Utilization of Natural Fibers to Reinforcement Clay Soil

Ressol R. Shakir*, Mazin A. Jader

1,2
Civil Engineering Department, University of Thi-Qar, Nasiriya, Iraq

Abstract. The trend of using natural fibers in fibers is the maintenance of strength isotropy and the
geotechnical engineering has become of great interest absence of the potential planes of weakness that can
to improve weak soils due to some of its advantages develop in soils with oriented reinforcement [1]. Soil
such as local availability, environmental friendliness, reinforcement with fiber has become an effective
and lower cost. In this research, a set of unconfined technique due to its simplicity and ease of mixing
compressive strength (UCS) tests were conducted to with soil and other chemical binders (cement, lime,
evaluate the performance of Nasiriya clayey soil fly ash) to enhance both peak and residual strength.
reinforced with natural fibers. Three different types of Many studies have used different synthetic fibers to
natural fibers were investigated as sustainable ones, strengthen the soil. Yetimoglu and salbas used
including wheat straw fiber (SF) and palm frond fiber polypropylene fibers to study the effect of reinforcing
(PF), as well as Imperata cylindrica fiber (IF). The fibers content on shear strength [2]. Kumar et al.
technique of distributing fibers in the soil matrix was demonstrated that the reinforcement of highly
random. To this end, the effects of various fiber compressible clay with polyester fibers significantly
contents (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%) and lengths increases the compressive strength [3]. Estabragh et
(20 mm, 30 mm, and 40 mm) were experimentally al. observed that the reinforcement of clay soils with
evaluated. The results indicated that the compressive nylon fibers increases the shear strength parameter
strength increased significantly with the increase of and reduces preconsolidation pressure [4]. A wide
fiber content and length up to a specific value and range of synthetic fibers have been used for soil
then decreased. Soil reinforcement with palm fronds reinforcement, such as glass fibers [5,6],
fibers (IF) at a content of 5% and a length of 30 mm Polyethylene fiber [7] and carbon fiber [8]. Synthetic
gave the highest compressive strength of 407 kPa fibers may be more resistant to acids, alkalies, and
compared to the non-reinforced soil of 180 kPa. other chemicals, but they can pollute the environment
because of their manufacturing process [9].
Keywords: Natural fibers, Soil reinforcement, Rand-
omly distributed, Eco-environmental, Feasibility. The trend of soil improvement has led to the
emergence of an interest in using alternative materials
1. Introduction for soil reinforcement in civil engineering
Poor geotechnical properties of the soil are a applications. Natural fibers are becoming increasingly
common problem that civil engineering deals with popular as a soil strengthening method because of
during the construction process. Various techniques their low cost and environmental friendliness.
such as chemical stabilization and fiber reinforcement Numerous studies have shown that natural fibers
have been used to improve the properties of weak significantly improve soil engineering properties.
soils. The inclusion of short discrete, randomly Ghavami et al. demonstrated that adding natural
distributed elements in the soil matrix to resist tensile fibers enhances the strength and ductility of
strength and improve the mechanical behavior of soil reinforced soil. Furthermore, the addition of natural
has become popular in geotechnical engineering. One fibers in the soil mass had a significant effect on the
of the main advantages of using randomly distributed prevention of crack formation caused by the drying
process [10]. Sharma et al. prepared a series of UCS jute fibers on expansive soils [22]. Kaushik and Singh
tests on soil reinforced with natural fibers [11]. demonstrated that the reinforcement of the subgrade
soil with coir fiber significantly improves the CBR
2. Background value [23]. All of these studies have demonstrated
The process of constructing buildings depletes a lot that improving the properties of soil with fiber
of natural resources as well as an effective cause of depends on several factors such as (aspect ratio, fiber
environmental pollution. Large amounts of pollutants surface roughness and fiber type). The use of natural
are released into the atmosphere such as carbon fibers in fine grained soils has been the subject of a
dioxide, nitrogen oxide and other noxious particles few studies. This study used three types of natural
during the manufacturing processes of traditional fibers to reinforce the AL-Nasiriya clayey soil. A
building materials. These emissions endanger aquatic series of UCS tests were conducted to evaluate the
and terrestrial life as well as have a negative impact strength of the soil reinforced with randomly
on human health [12,13]. Global Alliance for distributed natural fibers.
Buildings and Construction estimates that buildings
3. Materials and Tests Methods
are responsible for 40% of CO2 emissions, with
construction materials accounting for 11% of this 3.1 Materials
total [14]. These implications have generated great
interest in civil engineering on the use of alternative 3.1.1 Soil
local materials and more sustainable building
The soil used in this research was clay taken from one
techniques to conserve resources and reduce
of the sites of Nasiriyah in Iraq. The clay sample was
environmental damage. Natural fibers have become
subjected to a set of laboratory tests to determine the
the focus of attention of many researchers because of
properties of the geotechnical properties such as
the following advantages: First, eco-environmental
specific gravity (Gs), liquid limit (LL), plastic limit
and locally available. Second, Enhancing the
(PL), maximum dry density (MDD), and optimum
mechanical behavior of composites due to their
moisture content (OMC) according to the ASTM
distinctive properties such as durable, excellent
standards. The clay soil used was classified as high
tensile strength, biodegradable, thermal properties
plasticity (CH) according to the unified classification
and mechanical strength [15,16]. Because of eco-
system (USCS). The soil's geotechnical properties
environmental concerns, many studies have been
and chemical analysis were obtained and listed in
conducted to investigate the feasibility of using
Tables 1 and 2.
varied types of natural fibers in civil engineering
constructions. Prabakar and Sridhar observed that the 3.1.2 Fibers
(C and ϕ) and failure deviator stress were clearly
enhanced as a result of the inclusion of the soil with The short natural fibers used in this research are
different percentages of sisal fibers [17]. Soil strength wheat straw (SF), palm frond (PF), and imperata
significantly improves when treated with wheat cylindrica (IF) as the reinforcement material clay of
straw-lime and reduces brittle behavior during early soils (see. Fig. 1). The outer surface of wheat straw
curing time [18]. Experimental studies have reached and imperata cylindrica fibers is smooth, while that of
similar results due to the inclusion of wheat straw palm frond fibers is rough. Natural fibers' water
fibers in the soil [19–21]. Wang et al. conducted an absorption capacity factor ( WAC) is calculated using
experimental study to investigate the effect of adding a procedure [24]. The physical properties of the
natural fibers are listed in Table 3.
Fig 1. Typical samples of natural fibers: (a) wheat straw; (b) palm fronds and (c) imperata cylindrica

Table 1 Geotechnical properties of clayey soil

Property Values
Specific gravity 2.63
Liquid limit (LL) 57
Plastic limit (PL) 32
Plastic index (PI) 23
Maximum dry density (g/cm3) 1.6
Optimum water content 15%
USCS classification CH

Table 2 Chemical composition of clayey soil

Material Content (%)

SiO3 8.1
Al2O3 0.42
Fe2O3 0.22
MgO 0.81
K2O 0.17
CaO 41.5
Na2O 0.011
Cl 0.13
SO3 0.88
L.O.I 35.4

Table 3 The physical properties of the natural fibers

Property Wheat straw Palm frond Imperata

Average diameter (mm) 2-4 - 1.5-3.5
Fiber length (mm) 20, 30, 40 20, 30, 40 20, 30, 40
Fiber width (mm) - 2-5 -
Thickness (mm) - 1-1.5 -
Water absorption capacity % 230 150 270
3.2 Samples preparation and test methods increases peak stress and reduces post-peak strength
loss. Samples reinforced with natural fibers fail at the
The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test highest strain level (because the inclusion of the
was used to evaluate the performance of reinforced fibers contributes to an increase in axial strain)
and non-reinforced soil strength according to ASTM compared to the unreinforced samples and changes
D2166. This test is commonly used in geotechnical the behavior of the soil from brittle to more ductile as
engineering to find the approximate strength of in Fig 3. The main reason for reducing brittleness and
cohesive soil because it is quick and economical. The increasing stress values of soil samples reinforced
distribution technique for short natural fibers was with natural fibers is an effect called the bridge effect.
randomized to a group of 36 samples. The soil The fibers act as bridges (particularly fibers that pass
samples were oven dry at 105 ˚C (for 24 h), and then through cracks) and are responsible for the tension in
any clamps and soil aggregations were crushed using the soil sample when cracks increase due to stresses,
rubber steel and sieved with a diameter of 2 mm to as in Fig 4. Consoli et al. demonstrated that fiber
form a pulverized dry powder. The samples were reinforcement in soil has a significant effect by
prepared with natural fibers of different content changing failure patterns by preventing the
(Pf=0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% of soil mass weight propagation of tension cracks [25].
ratio) and lengths (Lf=20 mm, 30 mm and 40 mm).
The dry soil powder was mixed by hand with the 4.2 Effect of fiber content on UCS value
desired amount of water ( = 15%) . Then, the
The relationship between the fiber content and the
fibers of the specified length and content were added
UCS values is shown in Figure 5.
until homogeneous in the mixture. After mixing, the
mixture of moist soil and fibers was placed in a The compressive strength values of soil samples
cylindrical mold with a diameter of 33 mm and a reinforced with natural fibers are more than that of
height of 71 mm by compacting it evenly in three non-reinforced soils except for samples reinforced
layers. For each layer, the number of blows required with IF at a content of 0.75% and 1% with a length of
was 25 to achieve the target density in a standard 40 mm. The compressive strength values increase to a
Procter test. The inner part of the mold was coated specified value and then gradually decrease with
with oily materials before applying the soil and fiber increasing fiber content. All soil samples reinforced
mixture to reduce deformations in the samples when with natural fibers had the optimal fiber content of
extracting. The specimen was then carefully removed 0.5%. The values of the compressive strength of soil
from the mold and put to use for testing. samples reinforced with PF were the highest due to
the roughness of the surface of the fibers, which led
4. Results and Discussion
to an increase in the interlocking between the soil
4.1 Effect of fiber inclusion on soil behavior particles and the surface of the fibers ( increase
interfacial shear resistance). Tang et al. conducted an
The stress-strain relationship resulting from the experimental study to investigate the micromechan-
unconfined compression strength (UCS) test of ical properties of the fiber/soil by using a scanning
unreinforced and reinforced samples with short electronic microscope (SEM) and demonstrated that
natural fibers of various lengths and content is shown the interfacial shear resistance of the fiber/soil is
in Fig 2. The results observed that the stress of fiber- primarily determined by the soil particle
reinforced soil samples was significantly increased rearrangement resistance, effective interface contact
compared to unreinforced soil samples. It can be area, fiber surface roughness, and soil compositions
observed that the inclusion of short natural fibers [26].
 350
Un-reinforced soil
300
SF= 20 mm
SF=30 mm 250

Stress Kpa
SF=40 mm 200
PL=20 mm 150
PL=30 mm 100
PL=40 mm 50 Pf=0.25%
IF=20 mm
0
IF=30 mm 0 0.025 0.05 0.075 0.1 0.125
IF=40 mm (%) Strain

450
Un-reinforced soil
400
SF=20 mm
350
SF=30 mm 300
Stress Kpa

SF=40 mm 250
PL= 20 mm 200
PL=30 mm 150
100
PL=40 mm
50 Pf=0.5%
IF=20 mm
0
IF=30 mm 0 0.025 0.05 0.075 0.1 0.125
IF=40 mm (%) Strain

450
Un-rrinforced soil
400
SF=20 mm
350
SF=30 mm 300
Stress Kpa

SF=40 mm 250
PL=20 mm 200
PL=30 mm 150
100
PL=40 mm Pf=0.75%
50
IF=20 mm
0
IF=30 mm 0 0.025 0.05 0.075 0.1 0.125
IF=40 mm (%) Strain
 450
Un-reinforced soil
400
SF=20 mm
350
SF=30 mm 300

Stress Kpa
SF=40 mm 250
PL= 20 mm 200
PL=30 mm 150
100
PL=40 mm Pf=1%
50
IF=20 mm
0
IF=30 mm 0 0.025 0.05 0.075 0.1 0.125
IF=40 mm (%) Strain

Fig 2. Stress-strain response of fiber reinforced soil

Fig 3. Failure patterns with fiber content. (a) without fiber, (b) 0.25%, (c) 0.5%, (d) 0.75%, (e) 1%.

4.3 Effect of fiber length and UCS value

The relationship between the fiber length and the

UCS values is shown in Figure 6.

The compressive strength values of soil samples

reinforced with natural fibers are greater than that of
non-reinforced samples except for samples reinforced
with IF at a length of 40 mm with a fiber content of
0.75% and 1%. The optimum fiber length for
reinforced samples is 30 mm. The UCS values of
reinforced samples at 40 mm length are the lowest
compared to other lengths. The compressive strength
Fig 4. Natural fiber along tension cracks (bridge
values of soil samples reinforced with PF at 30 mm
effect).
length are the greatest, followed by SF and IF.
 SF PF IF Non-reinforced soil

Compressive strength ( kpa )

420

340

260

180

100
0.25 0.5 0.75 1
Fiber content ( % )

(a) fiber length of 20 mm

SF PF IF Non-reinforced soil
Compressive strength ( kpa )

420

340

260

180

100
0.25 0.5 0.75 1
Fiber content ( % )

(b) fiber length of 30 mm

SF PF IF Non-reinforced soil
420
Compressive strength ( kpa )

340

260

180

100
0.25 0.5 0.75 1
Fiber content ( % )

(c) fiber length of 40 mm

Fig 5. Relationship between compressive strength values and fiber content

 SF PF IF Non-reinforced soil

420

Compressive strength ( kPa )

340

260

180

100
20 30 40
Fiber length ( mm )

(a) fiber content of 0.25%

SF PF IF Non-reinforced soil

420
Compressive strength ( kpa )

340

260

180

100
20 30 40
Fiber length ( mm )

(b) fiber content of 0.5%

SF PF IF Non-reinforeced soil

420
Compressive strength ( kpa )

340

260

180

100
20 30 40
Fiber length ( mm )

(c) fiber content of 0.75%

 SF PF IF Non-reinforced soil

420

Compressive strength ( kpa )

340

260

180

100
20 30 40
Fiber length ( mm )

(d) fiber content of 1%

Fig 6. Relationship between compressive strength values and fiber length.

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