Innovative Biopolymer Solutions for Sustainable Soil Stabilization in Modern Civil Engineering

https://doi.org/10.46610/JoGS.2025.v10i02.002

Abstract

Increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions in modern civil engineering has stimulated research into new approaches to soil stabilization. Traditional stabilization methods, such as cement and chemical additive treatments, have enormous environmental and economic constraints, such as large carbon footprints and soil deterioration. Biopolymers, in view of the renewable and natural source from which they are developed, have presented themselves as an ideal option for eco-friendly stabilization of soil. The organic structure provides numerous benefits, including biodegradability, minimal environmental concerns, and better properties of soil such as strength, cohesion, and water-retaining capacity. Here is a critical review of contemporary progress in the area of biopolymer-soil stabilization on the basis of how they function with soil, actual use, and efficiency versus conventional stabilizers. Major biopolymers like xanthan gum, guar gum, and microbial-derived polymers are presented, along with their ability to stabilize soil with negligible ecological damage. Cost, scalability, and durability concerns are also discussed, together with novel ways of overcoming them. The review ends by underlining the role of biopolymers in transforming eco-friendly civil engineering practice and presents directions for future research to advance their application to mega structures.