Abstract:

This paper examines the potential use of an alternative to cement–loess stabilization for the improvement of loess soils-namely, their treatment with copolymers. This approach is of particular relevance, as approximately 90% of the territory of Northern Bulgaria is underlain by loess soils, where intensive construction of roads and motorways is currently taking place.
The paper presents selected laboratory tests carried out in the Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy. In relation to the stability of embankments constructed from loess soil, it is necessary to determine how the strength parameters-angle of internal friction and cohesion-change as a result of treatment. For this purpose, direct shear tests were performed on loess soil both without additives and with copolymer additives at different percentages. The amount of copolymer added is expressed as a percentage of the dry weight of the soil. Samples containing 2%, 4%, and 6% copolymer were tested. In order to determine the deformation characteristics of the soil, a series of compression tests was also conducted. As in the direct shear tests, loess soil was examined both in its natural state and with different copolymer contents-2%, 4%, and 6%.