The effects of initial water content and casein solution viscosity on enhancing the mechanical properties of casein-amended soil

Abstract Utilizing casein in geotechnical engineering and construction can reduce global dairy waste. Variations in initial water content during sample preparation influence cation and OH ion availability, alkaline additive concentrations, casein binder function, and rheological properties of the casein solution. This study investigates the impact of initial water content and casein solution rheology on unconfined compressive strength in two soil types (coarse and fine) treated with casein, both in dry conditions and after water immersion. The study also assesses the long-term performance of casein-treated soil under bio-decomposition. Results suggest that increasing casein content, beyond the optimal ratio, can enhance strength by adjusting initial water concentration. Notably, calcium caseinate-treated soil exhibits improved water resistance due to reduced viscosity and enhanced workability, leading to a more rigid soil structure during initial preparation. We propose an empirical formula describing the influence of casein solution rheological characteristics on soil strength. Furthermore, artificial neural networks, developed from experimental data, predict casein-treated soil strength, highlighting the significance of initial water content and rheological parameters.