Improvement of Strength Parameters of Sand Reinforced with Polymeric Fibers

Triaxial consolidated drained, unconfined compression, and CBR tests have been conducted in order to study the stress-strain, strength, and volume change characteristics of fine sand specimens reinforced by polymeric fibers made from carpet wastes. The variables are aspect ratio (length/width) and weight percentage of the fibers. The results indicate that the peak strength and total volume change of reinforced specimens increase whereas the maximum elastic modulus decreases as the fiber content increases. The rate of increase in the peak strength and total volume change, however, diminishes with increasing the fiber content. The effect of increase in the aspect ratio on results is similar to that of the fiber content.