Experimental Study on Soil Stabilization using Waste Fiber Material

Abstract

The soil bed should bear all the stresses transmitted by the structure. If the soil is weak and has not enough stability to resist heavy loading, the soil should be reinforced and stabilized. As the quality of the soil is increased, the ability of the soil to distribute the load over a greater area is generally increased. Soil stabilization refers to alteration of soil properties to improve the stability or bearing power of the soil by controlled compaction, proportioning or by adding admixtures. Soil stabilization can be done by different methods like mechanical, chemical stabilization or by using different types of admixtures. Sustainable development cannot be done without adaption of new technology to make the structure enduring. Soil stabilization by using waste coir fibres and Tyre waste material is one of the most economical approaches. The most common improvements achieved through stabilization include better soil gradation, reduction of plasticity index or swelling potential, and increases in durability and strength. A study has been carried out to investigate the strength of soil by reinforcing with randomly distributed waste coir fibre materials and tyre waste with varying percentages of reinforcement by conducting different tests like, compaction test, CBR (California Bearing Ratio). The tests were performed as per Indian standard specification. The results obtained are compared and inferences are drawn towards their usability and effectiveness to make these waste fibre materials for different geotechnical applicationas as a cost effective approach. The samples are prepared at their respective maximum dry density and optimum moisture content. From the study, it is observed that the friction angle increases by 26% at fiber content of 0.5% and fiber length of 6mm. The fiber-reinforced low plasticity clay exhibited crack fracture and surface shear fracture failure modes, implying that polyester fiber is good earth reinforcement material with potential applications in civil engineering.