“Study of strength properties of soil for influence of the inclusion of recycled jute strands”

Abstract

In developing countries like India, the construction of a comprehensive road network is a major challenge due to limited financial resources. To address this, alternative materials and construction techniques are being explored to improve subgrade engineering properties. One such approach is the incorporation of recycled jute fiber, which is locally available and cost-effective. This study involved randomly mixing jute fibers with soil and conducting CBR and Direct Shear tests to evaluate the strength and shear parameters of the subgrade soil. Different fiber lengths and percentages were tested, and the results indicated that the addition of jute fiber improved the strength and stability of the subgrade. The CBR and Direct Shear tests showed an initial increase in strength with increasing fiber content up to a certain percentage, beyond which the values decreased. Permeability tests were also conducted. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of recycled jute fiber as a viable additive for improving the performance of subgrade soils. The increased strength and stability provided by the jute fiber can contribute to the longevity and durability of road infrastructure, particularly in areas with limited resources. The use of locally available materials like jute fiber not only reduces construction costs but also promotes sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the field of civil engineering. Further research and field implementation of jute fiber reinforcement in road construction projects can pave the way for more efficient and resilient transportation networks in developing countries.