Microscopic Properties and Splitting Tensile Strength of Fiber-Modified Cement-Stabilized Aeolian Sand

Abstract

To study the effects of polypropylene fiber on the splitting tensile strength of cement-stabilized aeolian sand, the influences of cement content, fiber content, and fiber length were analyzed through the splitting tensile strength test and range method. The control variable method was used in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the influence on splitting strength was exerted in decreasing order by cement content > fiber length > fiber content. With the addition of 0.24% 9-mm fiber and 9% cement, splitting strength was maximized. The external load on the specimen is eliminated by mechanical friction and adhesion between fiber and sand interface. When the specimen was deformed, the fiber prevented the expansion of internal microcracks and enhanced toughness. A three-dimensional fiber network dispersed the external load and reduced the stress concentration effect. The mechanical properties of cement-stabilized aeolian sand were improved by the fiber, providing a theoretical basis for fiber-modified cement-stabilized aeolian sand subgrade.