Influence of Banana Fiber on Shear Strength of Clay Soil

Abstract

Recently, the agricultural waste have been enticed increasing attention in geotechnical engineering as a natural soil reinforcement in improving strength and stability of soils. Agricultural waste fiber was chosen as it is cheap, locally available, bio-degradable and eco-friendly. In this study, the implementation of banana fibers has been used as a natural soil reinforcement in influencing the strength of clay soil. In order to investigate the influence of banana fiber in strengthen the clay soil, three different percentage mixing of banana fiber in clay soil has been tested using Unconsolidated Undrained Triaxial and California Ratio Bearing (CBR) tests. The results of X-Ray Fluorescense (X-RF) indicated that average 45% of chemical compositions inside the banana fibers are calcium hydroxide which resulting the pozzolanic reactions and lead to the modification of soil properties and improve the strength of soil. This research is important in order to find the suitability of banana fiber as admixture in soil stabilization. Banana fiber as admixture in soil stabilization will contribute to conservation of the environment. The results from the tests conducted have shown that the soil treated with 1% fibre content improved termendously in term of shear strength compared to untreated sample. However, based on the regression analysis, 0.5% mixing of banana content indicate the optimum percentage mixing of banana fiber in clay soil.