Enhancing compressive strength of soil using natural fibers: Fid-Bau Portal

Enhancing compressive strength of soil using natural fibers

Sharma, Vandna / Vinayak, Hemant K. / Marwaha, Bhanu M.

Highlights • Sandy clay soil of district Hamirpur has low compressive strength of 190kN/m². • Stabilization with fibers Grewia Optivia and Pinus Roxburghii proposed. • 180 samples prepared and tested for standard proctor and UCS test. • Samples tested as per Indian standards for 7D, 14D, 28D, 56D and 90D period. • Results indicate increased compressive strength of soil using both proposed fibers.

Abstract Present study focuses on improvement of compressive strength properties of adobe popularly used in rural houses in district Hamirpur of state Himachal Pradesh of north India. Initial investigations reveal that soil is Sand Clay with low compressive strength. In order to improve the compressive strength, stabilization with natural vernacular fibers of Grewia Optivia (Beul) and Pinus Roxburghii (Chir Pine) reinforcement is proposed. Varying proportions of fibers of both types as 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% randomly distributed in the sample along with 2.5% cement has been used for stabilization. In total 180 samples of both stabilized and un-stabilized compositions were prepared and laboratory tested in accordance with Indian standards for unconfined compression tests conducted after period of 7days, 14days, 28days, 56days and 90days. The results indicated that fiber reinforcement with Grewia Optivia (Beul) and Pinus Roxburghii (Chir Pine) increased the compressive strength of soil by about 94–200% and 73–137% respectively for different proportion of fibers. Furthermore tensile strength of fibers of Grewia Optivia (Beul) was found to be higher than that of Pinus Roxburghii which would be effective in construction in seismic activity. Checking the durability of specimens of same compositions has been identified as follow up research.