Mechanistic Characteristics of Processed Cellulose-Fiber Reinforced Soil-Cement Mixtures Mohammad J. Khattak 1 and Mohammad Alrashidi 2

Abstract

This research study focuses on the laboratory mechanistic evaluation of soil-cement mixtures reinforced with processed cellulose-fibers (PCF). The fibers are derived from the processing of wood and have enhanced micro-crack stabilization due to higher fiber density, high length-to-diameter ratio, bond strength and tensile strength. Four soil types from various project sites in the state of Louisiana were acquired and tested. Laboratory tests including the durability, unconfined compressive strength, indirect tensile strength, and indirect tensile cyclic load tests were conducted on both with and without PCF soil-cement mixtures. The results indicated that the mechanistic characteristics of the PCF soil-cement mixtures were functions of fiber dosage, soil-type and curing time. In general, the durability, unconfined compressive strength, indirect tensile strength and fracture toughness values either remained same or exhibited higher values for PCF soil-cement mixtures. It was found that optimum fiber dosage is required for soil modification. The indirect tensile cyclic load test data indicated that the resilient modulus of the PCF soil-cement mixtures either remained same or was greater than soil-cement mixtures alone. Moreover, the horizontal plastic deformation rate is significantly lower for soil-cement-fiber mixtures. The implication of the results is that the PCF reinforcement at optimum fiber percentage may mitigate the tensile or shrinkage crack formation in the soil-cement mixtures for road bases thereby improving the structural capacity and performance of pavements.