Journal of Applied Science and Engineering

Published by Tamkang University Press

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Experimental Study on the Crack Resistance of Expansive Soil Stabilized with Water-Soluble Polymers

 2026

 Volume 32

Hang Tan1, Liang Zhou2, Xumin Wang1, Yongxia Liu3, and Yunlong Jia1

1School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, 430068, China

2Lanzhou Bowen College of Science and Technology, Lanzhou, 730101, China

3Gansu Tieke Construction Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd. Lanzhou, 730030, China

Received: September 28, 2025
Accepted: March 24, 2026
Publication Date: May 17, 2026

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Dry and wet cycling 4 times cleavage skeleton

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This study examines the impact of sodium polyacrylate (PAAS) on crack resistance in expanded soil subjected to hydraulic erosion, addressing the issue of multiple cracks and strength degradation in this soil type. The findings indicated a 63.56% decrease in the liquid limit and a 92.62% decrease in the plasticity index of the stabilized soil. Additionally, the free expansion ratio decreased to 19.58%. As the PAAS content increased, the expansion ratio decreased by 34% to 57% for no load and by 35% to 93% for load. The initial rise in compressive strength of stable soil is followed by a decline as PAAS content increases. Optimal results are observed at a 4%dosage. Likewise, the deformation modulus initially increases and then decreases, peaking at an 88.93% enhancement. The stabilized soil’s maximum shear strength reached 216.02 kPa , marking a 261.78% increase compared to untreated soil, which coincided with a 112.46% rise in cohesion and a 137.74% increase in the internal friction angle. The compressive strength, cohesion, and angle of the stabilized soil decreased as the number of wet-dry cycles increased. The decrease slowed down after four cycles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed no formation of new minerals post PAAS treatment, with a 43.14% decrease in hydrophilic minerals. Furthermore, a gelation film with adhesive properties was formed, effectively restraining soil crack expansion.

Keywords: Expansive soils; PAAS, Expansion Characteristics; Mechanical Properties; Dry and Wet Cycles; Microscopic Mechanisms

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