strength and durability are crucial. This technique also offers environmental benefits by reducing the dependence on traditional stabilizers, such as cement, which have a larger carbon footprint.