Improving the shear strength of the soil by using jute fabric

Abstract

Bearing capacity of the soil is based on the shear strength of the soil. By improving the shear strength, bearing capacity of soil increases. Various additives such as lime, fly ash, cement, bitumen, tar etc. and easily available on-site materials such as sands, mining waste, natural stone waste etc were using to improve the shear strength of the soil. The main aim of this project is to improve the shear strength of the soil by adding jute fabric in various proportions. Jute fabric is mainly produced from a plant species called Corchorus olitorius. Soil samples were collected from Mangalapuram, Trivandrum and the identification tests such as specific gravity, liquid limit, plastic limit and sieve analysis of soil were done based on IS2720 recommended procedures. As per IS1498 – 1970 the soil is classified as poorly graded sands (SP). Jute fabric is added to the soil on 3%, 6% and 9% of weight of soil sample. Standard proctor test is conducted as per IS 2720 (part VII) to determine the optimum moisture content value (OMC). Optimum moisture content value of the soil sample is 10%. The shear strength of the soil is determined by direct shear strength test, which is conducted on both treated and untreated soil sample. From the result it is concluded that by adding 6% of jute fabric the shear strength of the soil reaches its maximum value, further addition of jute fabric reduces the shear strength of soil. Hence it is recommended to use 6% of jute fabric in sub-grade soils for pavements to improve the shear strength.