Advanced Biopolymer–Based Soil Strengthening Binder with Trivalent Chromium–Xanthan Gum Crosslinking for Wet Strength and Durability Enhancement

Xanthan gum (XG) is an effective soil-binding material for enhancing the geotechnical engineering performance of soil. Due to hydrophilicity XG, however, its ineffectiveness as a soil-strengthening agent in wet conditions and associated durability concerns continue be obstacles implementation XG soil treatment. Here, we investigated effect trivalent chromium (Cr3+) crosslinking on rheology hydrogels, consequent variations unconfined compressive strength XG–Cr3+-treated Rheological tests revealed that Cr3+ initially increased yield stress gel; gel cured, XG–Cr3+ lost viscoelasticity became stiffer more elastic. With concentrations, time-controllable gelation enhanced sandy hydrated state. Furthermore, reduced swelling under prolonged saturation conditions. fact effectively improved without additional dehydration or heat treatment, this method can expand applicability such injection grouting backfill various structures.