Effect of Using Xanthan Gum on Properties of Fine-Grained Soils

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This paper presents the results of a laboratory testing program that was undertaken to investigate the effects of mixing fine-grained soils with xanthan gum on soil properties. The tests performed included liquid and plastic limits, incremental stress consolidation tests (done as part of the direct shear tests), fully softened direct shear tests, and ring shear tests to measure the residual shear strength. All these tests were performed on untreated specimens and specimens treated with 1% xanthan gum (by mass). The specimens were prepared remolded and mixed at a water content close to the liquid limit for shear strength measurements. The results show that mixing soils with 1% xanthan gum can change the liquid limit, plastic limit and plasticity index of fine-grained soils, sometimes enough to change the USCS classification. The direct shear test results showed a significant decrease in the coefficient of consolidation of fine-grained soils mixed with 1% xanthan gum but not a significant effect on the fully softened shear strength measured. The residual ring shear tests showed a significant increase in the residual strength for VBC but not for Colorado Clay. The strength tests for Colorado Clay will be redone as these were performed on samples that were processed twice which appear to have altered the results.

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