Curing Method and Mix Design Evaluation of a Styrene-Acrylic Based Liquid Polymer for Sand and Clay Stabilization

Abstract

The curing of soil specimens treated with a liquid polymer soil stabilizer of styrene acrylic family was studied through an extensive laboratory testing program. First, the effect of different curing environments including air, water and heating on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of stabilized sand was studied to identify suitable curing environments. Furthermore, a parametric study was conducted through which the liquid content of the specimens (i.e., polymer + water) was varied and the overall performance of treated specimens of sand and sulfate-rich high plasticity clay was assessed. The optimally treated specimens (i.e., with the best curing environment and optimal stabilizer dosage) were evaluated for their (1) short-term performance, (2) swelling potentials of treated high plasticity clay, and (3) durability after 24 wet–dry or freeze–thaw cycles. The results suggested that heating can significantly expedite the curing; conversely, soaking the specimens in water showed a detrimental effect in terms of the resultant strength. The strongest specimens were achieved when no extra water in addition to the liquid stabilizer was added when treating the soil. As to clay, the liquid polymer showcased excellent performance in reducing the swelling potential but the strength of the specimens was highly decreased by to moisture and freeze–thaw cycles.