Correlation between one-dimensional consolidation coefficients and different basalt fiber lengths and RHA-cement contents in fiber-reinforced stabilized expansive soils

Abstract

Recently, environmentally friendly soil reinforcement and stabilization techniques, used to reconstitute weak expansive soils, are on the rise, calling for an in-depth analysis of the consolidation projections on the engineering structures built on them. This study investigated one-dimensional consolidation coefficients by conducting a series of oedometer tests on expansive soils reinforced with basalt fibers of different lengths, stabilized with rice husk ash (RHA) as an environmentally friendly cement-reducing aggregate, and nominal dosages of cement in specified combinations. The correlation between the coefficients of consolidation (cv), volume change (mv), and permeability (k) and different basalt fiber lengths and RHA-cement contents in ultimate soil composite material was quantified using equations and graphical forms. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopic imagery (SEM) was conducted to examine the structural modifications within the reinforced and stabilized soil specimens upon one-dimensional consolidation. The results showed that basalt fiber-reinforced specimens, comprised of 5% RHA and 3% cement mixtures, showed the lowest one-dimensional consolidation coefficients with a notably greater reduction at high-stress states than the control specimen. Additionally, the coefficients of volume change (mv) and permeability (k) decreased with the increased compactive effort, with a clear and significant reduction in the basalt fiber-reinforced stabilized soil composites. This study also proposed the best material combination scheme and analytical equations for evaluating the cv, mv, and k considering basalt fiber lengths at different pressure levels. The ultimate soil composites had superior properties, and thus, can be used as fill or subbase material for such engineering structures as embankments, pavements, and foundations.