Exploring the Feasibility of Using Recycled PET Strips with Palm Leaf Ash for Sustainable Soil Stabilization

Abstract

This research paper addresses the urgent environmental concern of waste management by focusing on sustainable consumption by utilizing waste plastic and palm leaves to stabilize soil in geotechnical engineering. The study examines the impact of incorporating recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) strips and palm leaf ash (PLA) into clayey sand to enhance its engineering properties. The investigation involved mixing varying proportions of recycled PET strips (10 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm in length) with clayey sand, ranging from 0% to 2% by weight of the soil with a 0.5% increment for PET strips. Similarly, PLA was mixed with the clayey sand at proportions ranging from 0% to 12% by weight of the soil with a 3% increment. The strength parameters of lateritic soil were analyzed through the execution of unconfined compressive strength (UCS), triaxial, and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests. The optimum mixture was determined to be 2% recycled PET strips with a length of 30 mm and 12% PLA by weight of the soil. This specific combination exhibited significantly improved strength parameters for the lateritic soil, highlighting its potential for sustainable soil stabilization in geotechnical applications.