Identifier

etd-06242015-013156

Degree

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the characteristics of biopolymers and to examine their application for soil stabilization and oil production. Biopolymers, the composite of multi-living organisms, are one of the most promising materials in the field of geotechnical engineering. The application of biopolymer is more efficient than water for soil stabilization and oil production due to its higher viscosity as a fill material of pores in the soil. This thesis begins with a definition of Agar and Polyacrylamide (PAM) as the measurement of viscosity, contact angle, and surface tension. The application of microfluidic models are applied to perceive the flow of liquids in porous media for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques. The result of using microfluidic models is that the displacement ratio (range: 12.9 ~ 39.6%) of PAM solutions is higher than distilled water at the flow rate of 0.001ml/min. Soil-Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC) tests are conducted to interpret the property of biopolymers for soil stabilization. The results of the SWCC tests using biopolymers show that the capillary pressure with biopolymers is higher than distilled water in sandy soils. Therefore, the applications of biopolymer are more efficient than distilled water for soil stabilization.

Date

2015

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Secure the entire work for patent and/or proprietary purposes for a period of one year. Student has submitted appropriate documentation which states: During this period the copyright owner also agrees not to exercise her/his ownership rights, including public use in works, without prior authorization from LSU. At the end of the one year period, either we or LSU may request an automatic extension for one additional year. At the end of the one year secure period (or its extension, if such is requested), the work will be released for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Jung, Jongwon

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.3671

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