Study on Impact of Using Glass Fibers on the Soil's Shear Strength

Abstract

Soil reinforcement has been utilized for centuries as a means to enhance the shear strength and stiffness of soil. One such method is the incorporation of randomly distributed discrete fibers into soil, known as plysoil or reinforced soil (RDFS). This technique, similar to soil stabilization, offers various advantages, including ease of mixing and long-term strength retention. Reinforced soil finds application in civil engineering projects to create level differences between platforms, establish horizontal platforms on sloping terrain, construct quay walls, bridge abutments, subgrades, sub-bases, and address slope stability concerns.

In this particular study, glass fibers are employed as the reinforcing material to enhance the shear strength of soil. Glass fibers are non-biodegradable, ensuring the durability of the reinforced soil. The physical properties of three distinct soil types, such as plastic limit, liquid limit, plasticity index, dry density, optimum moisture content, etc., are determined. Glass fibers are then introduced into the soil at aspect ratios of 30, 45, and 60, with varying fiber content of 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%. Subsequently, a series of direct shear tests and triaxial tests are conducted on both unreinforced and reinforced soil to analyze the behavior of the soil reinforced with glass fibers. The results indicate a clear improvement in the shear strength parameters of the soil with an increase in aspect ratio and fiber content.