Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering · 2008 · 273 citations · 9 references
Geotechnical EngineeringStiffness ResponseCoir FibersFiber ReinforcementEngineeringReinforcement MaterialTensile StrengthFiber-reinforced CompositeCivil EngineeringMechanical EngineeringReinforced ConcreteFiber-reinforced Cement CompositeNatural FibersSoil PropertiesCivil Engineering MaterialsConstruction EngineeringUnsaturated Soil MechanicsSoil Mechanic
Natural fibers, especially coir abundant in South Asia, are cheap, locally available, biodegradable, and possess strong mechanical properties such as high tensile strength. The study aims to evaluate existing theoretical models for fiber‑reinforced soil strength and to develop a new nonlinear regression model for predicting strength and stiffness. Cylindrical soil specimens reinforced with coir fibers of varying sizes were subjected to triaxial shear tests to measure strength and stiffness and compare with unreinforced soils. Results show that adding 1–2 % coir fibers increases clay soil strength and stiffness, but existing models fail to capture this response.
Use of natural fibers in civil engineering construction practice is often advantageous as they are cheap, locally available, biodegradable, and ecofriendly. Among the available natural fibers, coir is produced in large quantities in South Asian countries, such as India, Ceylon, Indonesia, Philippines, etc. and has better mechanical properties, such as tensile strength. In this paper, results on the strength and stiffness behavior of soil reinforced with coir fibers are presented. Soil samples reinforced with coir fibers of different sizes, and made into cylindrical soil specimens were tested in triaxial shear apparatus to determine the strength and stiffness of soil response due to fiber inclusion and the results were compared with that of unreinforced soils. The results show that addition of coir (1–2%) as random reinforcing material increases both strength and stiffness of clay soil considered in the study. In addition, available theoretical models for prediction of strength of fiber-reinforced soil are examined in relation to the results of the present investigation. Analysis shows that the available models are not adequate to capture the strength and stiffness response of coir fiber-reinforced soil. A nonlinear regression model for strength and stiffness response is proposed in the present study.
9