Improvement of the Gypseous soil properties by using Copolymer and Styrene-butadiene rubber

Abstract

Gypseous soils are spread in several regions in the world including Iraq, where it covers more than 28.6% [1] of the surface region of the country. This soil, with high gypsum content causes different problems in construction and strategic projects. As a result of water flow through the soil mass, permeability and chemical arrangement of these soils vary over time due to the solubility and leaching of gypsum. In this study the soil of 36% gypsum content, is taken from one location about 100 km (62 mi) southwest of Baghdad, where the sample is taken from depth (0.5 - 1) m below the natural ground surface and mixed with (3%, 6%, 9%) of Copolymer and Styrene-butadiene Rubber to improve the engineering properties of the gypseous soil including collapsibility, permeability and shear strength. Results of the experimental work show noticeable improvement of collapsibility, permeability, and bearing capacity in soil treated with Copolymer and Styrene-butadiene Rubber compared to untreated soil.