Assessing the impact of plant fibers on swelling parameters of two varieties of expansive soil
Ahlam El Majid, Khadija Baba, Yassine Razzouk
Abstract
This study aims to assess plant fibers' efficacy in reducing soil swelling in expansive conditions. Testing on clay and marl soils included incorporating incremental amounts (1%, 3%, 9%, and 18%) of Alfa, jute, and sisal fibers. Without fibers, significant soil swelling occurred, but their inclusion effectively mitigated the issue. Sisal fibers showed the highest effectiveness at 18%, followed by jute fibers, and then Alfa fibers. Combining different fiber types improved overall stability. Clay soils outperformed marl soils. Findings highlight the cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness of plant fibers as a solution against soil swelling.
Topics & Concepts
Expansive claySwellingMarlSISALExpansiveSoil waterClay soilMaterials scienceFiberGeotechnical engineeringComposite materialEnvironmental scienceGeologySoil scienceCompressive strengthStructural basinPaleontologyGeotechnical Engineering and Soil StabilizationSoil Management and Crop YieldNatural Fiber Reinforced Composites