Soil Design Exp Final 2019

Soil Mechanics 2020
FINAL EXPERIMENT
TITLE: “A study of Soil Stabilization using Polypropylene Fiber”
Objectives:
1. To increase the strength characteristic of soil by adding polypropylene fiber.

2. To determine the classification of soil, Atterberg`s limit.
3. To identify the optimum percent (%) of polypropylene fiber by conducting strength test to
various percent of fiber
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

The students shall be able to:
 Showcase their mathematical and analytical skills in solving problems with regards to their
experiment
 Apply their knowledge and skills in terms of researching and providing precise measurements
 Provide accurate data regarding to the compressive strength of the soil.
 Determine the strength properties between soil with fiber and without fiber.
Discussion:
Abstract:
The main objective of this study is to investigate the use of Polypropylene (PP) Fiber in soil
stabilization as to increase the strength of soil. Consequently, randomly distributed fiber-reinforced
soils have recently attracted increasing attention in geotechnical engineering and to evaluate the
effects of polypropylene fiber in different tests that compares the differences between unreinforced
and reinforced soil as it is why among various methods of soil stabilization, one is to reinforce the soil
with fibers. Polypropylene fiber of 24 mm in length size are going to use with varying percentage by
mass of soil as 0.5% 1% and 1.5% to test the compressive strength of the soil. Unconfined compression
tests will be carry out to draw inferences about the effect of polypropylene fibers on strength of soil.
This study will find out the optimum dosage of polypropylene fiber by analyzing the results and
obtaining the best values possible.
Technological Institute of the Philippines 1|Page

Soil Mechanics 2020
Chapter I:
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Soil Stabilization is the alteration of soils to enhance their physical properties. Stabilization can
increase the shear strength of a soil and/or control the shrink-swell properties of a soil, thus improving
the load bearing capacity of a sub-grade to support pavements and foundations. For any land based
structure, the foundation is very important and has to be strong to support the entire structure. In
order for the foundation to be strong, the soil around it plays a very critical role. So, to work with soils,
we need to have proper knowledge about their properties and factors which affect their behavior. The
process of soil stabilization helps to achieve the required properties in a soil needed for the
construction work. In India, the modern era of soil stabilization began in early 1970’s, with a general
shortage of petroleum and aggregates, it became necessary for the engineers to look at means to
improve soil other than replacing the poor soil at the building site. Soil stabilization was used but due
to the use of obsolete methods and also due to the absence of proper technique, soil stabilization lost
favour. In recent times, with the increase in the demand for infrastructure, raw materials and fuel, soil
stabilization has started to take a new shape. With the availability of better research, materials and
equipment, it is emerging as a popular and cost effective method for soil improvement. Here, in this
project, soil stabilization has been done with the help of randomly distributed polypropylene fibers
obtained from waste materials. The improvement in the shear strength parameters has been stressed
upon and comparative studies have been carried out using different methods of shear resistance
measurement. It is very expensive to replace the inferior soil entirely soil and hence, soil stabilization is
the thing to look for in these cases It improves the strength of the soil, thus, increasing the soil bearing
capacity. It is more economical both in terms of cost and energy to increase the bearing capacity of the
soil rather than going for deep foundation or raft foundation. It is also used to provide more stability to
the soil in slopes or other such places. Sometimes soil stabilization is also used to prevent soil erosion
or formation of dust, which is very useful especially in dry and arid weather.

Soil Mechanics 2020
Proposed Solution
Polypropylene fiber is a thermoplastic “addition polymer” made from the combination of

propylene monomers. It is used in a variety of applications to include packaging for consumer
products, plastic parts for various industries including the automotive industry, special devices like
living hinges, and textiles. It is white, mechanically rugged material, and its resisting to many chemical
solvents, bases and acids.
Statement of the Problem
In this study, different test would be performed to know if the polypropylene (PP) fiber can fit
greatly as a stabilizer. Will the polypropylene fiber be able to help in stabilization of soil? The following
questions would be answered according from the data and results of the tests
 What mixture (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) would give a significant increase in the compressive
strength?
 What would be the plastic limit and the liquid limit of the soil with the optimum dosage of
polypropylene?

Soil Mechanics 2020
 How this polypropylene (PP) fiber will affect the stability of soil?
Significance of the Study
This study will give a significant overview on the effective use of polypropylene fiber as solution to the
stabilization of soil to increase the strength of weak soil. The following are the people who will be benefited by
this study:
 ECONOMY – Plastic are the second largest component by weight. However, it can be used to
develop a cheaper alternative and reduce as far as possible the accumulation of used and
discarded plastic materials and transfer waste into socially and industrially beneficial raw
material using simple, low cost and environmentally friendly technology.
 ENVIRONMENT –Plastic waste is one of the problems in our environment because of high
decomposition property. It can be used as a partial auxiliary of fine aggregates in stabilization of
soil.
 INDUSTRY – This kind of soil-aggregate mixture will probably be a big help if established with
the right amount or ratio that yields high compressive strength. In line to our study, this paper
will help construction industry in developing new sustainable products in modern ways.
 RESEARCH - This will help as a future reference related in the stabilization of soil with the use of
polypropylene fiber as fine aggregates with various test
Conceptual Framework
Output
Check the result of

Process: testing and review
Input: Testing of the each result or detail of
Materials from the testing.
Polypropylene fiber Laboratory.
in the Stabilization of Indicate that the
Soil. Finalize all data and Stabilization technique
rechecking of the with Polypropylene
materials.
fiber is a very useful
method for ground
improvement.
Soil Mechanics 2020
Scope and limitation
The definition of the researcher’s study is the alteration of soils to enhance their physical
properties. Stabilization can increase the compressive strength of a soil and thus improving the load bearing
capacity of a sub-grade to support pavements and foundations. this study complied with the first semester, year
2019. Focusing in using the polypropylene fiber as an additive concrete. The researchers believed that
Polypropylene will help increase in fiber content that will cause strength to the soil to form a much better and
concrete foundation to strengthen the structure. The scope of this study will be conduct on areas in Lipa,
Batangas. This research will help the local engineers to raise and innovate the psi of the structure.
This research is limited because of the lack of time, due to the researchers only having a month to prepare the
design. It is also restricted due to the financial incapability of the researchers to maximize the research in the
whole country that’s why the researchers decided to focus on some places in Lipa, Batangas.
Chapter II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
(Stabilization of Clayey Soil using Polypropylene Fiber, C. M. Sathya Priya, S. Archana, A. Bichu
Albert, A. D. Deeraj (April 2017), International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology)
According to the researchers C. M. Sathya Priya, S. Archana, A. Bichu Albert, A. D. Deeraj, with
development in the fiber content, the free swell index value of reinforced soil declines to zero at 1% of
fiber. Due to increase in the fiber content, the liquid boundary of reinforced soil increases due to the
auxiliary of soil grains by fiber. The concentrated dry density of the soil increases with the
accumulation of fiber content up to 1% of fiber and then declines with the accumulation of 1.5% fiber.
This is due to the circumstance that the dry unit weight of fiber is more than that of the soil. In view of
growth in the fiber content, the UCC values of reinforced soil surges up to 1% fiber and declines with
the accumulation of 1.5 % fiber. From this examination, it is clearly shown that the free swell index
value of the reinforced soil lessened radically which means that the soil is not exposed to any

Soil Mechanics 2020
volumetric changes with the accumulation of fiber. Hence accumulation of 1% of stabilizer was taken
as the finest percentage of PP fiber for stabilizing the soil. Also the strength of the clayey soil was
enhanced due to fiber accumulation and can be determined that PP fiber can be used efficiently for the
stabilization of clayey soil.
(The Effect of Polypropylene Fiber in the Stabilization of Expansive Soils, A. S. Soğancı (2015),
World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology)
According to A. S. Soğancı, the optimal moisture content does not display a significant change
by accumulation of polypropylene fiber whereas extreme dry density reduces as fiber content surges in
compaction tests. This can be described by the lessening of average unit weight of solids in the
combination of soil and fiber. The addition of fiber within unreinforced and reinforced soil caused a
surge in the unconfined compressive strength of expansive soil. Increasing fiber content had improved
the peak axial stress and lessened the loss of post-peak strength. For example, released compression
strength improved from 202 MPa to 285 MPa for samples reinforced with 1% fiber. The fiber
reinforced soil displays more malleable behavior than unreinforced soil. Swell percentage was reduced
as the fiber augmented. For example, it reduced from 11,60% for unreinforced samples to about 5,3%
for reinforced examples with 1% fiber. The stabilization method with polypropylene fiber is a very
beneficial method for ground development. It can be used very simply than the other stabilization
approaches in many fields of geotechnical engineering.
WASTE PLASTIC AS SOIL BEARING CAPACITY ENHANCER Ruben M. Ruiz , Renan P.

Limjuco , Ebony Joseph B. Dolino , Michelle T. llaban , Jeric N. Maratas , Mechael I. Zabala
According to their study the necessity of improving the engineering properties of soil has been
recognized; therefore, it is very important to find ways to enhance the weak soil, and using plastic
waste is one promising way of doing it. The primary objective of this study was to compare the bearing
capacity of the two types of soil (Clay and Item-201) in different concentrations of plastics, namely, at
0%, 0.5%, and 1%. Primarily, this investigation aimed to compare the California bearing ratio (CBR) of
the two types of soil each with three concentrations of plastic. This study made use of the
experimental design, specifically posttest design only to determine the effectiveness of using recycled
waste plastic as soil bearing capacity enhancer. Findings revealed that in terms of the type of soil, there
is a significant difference in California bearing ratio between clay and Item 201 (p-value < 0.05). On the

Soil Mechanics 2020
other hand, the California bearing ratio of the soil samples in various concentrations are not the same.
As with the interaction between the type of soil and the waste plastic, a two-way ANOVA reveals that
there is significant interaction between them that might have influenced California bearing ratio in the
soil (p-value < 0.05).
Mona malikzadeh (2012) , Effect of polypropylene fiber on mechanical behavior of expansive soils,
Southern Cross University.
According to Mona malikzadeh the study evaluating the effect of polypropylene fiber on
mechanical behaviour of expansive soils. The initial phase of the experimental program includes the
study of the effect of polypropylene fiber on maximum dry density and optimum moisture content
with different fiber inclusions. Dynamic compaction tests have been conducted on an expansive soil
sample with 0%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% polypropylene fiber additions (by dry weight of the soil) and
samples have been prepared with the same dry density statically. The second phase of the
experimental program focuses on the unconfined compression, tensile and one-dimensional swell
behaviour of the unreinforced and reinforced soil samples. Finally, it is concluded that mitigation of
expansive soils using polypropylene fiber might be an effective method in enhancing the physical and
mechanical properties of subsoils on which roads and light buildings are constructed.
Dilip kumar & Ashish Gupta (2014) Effect of Fiber on strength properties of soil at different depth of
soil layers,International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)
According to Dilip kumar & Ashish the use of fiber in geotechnical engineering, for soil
stabilization by providing fiber reinforcement to its advantage. Two advantage namely (a) increase in
bearing capacity of soil and (b) reduction in the erosion of top soil by water. Mass scale utilization of
fiber can be carried out specially in the area which are very important or prone to heavy damage due
to flood. The work is an attempt to check the feasibility of fiber in soil stabilization by providing fiber
reinforcement to the soil load carrying capacity of road soil increases with the increasing number of
layers of fiber in subsoil strata.
Effect of polypropylene fibres on the compressive and tensile strength of a soft soil, artificially
stabilised with binders

Soil Mechanics 2020
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Coimbra, R. Luís Reis Santos, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal b
Quinta das Lameiras, Lt13A, 3500-794 Viseu, Portugal
According to R. Luis Reis Santos the effect of binder and fiber quantity on the mechanical behavior of
“Baixo Mondego” soft soil, chemically stabilized with binders and reinforced/non-reinforced with short
polypropylene fibers. The experimental programmed was comprised by four types of tests, one to
evaluate compressive strength (unconfined compressive strength test) and three to evaluate tensile
strength (direct tensile strength test, split tensile strength test and flexural strength test). The results
indicate that increases in binder content cause an increment in the stiffness, the compressive and
tensile strength, but have a lower impact on the specimens reinforced with fibers. In general, the
addition of a low quantity of fibers to the stabilized soft soil originates a decrease in the stiffness,
compressive and direct tensile strength, a reduction of the loss of strength after peak and a change in
behavior, from brittle to more ductile. The results also reveal that the impact of the addition of fibers
on the strength depends on the strain mechanism used in each test. Therefore, in flexural strength
tests the impact of the fibers is significant, while in the direct tensile strength tests the inclusion of
fibers has a negligible effect. Relationships between the compressive and tensile strength are
presented at the end of this study, as well as between the tensile strengths evaluated from the direct
tensile strength test, split tensile strength test and flexural strength test.
“Sukkarak, Raksiri, et al. “Effect of Polypropylene Fiber on the Flexural Strength Properties of
Lightweight Foam Mixed Soil.” Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 2019, 2019, pp.
1–12., doi:10.1155/2019/1607325.”
According to Sakkara Raksiri the effect of polypropylene fiber on the flexural strength properties of
lightweight foam mixed soil (LFS). +e flexural properties of LFS comprising different proportions of
polypropylene fiber (58 mm) at different volume fractions (0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%), three different cement
contents of 100, 150, and 200 kg/m3, and densities of 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 g/cm3 were thoroughly investigated. +e
flexural performance of LFS according to ASTM C1609 was achieved after 28 days of aging. +e results show that
the flexural characteristics of LFS could be enhanced by fiber additives, as indicated by the increase in the
flexural/residual strength and equivalent flexural strength ratio. +e flexural performance is also related to the
mixing components, including the density and cement content. For the toughness behavior, the equivalent
flexural strength ratio reached up to 100%, which could be achieved with the strain-hardening specimens. +e

Soil Mechanics 2020
fiber inclusion is more efficient with an increase in the density and cement content of specimens as shown by
the overall rating of the flexural performance.
“Tang, Chao-Sheng, et al. “Desiccation Cracking Behavior of Polypropylene Fiber–Reinforced Clayey

Soil.” Canadian Geotechnical Journal, vol. 49, no. 9, 2012, pp. 1088–1101., doi:10.1139/t2012-067.”
According to Tang, Chao Sheng, Improvement of the crack resistance of clayey soils by fiber
reinforcement was investigated using initially saturated and fiber-reinforced soil specimens subjected to
desiccation. An image-processing technique was used to quantitatively describe the effect of fiber addition on
the geometrical and morphological characteristics of crack patterns. The results show that the soil desiccation
cracking behavior was significantly influenced by fiber inclusion: the crack resistance was significantly improved
and the amount of desiccation cracks was significantly reduced by fiber addition. Generally, the surface crack
ratio (surface of cracks to total surface), number of clods, average length and width of cracks, and crack network
connectivity decreased with increasing fiber content, while the average area of clods, number of nodes per unit
area, number of crack segments per unit area, crack density, and specimen integrity increased. During crack
propagation, the surface crack ratio increased with decreasing water content and finally reached stabilization.
Comparison between the surface crack ratio of the natural soil specimen and that of the fiber-reinforced soil
specimen showed that the former was always higher than the latter. The fiber length was found to have an
insignificant effect on the soil desiccation cracking behavior.
“Consoli, Nilo Cesar. “Discussion of ‘Volume Change Behaviors of Expansive Soils Stabilized with
Recycled Ashes and Fibers’ by Koonnamas Punthutaecha, Anand J. Puppala, Sai K. Vanapalli, and
Hilary Inyang.” Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, vol. 19, no. 7, 2007, pp. 616–616.,
doi:10.1061/(asce)0899-1561(2007)19:7(616). “
According to Koonnamas Punthutaecha, class F fly ash, bottom ash, polypropylene fibers, and nylon
fibers were evaluated as potential stabilizers in enhancing volume change properties of sulfate rich expansive
soils. As a part of the research evaluation, a comprehensive laboratory experimental program was designed and
conducted on two different subgrade soils from two locations in Texas. Four dosage levels of each stabilizer, two
compaction moisture content levels, and 14 days curing period were investigated. Volume change behavioral
tests including volumetric free swell, volumetric shrinkage strain, and vertical swell pressure tests were
conducted on both isolated stabilizers treated and combined ash-fiber stabilized soils. Ash stabilizers showed
improvements in reducing swelling, shrinkage, and plasticity characteristics by 20–80% whereas fibers
treatments resulted in varied improvements. In combined treatments, class F fly ash mixed with nylon fibers was
the most effective treatment on both Dallas and Arlington soils, where the soil property enhancements were

Soil Mechanics 2020
considered average-to-moderate. Possible mechanisms that resulted in the soil property improvements are
discussed along with the recommended stabilizers and their dosages for expansive soil treatments.
INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT NATURAL FIBERS ON THE STRENGTH OF

COMPRESSED STABILIZED EARTH BLOCKS (CSEB) * Bernardo A. Lejano1 and Kyle Solomon D. Pineda2
1 Faculty, Gokongwei College of Engineering, De La Salle University; 2 Graduate Student, Gokongwei
College of Engineering, De La Salle University, Philippines *Corresponding Author, received: 10 June
2017, Revised: 17 Aug. 2017, Accepted: 30 Nov. 2017
Bernardo A. Lejano and Kyle Solomon explain that the most effective combination of natural
fibers (namely coconut coir, abaca, and maguey) used as reinforcement for Compressed Stabilized
Earth Blocks (CSEB). Portland cement and 0.25% fibers by weight were used to stabilize and reinforce
CSEB, respectively. The blocks were made primarily with Manila soil and were formed using hand-
pressed machine. CSEB without fibers were first tested with varying cement contents of 6%, 8%, 10%,
and 12% by weight. This was examined to determine the practical cement content (PCC). Three
strength tests namely dry compressive strength, wet compressive strength, and flexural strength were
conducted on CSEB at PCC with different fiber combinations of coir, abaca, and maguey fibers to
determine the mix producing maximum strength. The highest dry compressive strength was obtained
with 100% maguey fiber; the highest wet compressive strength was obtained with 100% abaca fiber;
while the highest flexural strength was obtained with 17% coir fiber, 17% abaca fiber, and 67% maguey
fiber. Using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM), the maximum strengths were predicted as
follows: 100% maguey for dry compressive strength, 100% abaca for wet compressive strength, and
38.4% abaca and 61.6% maguey for flexural strength. However, the optimal mix of CSEB for three the
strength tests consists of CSEB with 42.5% abaca and 57.5% maguey. The fibers were found to improve
the performance of the block such as the strength and post-crack behavior. Furthermore, the
performances of a wall made of fiber-reinforced and unreinforced CSEB were investigated. The test
results showed a 33.79% increase in load carrying capacity of the fiber-reinforced wall compared to
unreinforced wall.
(Properties of Concrete with Waste Recycled Plastic: A Review, Babafemi, A.J., Šavija, B., Suvash, C.P. &
Anggraini, V.(2002), Review Engineering)
According to Babafemi, A.J., Šavija, B., Suvash, C.P. & Anggraini, V., it is expected that the auxiliary of natural
aggregates with waste plastic aggregates will affect the flexural, tensile, and fracture properties of concrete. The
Technological Institute of the Philippines 10 | P a g e
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study reports a steady shrinkage of flexural tensile strength with cumulative proportion of waste plastic
aggregates. A steady reduction in the flexural strength of PVC diverse concrete was testified as the percentages
of PVC content improved from 2.5% to 20%. At 120 days of testing, about 19% and 96% lower flexural strength
were observed for concrete with 2.5% and 20% PVC, correspondingly, when associated with the control mixture.
The study further exposed that for concrete samples having 20% of PVC, the surface quality was reduced. The
concrete sample surface crushed with higher content of PVC as a result of poor strength. It also testified a drop
in flexural/bending strength. The eventual splitting and flexural strength of concrete steadily lessened as the
replacement level of the PVC powder increased in concrete. This was mostly accredited to the same factors
causing a decrease in compressive strength with waste aggregate plastic accumulation, mainly the poor bond
between the aggregates and the cement matrix. After reaching the decisive strength, most plastic particles in
the concrete conditions do not fail but are debonded from the cement paste, which is supplementary evidence
of the week bond.
(Effect of Polypropylene Fibre on the Strength Characteristics of the Soils along the Yamuna River Bank in
Delhi City, Nangia, A., Nigam, S., Kumar, D.,& Tiwari, S. (May 2015), International Journal of Engineering and
Technical Research)
According to researchers Nangia, A., Nigam, S., Kumar, D.,& Tiwari, S., a valuation of the behaviour of soil mass
using casually distributed PP fibre is made to develop the stability and safe operational of structures through a
series released compression strength test, and Shear strength tests. Shearing stresses are prompted in the soil
through loaded structural members of building and when these stresses reach their limiting assessment,
deformation starts which indicates to failure of the soil mass. The shear strength of a soil is its conflict to the
deformation caused by the shear stresses acting on the laden soil. The shear strength of a soil is one of the most
significant characteristics. The shear resistance presented is made up of three parts: The structural resistance to
the soil movement caused due to the soil particles getting interconnected; the frictional resistance at the
interaction point of particles, and Cohesion / adhesion between the faces of particles. In case of cohesion fewer
soils, the shear strength is entirely reliant on upon the frictional opposition, while in others it comes from the
internal resistance as well as the cohesion. There are several tests which are used to regulate shear strength
such as Direct Shear Test (DST) or UCS etc.
Study on Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Fly Ash Slopes
Fly ash being a waste material can be utilized in construction of roads and embankments. Randomly distributed
fiber reinforced soils have recently attracted increasing attention in geotechnical engineering. At many sites,
availability of the land is a huge problem; in such situations construction of steep slope fly ash embankments is
worth considering. The polypropylene staple fiber of 1% by dry weight was used with fly ash for the
experimental work. Proctor compaction test, direct shear test, and unconfined compression test have been
performed without and with polypropylene staple fiber. Centrifuge tests have been performed at 80 %
compaction effort to observe the effect of fiber reinforcement taking two different slope angles (θ = 78.6°).
Experimental results show that due to mixing of fiber in fly ash, maximum dry density decreases and optimum
amount of water content increases. Fiber reinforcement increases the shear strength of fly ash and changes its
brittle behaviour into ductile behaviour. In case of reinforced slope there is a reduction in the vertical settlement
and it fails at higher values of ‘g’, which means that polypropylene staple fiber reinforced slopes can sustain
higher loads.

Soil Mechanics 2020
Dushyant Kumar Bhardwaj Management Trainee, Garware Wall Ropes Limited, Pune, India
J.N.Mandal Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
http://dspace.library.iitb.ac.in/xmlui/bitstream/handle/10054/687/Mandal,%20J.%20N1.pdf?sequence=3
Effects of Polypropylene Fibers on the Shear Strength of Sandy Soil
Due to the increasing cost of high quality materials needed for different geotechnical projects, engineers try to
improve the physical properties of local soils throughout different methods and techniques. The word
improvement means to increase the shear strength, reducing settlements, resists harsh environment conditions
such as thawing and freezing, and decreases or eliminates all problems associated with weak soils. Soil
stabilization could be applied to both sandy and clayey soil through mechanical and chemical methods. There
are many common methods-mechanical or chemical-found in the literatures that were used to improve the
physical properties of the soils. Showed that the increase of the compaction energy effort will increase the shear
strength properties of the clayey soils. Used gypsum as an additive for stabilization of clay against swelling. He
concluded that the gypsum can be used as a stabilizing agent for expansive clay against swelling effectively.
Indicated that the addition of lime and cement will reduce both the swell potential and swelling pressure of
expansive clayey soils. Used natural resources such as volcanic ash, ground natural lime, cement and their
combination to stabilize soil for construction application. Studied the effect of silica fume on fine grain soils
exposed to freeze and thaw. He found that the addition silica fume can be successfully used to reduce the effect
of freezing and thawing cycles on strength and permeability of fine grained soils. In addition to these methods,
other methods also exist such as wet-dry cycles and thermal methods. Recently, engineers started to use
different types of fiber in soil stabilizations. These fibers are found in the market as short, discrete materials with
different aspect ratio and they can be mixed randomly with the soil, as cement, lime, or other additives at
different percentages. The main reason of using randomly oriented fibers is to maintain strength isotropy and
the lack of potential weak planes that may develop parallel to oriented reinforcement. Studied the effect of both
aligned and randomly oriented metallic fibers on silty sand. It was found that mixing fibers with silty sand soil
will increase the peak strength and residual strength 100% and 300% respectively over the untreated soil.
Studied the effect of short polymeric fibers on crack behavior of clay subjected to drying and wetting conditions.
He concluded that the addition of fibers to the clay soil is very effective in reducing the amount of desiccation
cracking and increasing the tensile strength.
Mousa F. Attom, Adil K. Al-Tamimi
Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
https://www.scirp.org/pdf/IJG20100100006_96856577.pdf
The Effect of Polypropylene Fibre on the Behaviour of Soil Mass with Reference to the Strength Parameters
Soil stabilization may be broadly defined as the alteration or preservation of one or more soil properties to
improve the engineering characteristics and performance of a soil ,thus improving the load bearing capacity of a
subgrade to support pavements and foundation .In recent years, soil stabilization is considered of great
Soil Mechanics 2020
importance in many of the civil projects. The application of polypropylene fibers can be taken as a solution for
several geotechnical engineering problems due to their availability, low cost and durability. The curved short
fibers are randomly distributed in the soil, these reinforced soil shows more ductility compared to the
unreinforced soil. It is due to the fibres are capable of taking tensile load in soil matrix, with increasing fibre
content. The number of fibres per unit volume is increased and the acquired reinforcement benefit of fibres to
the tensile strength was therefore more pronounced. Various application of the polypropylene fiber are in the
construction of embankment, sub grade, subbase, and slope stability problems. The main aim of this study is to
evaluate the effect of polypropylene fibers on shear strength parameters of the soil. The experimental study was
carried out on compacted soil specimens with 0%,0.05%,0.15%.0.25% and 0.35% polypropylene fiber additives,
and the results of compaction, unconfined compression test were discussed.
Jesna Varghese, Remya.U. R , Snigdha.V. K, Asst.Prof. Department Civil Engineering, Royal of College of
Engineering Calicut University, Thrissur, Kerala.
https://www.ijert.org/research/the-effect-of-polypropylene-fibre-on-the-behaviour-of-soil-mass-with-
reference-to-the-strength-parameters-IJERTV5IS031301.pdf
Stabilization of Expansive Soils using Polypropylene Fiber
Current research main aim is to study the effect of adding polypropylene fiber (PPF) on the behavior of expansive
soil to reduce the swelling as percentage (0.5, 1 and 2%) of the weight of dry soil. Expansive soil used in this
research was prepared artificially by mixing Ca-based bentonite from geological survey and mining company
with sandy soil brought from Karbala city as percentage 80% bentonite to 20% sand of dry weight. Multiple
laboratory tests have been carried are (Unconfined Compression Test, One-Dimensional Consolidation Test,
Swelling Test, Sieve Analysis and Cycle Swell Shrink Test). A conventional odometer cell was modified to allow
the study of swell- shrink cycle test to be carried out under controlled temperatures and surcharge pressure. The
results showed that the increase in percentage of (PPF) led to decrease the swelling and to increase the unconfined
compression strength. The wetting and drying results of (PPF) showed that with continuous cycles the effect of
(PPF) keeps on reducing the swelling and the 2% of (PPF) produces less ratio of swell - shrink, which has
obtained higher than 57 % in the improvement factor of swell and shrink.
Sarah Adnan Hussein, Haifaa Abd Al-Rasool Ali
https://civilejournal.org/index.php/cej/article/view/1314
(Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Concrete : An Overview, S. K. Singh (December 2011), Central Building
Research Institute)
According to S.K. Singh, the raw material of polypropylene is derived from monomeric C3H6 which is only
hydrocarbon. Its approach of polymerization, its high molecular weight and the method it is administered into
fibers conglomerate to give polypropylene fibers very beneficial properties as explained:
1.There is a sterically regular atomic procedure in the polymer molecule and great crystallinity. Due to even
structure, it is known as isotactic polypropylene.

Soil Mechanics 2020
2.Chemical dryness makes the fibers resilient to most chemicals. Any chemical that will not dose the concrete
constituents will have no consequence on the fiber either. On exchange with more aggressive chemicals, the
concrete will always depreciate first.
3.The hydrophobic surface not being damp by cement paste helps to avoid split fibers from balling effect
during mixture like other fibers.
4.The water demand is nil for polypropylene fibers.
5.The positioning leaves the film fragile in the lateral course which facilitates fibrillations. The cement matrix
can therefore infiltrate in the mesh structure between the specific fibrils and create a mechanical union
between matrix and fiber.
The fibers are contrived either by the carting wire procedure with circular cross section or by extruding the
plastic film with quadrangular cross-section. They seem either as fibrillated rolls, mono filament or
microfilaments. The fibrillated polypropylene fibers are molded by expansion of a plastic film, which is parted
into strips and then slit. The fiber bundles are cut into quantified lengths and fibrillated. In monofilament
fibers, the accumulation of buttons at the ends of the fiber surges the pull out load. Further, the maximum
load and stress transmission could also be completed by twisting fibers.
(Soil Stabilization Using Polypropylene Fiber Materials Muske Srujan Teja, International Journal of
Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology (An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified
Organization) Vol. 5, Issue 9, September 2016)
In Study of Muske Teja, He Stated that The Polypropylene fiber improves the strength of the
soil, thus, increasing the soil bearing capacity. It is more economical both in terms of cost and energy to
increase the bearing capacity of the soil rather than going for deep foundation or raft foundation. It is
also used to provide more stability to the soil in slopes or other such places. Sometimes soil stabilization
is also used to prevent soil erosion or formation of dust, which is very useful especially in dry and arid
weather.
(Soil Stabilisation Using Polypropylene as Waste Fibre Material Shish Pal1 , Vinod Kumar
Sonthwal2 , Jasvir S Rattan, International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering
and Technology (An ISO 3297: 2007 Certified Organization) Vol. 4, Issue 11, November 2015)
According to this study, Due to growing concern about the disposal off plastic waste, and the
panic in the current environmentalist, the object of this thesis was chosen as “Soil Stabilisation Using
Polypropylene as Waste Fibre Material” which is one of the type of the plastic waste. In this research
work, an extensive laboratory work have been done to investigate the use of the waste fibres of the
polypropylene for the improvement of the various properties of the Clayey (CL) type of soil obtained
from Ambala City, Haryana (India). The physical properties of the “Plain Soil” as well as “Reinforced
Soil” such as Maximum Dry Density at Optimum Moisture Content, Direct Shear Strength Parameters
and Unconfined Compressive Strength have been determined with the use of waste fibres polypropylene
in variation of length of 10mm, 20mm & 30mm at different percentage 0 %, 0.15%, 0.25% & 0.35% of
waste fibre material by weight of the dry soil sample.

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(Naeini and S. M. Sadjadi,(2008) ,” Effect of Waste Polymer Materials on Shear Strength of
Unsaturated Clays”, EJGE Journal, Vol 13, Bund k,(1-12).)
According to Naeini and S. M. Sadjadi, An experimental program was undertaken to investigate the
effects of discrete short polypropylene fiber (PP-fiber) on the strength and mechanical behavior of
uncemented and cemented clayey soil. In the present investigation, 12 groups of soil samples were
prepared at three different percentages of PP-fiber content (i.e. 0.05%, 0.15% and 0.25% by weight of
soil) and two different percentages of cement content (i.e. 5% and 8% by weight of soil), and unconfined
compression and direct shear tests were carried out after 7-, 14- and 28-day curing periods. The test
results indicated that the inclusion of fiber reinforcement within uncemented and cemented soil caused
an increase in the unconfined compressive strength (UCS), shear strength and axial strain at failure,
decreased the stiffness and the loss of post-peak strength, and changed the cemented soil's brittle
behavior to a more ductile one.
(SOIL STABILIZATION BY USINGWASTE PLASTIC. N.Prakhash, D.Ajith Kumar, N.Guruvignesh,

A.Harichandra Prasath, D.Muthukumar�. April, 2018)
Soil is a major key element of the environment and all human needs in the life like food, houses,
cloths and etc., block cotton soil (clay) get high potential in swelling as well as shrinkage while
change in the moisture content. The block cotton soil is one of the major soil deposit in India
nearly 74%. Soil stabilization is a process of changing physical properties of soil to increase shear
strength, bearing capacity and etc., it’s achieved by use of controlled compaction or adding
admixtures. This new technology effectively used to meet the challenging environment. If we are
using plastic as stabilizer then, it’s remove the disposal problem in the environment as well as
increase the density and bearing capacity of the soil. In the present study was conducted at the
place of melakaraikatu, near Amman kovil, Thottiam. Randomly distributed plastic strips (0%, 2%,
4%, and 6%) are added to the soil and strength calculated by California bearing ratio test.
(Use of Plastic Product in Soil Stabilization. Sandra Tracey, September 26, 2017)
The use of plastic products has increased significantly in the recent past, with many enterprises
joining the industry and many more varieties of plastics being made. Firms consider plastics easier
and cheaper to manufacture as compared to other materials -- such as metals and stones --
because they're produced from byproducts of crude oil and can be recycled. Consumers also
consider plastics lighter, compared to other packaging materials .
(Soil Stabilization using Plastic Fibers Jasmin Varghese Kalliyath, Jithin Thomas Joy, Jeny
Merin Paul, Antony Mathew Vadakkel. June, 2016)
Rapid improvements in the engineering world have influenced the lifestyle of human beings to a
great extent. But the day to day activities of mankind are augmenting risks to the environment in

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the same proportion. Plastic wastes have become one of the major problems for the world. The
harmful gas which is being produced by them leads to tremendous health related problems. So,
effective engineering implementation of this has become one of the challenging jobs for engineers.
In recent years, researchers from various fields have attempted to solve environmental problems
caused by the production of non-biodegradable wastes like plastic. Using a geotechnical viewpoint,
this paper proposes a partial solution to a major item which piles up in the wastages i.e. Plastic. But
the primary objective of this project is to examine the potential capability of stabilizing soil using
plastic cover wastes. Various tests such as Standard Proctor, UCC were carried out with different
samples to determine the effect of plastic fibers in silty clay. The initial results obtained were
promising and supporting the fact of achieving stability of the soil. The advantages of this project
results in three folds- Utilization of natural resource (silty clay), Economy, and waste management.
Mixing of plastic waste with expansive soil helps to mitigate the volume change behavior of silty
clay. Thus the material which was considered as a curse to the environment has turned out to be a
boon to the civil engineering community. Keywords: Soil, Plastic cover, Stabilization, Optimum
moisture content (OMC)
Enhancement in Stabilization Properties of Soil Using Waste Polypropylene Plastic Fiber
According to researchers Gupta, H.K., Gupta, A.N., & Awasthi, S., there is remarkable change in
consistency limits, maximum dry density and shear strength parameters of soil. Various test conducted
on different sets of samples shows that results are in the favor of using polypropylene or plastic fiber in
an appropriate amount in soil sub grade, while a simple drawback of the use of plastic fiber in soil that
the permeability of soil is reduced little bit but overall performance of stabilized soil is good. Fiber
reinforcement will work as binding material so it can be used for strengthening of soil on erodible
areas. Reinforced soil can be used for slope stabilization and soil retaining structures. Reinforced soil
will not be prone to sudden failures; progressive failure will always be there. Overall it can be seen that
fiber reinforced soil can be used for ground improvement technique especially in engineering projects
on weaker soils. Although plastic fibers are non-degradable in nature so the stabilization takes place
for a long duration. The problem of soil erosion can be reduced by using fibers in weak soils which are
susceptible to erosion during wet weathers. Hence the sustainability of soil can be increased.
(Enhancement in Stabilization Properties of Soil Using Waste Polypropylene Plastic Fiber, Gupta,
H.K., Gupta, A.N., & Awasthi, S. (August 2017), International Journal of Engineering Technology
Science and Research)
Effect of Fibers on Properties of Clay

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According to Soundara, B.,& Senthil kumar, K.P ., compaction characteristics were studied by
conducting standard proctor tests. The tests were carried out on the soil samples containing 0%, 0.5%,
1% and 1.5% of Polypropylene in order to determine the maximum dry density and optimum moisture
content (OMC). MDD showed a decrease of 2.5 %, 8.08 % and 13.6 % respectively, for 0.5, 1 and 1.5%
addition of Polypropylene fibers to the soil. This is mainly due to the lower value of specific gravity of
Polypropylene fiber as compared to the higher value of specific gravity (2.78) of soil. This behavior can
be attributed to the reduction of average unit weight of solids in the mixture of soil and fiber. For 1.5%
addition of fibers, fibers show a narrowing trend and the MDD values. It is observed that the optimum
moisture content does not show a significant change by addition of polypropylene fiber. The study
focused on the comparison of natural and synthetic fibers on soil stabilization. The OMC of soil-fiber
mix increases with increasing the percentage of polypropylene fiber. The MDD of soil-fiber mix
decreases with increasing the percentage of polypropylene fiber. CBR value of soil is improved by
adding polypropylene fibers. The CBR values of the reinforced soil are two times greater than the
normal soil. Hence, the proportion of 1% fiber with soil may be economically used in road pavement
and embankments. (Effect of Fibers on Properties of Clay, Soundara, B.,& Senthil kumar, K.P.(May
2015), International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences)
Tri-axial Tests Research on Strength Properties of the Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Soil
According to Yun-hua Yang, Sheng-guo Cheng, Jian-yun Gu, & Xiang-hui Hu, conventional tri-
axial compression tests were carried in order to study the strength effect and mechanism on fiber
reinforced soil of the length and content for polypropylene fiber, and different length of the
polypropylene fiber (6mm, 12mm, 19mm) were added to the sand clay with the proportion of 0.1%,
0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% respectively according to the weight. It is concluded from tests that the strength and
the overall stability of the polypropylene fiber soil increase obviously compared to plain soil. In
addition, strength will improve with the increase of fiber contents firstly and then drop and it will give
play to effect of the fiber reinforcement when the content is 0.3%. At the same time, the effect of the
different fiber length isn't identical even through the content is same. The main reason is that the joint
action between occlusive friction and force of space constraint after the net structures are formed
because of the bending fiber and uniformly soil. (Tri-axial Tests Research on Strength Properties of the
Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Soil, Yun-hua Yang, Sheng-guo Cheng, Jian-yun Gu, & Xiang-hui

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Hu(2011), College of Civil Engineering and Architecture, China Three Gorges University, Yichang,
Hubei, China)
The Effect of Polypropylene Fibre on the Behaviour of Soil Mass with Reference to the Strength
Parameters
According to researchers Varghese, J., Remya, U.R. ,& Snigdha.V. K., the fiber reinforced soil
shows significant effect on the engineering characteristics and performance of a soil. The following are
the main conclusion of on the shear strength parameter of the soil by adding polypropylene fiber. The
relationship between optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of soil significantly affects
by the addition of polypropylene fiber. Maximum Dry Density increases with decreasing Optimum
Moisture Content. From unconfined compressive test, the unconfined compressive strength value of
untreated soil is 15.1 KN/m2 and the strength value increases with increase in addition of
polypropylene fiber up to 0.05% and then decreases. There is an increase of strength of about
454.37%.That may be due to increase in interfacial shear strength at 0.05 %.For higher amount of
polypropylene fiber, it shows reverse trend. The strength increases in low percentage of Product-
Possibility Frontier addition, it ensures more economical in construction. Polypropylene fiber can
potentially stabilize the clayey soil. (The Effect of Polypropylene Fibre on the Behaviour of Soil Mass
with Reference to the Strength Parameters, Varghese, J., Remya, U.R. ,& Snigdha.V. K. (March
2016), Royal of College of Engineering Calicut University, Thrissur, Kerala)
Polypropylene Fiber: Physical and Chemical Properties of Propylene
From Textile Fashion Study, it is said that polypropylene is a 100% synthetic textile fiber formed
by about 85% propylene. The propylene is the monomer of polypropylene. Propylene is a bi-product of
petroleum. It is cheaper in price than polyester. It is used as the substitute of plastic. Polypropylene is a
strong fiber. The physical properties of polypropylene are given--Tenacity: 3.5-8.0gh/den; Density: 0.91
gm/c.c; Elongation at break: 10-45%; Elasticity: Very good; Moisture Regain(MR%): 0%; Resiliency:
Good; Melting Point: 170 degrees Celsius; Ability to protest friction: Excellent; Color: White; Ability to
protest heat: Moderate; and Lusture: Bright to light. The chemical properties of polypropylene are
given--Acids: Acid does not effect on polypropylene. It has excellent protesting ability against acids;
Basic: Basic does not affect on basic; Effect of bleaching: It has enough ability to prevent the harmful
action of bleaching agent under 65 degrees Celsius; Organic solvent: Organic solvent does not cause

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harm to polypropylene during action; Protection ability against light: It loses energy by sunlight;
Protection ability against mildew: Good; Protection ability against insects: It does not affect by insects;
and, Dyes: Difficult to dye polypropylene because its moisture regain is 0%. But pigment dyeing is
possible. Polypropylene tends to be a harmful product for the environment. Although it has some
application in some special cases, they tend to ignore it for environment safety. (Polypropylene Fiber:
Physical and Chemical Properties of Propylene, Textile Engineering & Fashion Design Blog (August
12, 2012), Textile Fashion Study)
Engineering Properties of Soils Reinforced by Short Discrete Polypropylene Fiber
According to the researchers Hongtao Jiang, Yi Cai, & Jin Liu, in order to know the engineering
properties of soil reinforced by short polypropylene fiber, a sequence of tests were carried out to study
the consequence of fiber content and fiber length on the strengthening of the fiber-reinforced soil, and
also the effect of fiber additives and aggregate sizes on the engineering properties of the fiber-
reinforced soil. It was presented from test results that the unconstrained compressive strength (UCS),
cohesion, and internal friction angle of fiber-reinforced soil were better than those of the parent soil;
the UCS, cohesion, and internal friction angle of fiber-reinforced soil displayed a primary increase
followed by a fast decrease with increasing fiber content and fiber length, hence the optimal fiber
content and fiber length were found as 0.3% by weight of the parent soil and 15 mm, respectively.
Similar trends were initiated in the parent soil and the fiber-reinforced soil that the strength dropped
with an increase in aggregate size and there was an acute size for aggregate breakage between 3.5 and
7.5 mm in average diameter; the occurrence of polypropylene fiber effectively contribute to the
increase in the strength and stability of the parent soil. (Engineering Properties of Soils Reinforced by
Short Discrete Polypropylene Fiber, Hongtao Jiang, Yi Cai, & Jin Liu(June 04, 2010), Journal of
Materials in Civil Engineering Vol. 22, Issue 12)
Effect of Polypropylene Fibre on the Strength Characteristics of the Soils along the Yamuna River
Bank in Delhi City
According to researchers Nangia, A., Nigam, S., Kumar, D.,& Tiwari, S., a valuation of the
behaviour of soil mass using casually distributed PP fibre is made to develop the stability and safe
operational of structures through a series released compression strength test, and Shear strength
tests. Shearing stresses are prompted in the soil through loaded structural members of building and

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when these stresses reach their limiting assessment, deformation starts which indicates to failure of
the soil mass. The shear strength of a soil is its conflict to the deformation caused by the shear stresses
acting on the laden soil. The shear strength of a soil is one of the most significant characteristics. The
shear resistance obtained is made up of three parts: First, the structural resistance to the soil
movement caused due to the soil particles getting interconnected; second, the frictional resistance at
the interaction point of particles, and lastly, cohesion / adhesion between the faces of particles. In case
of cohesion fewer soils, the shear strength is entirely reliant on upon the frictional opposition, while in
others it comes from the internal resistance as well as the cohesion. There are several tests which are
used to regulate shear strength such as Direct Shear Test (DST) or UCS etc. (Effect of Polypropylene
Fibre on the Strength Characteristics of the Soils along the Yamuna River Bank in Delhi City, Nangia,
A., Nigam, S., Kumar, D.,& Tiwari, S. (May 2015), International Journal of Engineering and Technical
Research)
Effect of Polypropylene Fibers on the California Bearing Ratio of Air Cured Stabilized Tropical Peat
Soil
According to Behzad Kalantari, Bujang B.K. Huat and Arun Prasad, peat soil is well known to
deform and fail under a light surcharge load and is characterized with low shear strength, high
compressibility and high water content. With the rising demand from the construction industry,
utilization of these soils is required and suitable technique needs to be found out for stabilizing them.
Approach: Model study had been carried to stabilize peat soil using cement as binding agent and
polypropylene fibers as additive. Due to high natural water content of the peat soil, the stabilized peat
soil samples were kept at normal room temperature and relative humidity for air curing for 90 days.
The improvement in the mechanical strength of the stabilized samples was studied by California
Bearing Ratio (CBR) test for both, unsoaked and soaked samples. The water-cement ratio of the
samples was measured for 180 days to study the improvement in strength over time. Results: The
results of CBR tests showed an increase by a factor over 22 for unsoaked condition and 15 for the
soaked condition of the stabilized samples. With the addition of the polypropylene fibers to the
stabilized peat soil with cement not only improved the strength of the stabilized peat soil but also
contributed to considerable amount of uniformity and intactness to the stabilized peat soil samples. It
was also observed that as the curing time for the stabilized peat soil continued through 180 days the
moisture content continued to decrease as well. Thus the water-cement (w/c) ratio reduced and as a

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result of cement hydration, the strength stabilized peat soil samples increased in hardness and gained
strength through the curing period. Conclusion/Recommendations: Cement and polypropylene fibers
can be used to improve the mechanical strength of the soft peat soil by adopting air curing technique.
(Effect of Polypropylene Fibers on the California Bearing Ratio of Air Cured Stabilized Tropical Peat
Soil, Behzad Kalantari, Bujang B.K. Huat and Arun Prasad(2010) , University Putra Malaysia,
Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia )
A Study Of Soil Response Using Polypropylene As Reinforcement
According to Shantanu Rawat, Utkarsh Sharma, Vineet Vikal, and Majid Sayeed, the inclusion of
fibers causes an increase in peak shear strength and reduction in the loss of post-peak stress. Thus,
residual strength of fiber-reinforced soil is higher as compared to unreinforced soil. Shear strength
increases roughly linearly with increase in amount of fiber, then approaches an asymptotic upper limit
governed essentially by confining stress and fiber aspect ratio. Direct shear tests, unconfined
compression tests and conventional triaxial compression tests have confirmed that shear strength is
increased and post-peak strength loss is reduced when discrete fibers are mixed with the soil. In other
words, discrete, randomly distributed fiber inclusions appreciably increase the peak shear strength,
lessen the post peak strength loss, increases the axial strain to failure and in some cases change the
stress–strain behavior from strain softening to strain hardening. Fiber inclusions also hinder the
compaction process, causing a reduction in the maximum dry density of reinforced specimens with
increasing fiber content. The strength losses associated with in-service saturation are significantly
reduced with fiber reinforcement. Altogether, it is necessary to mention that research on the use of
fibers with cohesive soils has been more limited. The main reason is that while chemical binders
improve the stability of the soil, at the same time, they decrease the ductile behavior of the soil. Fibers,
in this way, help to reduce the brittleness factor of the composite soil. Availability, economical
benefits, easy to work and rapid to perform; and feasibility of using in all weather conditions are the
general advantages of short fiber composite soils. The technical benefits of using fibers in soil
reinforcement include: preventing the formation of the tensile cracks, increasing hydraulic conductivity
and liquefaction strength, reducing the thermal conductivity and weight of building materials,
restraining the swelling tendency of expansive soils; and decreasing the soil brittleness. As well, a
comprehensive literature shows that using natural and/or synthetic fibers in geotechnical engineering
is feasible in six fields including pavement layers (road construction), retaining walls, earthquake

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engineering, railway embankments, protection of slopes; and soil-foundation engineering. At final, it is
emphasized that short fiber composite soil is still a relatively new technique in geotechnical projects as
a mimics of the past. (A Study Of Soil Response Using Polypropylene As Reinforcement, Shantanu
Rawat, Utkarsh Sharma, Vineet Vikal, And Majid Sayeed(October 2018), Greater Noida, Uttar
Pradesh, India)
Optimum Use Of Polypropylene Fibers Improves Soil Properties
According to the researcher Dr. M.S. Dixit, soil being the cheapest and readily available
construction material has been popular, even though it suffers from being poor in mechanical
properties. It has been the constant endeavor of research workers to put forth innovative ideas to
improve its mechanical properties to suit the requirements of engineering structures, Vidal in 1968
postulated the new oriented concept of reinforced earth technique. Reinforced earth is a construction
material composed of soil fill, strengthened by inclusion of rods, bars, fibers or nets that interact with
the soil by means of frictional resistance and act as a coherent mass. It is used in a variety of
applications such as retaining structures, embankment, stabilization of subgrade and improvement of
soil beneath pavements and footings. Fiber reinforcement technique permits use of natural as well as
synthetic fibers for soil reinforcement. In Maharashtra black cotton soil is found in abundance which is
highly expansive soil. In present study an attempt has been made to investigate the use of
polypropylene fibers for improving properties of locally available soil. The comparison of properties of
soil with addition of varying percentages of fibers by dry weight of soil and having different aspect
ratios is also carried out. The addition of polypropylene fibers resulted in increase in optimum moisture
content and decrease in maximum dry density. Direct shear tests conducted on soil shows increase in
value of cohesion and decrease in value of angle of internal friction. With the inclusion of the fibers
increase in C. B. R. value and unconfined compressive strength is observed. (Optimum Use Of
Polypropylene Fibers Improves Soil Properties, Dr. M.S. Dixit(January 2017), Marathwada Institute Of
Technology, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India)
Dynamic Behavior of a Clayey Sand Reinforced with Polypropylene Fiber
I. Bozyigita, N. Tanrınıana, E. Karakanb, A. Sezera, D. Erdoğana and S. Altuna discussed the

results of an experimental investigation into the dynamic behavior of a clayey sand reinforced with
polypropylene fiber. The effects of fiber content and fiber length on the shear modulus and damping

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ratio was evaluated. Following are the results obtained by testing a sandy clay (SC) reinforced with
polypropylene fiber: Four different fiber contents (0.25, 0.50, 1, 2%) and three different fiber lengths
(6, 12, 18 mm) were used to investigate dynamic properties of a reinforced SC type soil. The effect of
fiber content was evaluated by dynamic shear modulus – axial unit strain – damping ratio relationships.
While increase in fiber content from 0.25 to 1%, caused an increase in dynamic shear modulus, beyond
1% fiber content, a reverse trend was experienced. The effect of fiber content on damping ratio was
also evaluated. Experimental results show that damping ratio values ranged between 15 and 25%.
Maximum and minimum damping ratio values were obtained by testing specimens reinforced using 6
mm fiber at a content of 0.25% and 18 mm fiber at a content of 2%, respectively. The results of this
study also show that largest dynamic shear modulus values were obtained by reinforcing the soil by
shorter fibers. Furthermore, damping ratio values were decreased with increasing length of fiber,
similar to damping ratio values. Similar behaviour was obtained after 5 and 10 cycles of loading; largest
damping ratio values were experienced by using fiber with length of 6 mm. (Dynamic Behavior of a
Clayey Sand Reinforced with Polypropylene Fiber, I. Bozyigita, N. Tanrınıana, E. Karakanb, A. Sezera,
D. Erdoğana and S. Altuna(2016), Izmir, Turkey)
Fiber Reinforced Soil
According to Sneha, B., the effect of stabilization on CBR value result with the addition of 0.15%
polypropylene fibers with 50% cement, this increased to 38% and 35% for unsoaked and soaked
conditions. With the addition of 50% cement, it increased to 34% for unsoaked condition and 30% for
the soaked condition. CBR (%) values of undisturbed peat and different percentage of OPC and
polypropylene fibers for the stabilized peat soil cured for 90 days. The CBR values obtained for soils
reinforced with randomly distributed polypropylene fibers is around 38% higher than the unreinforced
soil. The value of cohesion also increases due to the inclusion of fiber . The variation of cohesion with
percentage of fiber content is observed to be non-liner . The value obtained for cohesion (c) indicates
that soil obtained is of very stiff nature. In general angle of internal friction increased with fiber
content. The variation of with percentages of fiber contents leads to a conclusion that the behavior of
the fiber included soil can be non-liner variation because the reinforcement materials exhibited a
distribution with horizontal and vertical directions to the shear surface. The shear strength of fiber
reinforced soil is improved due to the addition of the waste polymer fibers and it is a non linear
function. Up to a critical fiber content shear strength increased considerably and later small reduction

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is observed. However shear values are greater than unreinforced soil. The addition of randomly
distributed polypropylene fibers resulted in substantially reducing the consolidation settlement of the
clay soil. Length of fibers had an insignificant effect on this soil characteristic, where as fiber contents
proved more influential and effective. With increase in fiber content the swelling after unloading is
reduced to almost half of the unreinforced situation. At constant fiber content the length of fiber does
not have much effect on swelling. The shrinkage limit is showing a rising graph with both the increase
in fiber content and fiber length. It indicates that the soil is susceptible to less volume change and it
has got enough tensile strength with reinforcing. Fiber reinforcement significantly reduced the extent
and distribution of cracks due to desiccation as observed by the reduced number, depth and width of
cracks. These results show that it can be used for covering waste material in containments and also can
be used for canal slopes. Hydraulic conductivity is increasing with fiber content up to particular limit.
The soil stabilization with waste fibers improves the strength behavior of unsaturated clayey soils and
can potentially reduce ground improvement costs by adopting this method of stabilization. The most
important point is the environmental concern regarding the effects of waste plastic in soil and the
problems and threats that is related with their excessive usage and disposal. This gives an effective
solution to waste treatment with the advent of soil reinforcement. (Fiber Reinforced Soil, Sneha,
B.(March 23, 2013), Retrieved from http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/sneha.ammu-
1746196-fiber-reinforced-soil/)
The Effect of Polymer-Fiber Stabilization on the Unconfined Compressive Strength and Shear
Strength of Sand
According to researchers Liu, Jin, Feng, Qiao, Wang, Yong, Zezhuo , the mixed soil stabilizer of
polyurethane organic polymer and polypropylene fiber was used to reinforce sand. The unconfined
compressive test and direct shear test were carried out to evaluate the effects of polymer-fiber
reinforced sand. The different contents of polymer and fiber were selected for the tests. The test
results indicated that polymer-fiber mixture can improve strongly the strength of sand. The presence
of polyurethane organic polymer enhances sand structural stability and the best composition of
polymer and fiber was 4% and 0.2–0.3% of dry sand, respectively. Based on the test results and images
of scanning electron microscope (SEM), the reinforcement mechanism was analyzed. The research
results can be considered as the reference for sand reinforced engineering. (Liu, Jin, Feng, Qiao, Wang,
Yong, Zezhuo. (2017, August 24). The Effect of Polymer-Fiber Stabilization on the Unconfined

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Compressive Strength and Shear Strength of Sand. Retrieved from
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/amse/2017/2370763/)
Characterization of the Effect of Recycled Polypropylene Using DOE
According to Khademi, Fateme, polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer and is one of the
most widely used polyolefin polymer, which is a well-known semi crystalline polymer. Plastics such as
polypropylene are commonly used for different applications and purposes due to their versatility;
however, it should be noted that our current approaches in plastic product production, consumption
and disposal are not sustainable and causes concerns for environment and human health. Hence,
appropriate use and disposal, especially recycling has an essential role. There are several studies
investigating the chemical and mechanical properties of polypropylene; and also there are a few
studies on the effects of multiple recycling on chemical and mechanical behavior of polypropylene;
however, there are relatively few investigations involving combination of virgin and recycled
polypropylene. To more accurately investigate the effects of the addition of different percentage of
recycled polypropylene on tensile properties of polypropylene this study was conducted. Also the
effects of annealing and glass fiber additive on recycled content polypropylene are investigated in this
study. Cold temperature effect on polypropylene properties also investigated (due to environmental
conditions in Edmonton). Hence, using design of experiment (DOE) methods, the effects of all these
factors on tensile behavior of polypropylene is carried out in detail. Also a wide angle X-ray diffraction
(WAXD) system is used to investigate on crystalline structure of the recycled content polypropylene
samples to better explain their tensile behavior. Furthermore, drop test simulations are performed on
a sample box, using the measured tensile properties at room temperature as a case study. Based on
the current experimental study, and combination with the literature reviews, it is concluded that
recycled material could be use without detrimental effect on the material properties of polypropylene.
Guidelines of this study could be useful for further studies on different materials or more
combinations. The comprehensive tensile results obtained through this study are valuable for plastic
industries and designers, which could be helpful to reduce industries, cost of material and also
recycling is one of the most environmental friendly ways to dispose plastics. Combination of DOE
methods and statistical analysis with tensile experiments and FEA simulations makes a powerful
method which could be used as a guideline for further studies, other researchers, industries and
designers to reduce cost and plastic production. (Characterization of the Effect of Recycled

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Polypropylene Using DOE, Khademi, Fateme(2015), Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2015,
University of Alberta)
The Effect Of Surface Treatment On Composite Interface, Tensile Properties And Water Absorption
Of Sugar Palm Fiber with Polypropylene Composites
According to researchers Wan Zahari, Wan Zubaidie , the rising concern towards environmental
issues besides the requirement for more flexible polymer-based material has led to increasing of
interest in studying about green composite. Sugar palm fiber (SPF) is a versatile fiber plant employed
with wide range of application such as in automotive, packaging and buildings construction. This
research was aimed to study the effect of surface treatment on composite interface, tensile properties
and water absorption of sugar palm fiber/polypropylene (SPFPP) composite by using different surface
treatments such as silane (Si), atmospheric glow discharge plasma (Agd) and maleic anhydride (Ma).
Silane treatment was carried out by using immersion method, the Agd plasma was conducted using
polymerization and lastly polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride by using melting approach. The
SPFPP composite was prepared by using injection moulding with fiber content varied from 10–30wt%.
The effect of interface enhancement on morphology, mechanical properties and water uptakes of
SPFPP composites were then investigated by using FTIR, FESEM, tensile test and water absorption test.
Overall, the outcome shows that all types of surface treatments had improved the interface of SPFPP
composite, thus improving its tensile properties compared to the benchmark untreated SPFPP (Ut-
SPFPP) composites and polypropylene. The 30wt% Ma-SPFPP composite shows the highest
improvement in tensile properties with 58% and 27% increase in the respective Young’s Modulus and
tensile strength value compared to Ut-SPFPP composite, while 10wt% Ma-SPFPP composite shows the
smallest reduction in elongation compared to Neat PP. On the other hand, the 30wt% Si-SPFPP
composite shows the lowest water absorption with 20% reduction respective to Ut-SPFPP composite.
In conclusion, the surface treatments have proven succesfull in enhancing the natural fiber-polymer
interface and improve the tensile properties of SPFPP composite with Ma-SPFPP shows the highest
improvement, followed by Agd-SPFPP and Si-SPFPP composites. (The Effect Of Surface Treatment On
Composite Interface, Tensile Properties And Water Absorption Of Sugar Palm Fiber/Polypropylene
Composites, Wan Zahari, Wan Zubaidie(2017), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia)
Optimization of Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene-based Composite.

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According to Al Herz, Youssef, polypropylene-based composites are widely used in the
industrial field, especially in automotive applications, due to their excellent mechanical properties and
low cost. This research is directed towards obtaining the optimal values of mechanical properties of
long glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene composite (LGFPP) and polymer-layered silicate
nanocomposites (PP-OMMT) for different objectives. Though the primary objective was to minimize
the cost of the composite, simulations were also performed to obtain specific desired properties of the
composite (irrespective of the composite cost). The latter simulation results are useful in designing
products where quality of the composite cannot be compromised (while the cost of the composite is
secondary). In this study, the properties that were optimized include tensile Young's modulus, flexural
Young's modulus, notched I-zod impact, and permeation. Regression models were obtained and used
to predict these properties as functions of corresponding compositions of the composites. Further,
optimization procedures were simulated using these models along with other constraints and objective
functions. Experimental study on splitting tensile strength and acoustic emission characterisitcs of
polypropylene fiber concrete. (Optimization of Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene-based
Composite, Al Herz, Youssef(2012), University of Waterloo)
Experimental Study On Splitting Tensile Strength And Acoustic Emission Characterisitcs Of

Polypropylene Fiber
According to researchers Rangang Yu ; Huang Bao ; Zhang Jian ; Wang Jialing, the polypropylene
fiber whether or not adding into water reducer under splitting tensile was studied. The results show
that the splitting tensile strength increases after adding polypropylene fiber, and the splitting tensile
strength increases with the increasing of fiber content, the enhancement ratio of splitting tensile
strength can reach 13% when the fiber content is 1.8Kg/m 3 and water reducer has an significantly
enhanced effect on the splitting tensile strength. The acoustic emission(AE) characteristics of
polypropylene fiber concrete in splitting tensile test were researched, and the results indicate that the
AE ringing accumulative number when specimens damage increases with the increasing of fiber and
enhances significantly after adding water reducer, and the AE ringing accumulative number is linear
essentially with fiber content and roughly with splitting tensile strength.(Experimental Study On
Splitting Tensile Strength And Acoustic Emission Characterisitcs Of Polypropylene Fiber, Rangang Yu ;
Huang Bao ; Zhang Jian ; Wang Jialing(2011), International Conference on Electric Technology and
Civil Engineering (ICETCE) Lushan, China)

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Strength Characteristics of Soil Fly Ash Mixtures Reinforced with Randomly Oriented Polypropylene
Fibers
In present study, polypropylene fibers were mixed with various proportions of soil fly ash mixtures to
investigate the relative strength gain in the terms of unconfined compression strength (UCS). Samples
of soil fly ash mixtures were tested in unconfined compression with 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 per cent
polypropylene fibers. The results presented show that the UCS increases with the increase in the per
cent of fibers for all the proportions of soil fly ash mixtures under consideration. Samples of soil and
soil fly ash showed significant higher increase in UCS and residual strength compared to the samples of
the fly ash. Results are, also, presented to show that the addition of polypropylene fibers increase the
residual strength of soil fly ash mixture significantly more than the increase in the UCS. Fly ash is a
waste produced from thermal power stations, which contributes to environmental pollution. A number
of studies have been conducted to investigate the influence of randomly oriented fibers on the
strength behavior of coarse grained and fine grained soils. The effect of fiber inclusion on the strength
characteristics of soil fly ash mixtures has not been reported so as much detail as in the case of the
soils. (Strength Characteristics of Soil Fly Ash Mixtures Reinforced with Randomly Oriented
Polypropylene Fibers, Pradip D. Jadhao ; P.B. Nagarnaik(29 July 2008), Nagpur, Maharashtra, India)
Assessment Of Stabilization Methods For Soft Soils By Admixtures
Soil stabilization by admixture was developed in Japan during 1970s and 1980s. The treated soil has
greater strength, reduced compressibility and lower hydraulic conductivity than the original soil. The
original technique known internationally as the deep mixing method (DMM) was developed
simultaneously in Sweden and Japan in the mid-1970s. It is an in-situ soil treatment technology
whereby the soil is blended with cementitious and/or other materials. Jet Grouting is suitable to be
used as the injection method for the DMM. It utilizes a fluid jet (air, water and/or grout) to erode and
mix the in-situ soft or loose soils with grout. The grouting method is one of the ground improvement
methods suitable for the soft soil. Chemical stabilization is the effective method to improve the soil
properties by mixing additives to soils. Selecting the right method for soil stabilizing however, depends
on several conditions like; soil type and layering, magnitude of the load, situation and type of the
project, among others. In this paper, the authors have investigated and compared the different
methods used according to their characteristics. By utilizing this information and their inter-

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relationship, it is expected that the geotechnical engineers will be in a better position to select a
suitable method to improve the soft soils and overcome their difficulties. (Assessment of stabilization
methods for soft soils by admixtures, Sina Kazemian ; Bujang B.K. Huat,( 7 Dec. 2010), 2010
International Conference on Science and Social Research (CSSR 2010), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
Properties of Polypropylene Fibres
According to Syntech Fibers, polypropylene is the lightest of all fibres and is lighter than water.
It is 34% lighter than polyester and 20% lighter than nylon. It provides more bulk and warmth for less
weight. Its resistance to sunlight: strength, colour fastness and degradation can be effectively
protected by means of stabilizers. Its effect on strength: Ultraviolet (UV) absorbers and stabilizers are
incorporated in polypropylene fibres to give them the required degree of UV resistance and stability.
All fibres are degraded by sunlight, the effect varying with their physical form. Polypropylene fibres
that are not stabilized against UV light will lose strength on exposure to sunlight, but the stabilizing
systems commonly used in polypropylene fibres impart a degree of UV resistance suitable for most
applications. Water has no effect on the strength of polypropylene fibres, whereas cotton increases in
strength when wet and the strength of viscose rayon falls quite markedly when wet. Its dimensional
stability: because polypropylene fibres absorb hardly any moisture their dimensions do not alter with
changing humidity or when they become wet. In this respect they are superior to all other fibres,
although polyester is another fibre little affected by moisture. Recyclable, ecologically friendly.
Incinerates to trace ash with no hazardous volatiles.( Properties of Polypropylene Fibres, Syntech
Fibers(2013), Karachi Webbing Company, Retrieved from
http://syntechfibres.com/polypropylene/properties-of-polypropylen-fibres/
Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Fractal Characteristics of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Soil

under Impact Loading
This paper aims to study the dynamic mechanical properties, failure patterns, fractal behaviors,
and energy dissipation of polypropylene fiber-reinforced cement soil under impact loading. Dynamic
compression tests for reinforced cement soil with different polypropylene fiber contents of 0%, 0.4%,
0.8%, and 1.2% were conducted using a 50 mm diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) device.
The static and dynamic stress-strain curves, dynamic strength increase factor (DIF), fractal behaviors,
and energy dissipation properties of polypropylene fiber-reinforced cement soil were investigated and

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analyzed. The experimental results indicated that the dynamic strength increase factor (DIF) of cement
soil increases firstly and then decreases with the increase of polypropylene fiber content from 0% to
1.2%. The maximum dynamic compressive strength of cement soil was obtained with adding 0.8%
polypropylene fiber. With the increase of polypropylene fiber content, the average particle size of
cement soil fragments has an increasing trend, whereas the fractal dimension presents a decreasing
trend. Besides, the fragmentation degree of cement soil decreases correspondingly with the increase
of polypropylene fiber content. The fractal dimension value has a linear relationship with the
polypropylene fiber content and a decreasing exponential relationship with the average particle size.
The absorbed energy per unit volume of cement soil presents an increasing trend firstly and a
decreasing trend subsequently as the polypropylene fiber content increases from 0% to 1.2%. When
the fractal dimension of cement soil is kept in the range of 2.04 to 2.15, the absorbed energy per unit
volume of cement soil increases first and then decreases. The absorbed energy per unit volume of
cement soil has a quadratic parabola relationship with polypropylene fiber content and fractal
dimension, respectively. At last, the relationship of the absorbed energy per unit volume, fractal
dimension, and polypropylene fiber content can be established, which can be used in the studies of
dynamic behaviors and fractal properties of the fiber-reinforced cement soil under impact loading.
(Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Fractal Characteristics of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Soil
under Impact Loading, Yi-xin Mo,, Jian-yong Pang, and Jin-kun Huang(July 2019), Engineering
Research Center of Underground Mine Construction, Ministry of Education, Anhui University of
Science and Technology, Huainan, Anhui 232001, China)
Effects Of Polypropylene Fiber Inclusion On The Strength And Volume Change Characteristics Of
Cement-Fly Ash Stabilized Clay Soil
An experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of polypropylene fiber

inclusions on the geotechnical characteristics of a clayey soil that was chemically stabilized with
cement and fly ash. For all stabilized soils, cement and fly ash were added at 8% and 30%, respectively.
Reinforced stabilized soil specimens were prepared at four different percentages of fiber content
(0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%) and three different fiber lengths (6 mm, 12 mm, 20 mm). Unconfined
compressive and split tensile strength tests were carried out after 7- and 28-day curing periods. The
volume change characteristics of the reinforced stabilized soil were determined using shrinkage limit
and crack reduction values. The interactions between the fiber surface and the stabilized soil were

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analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy. According to the results, the compressive and
especially the tensile strength values increased to a great extent following the addition of fiber into the
stabilized soil. The highest strength values were obtained with 0.5–0.75% content for the 12 mm-long
fibers. The shrinkage limit and crack reduction values increased with increased fiber content and
greater fiber length, whereas volume changes decreased. (Effects of Polypropylene Fiber Inclusion On
The Strength And Volume Change Characteristics Of Cement-Fly Ash Stabilized Clay Soil, M.
Olgun(May 25, 2015), Geosynthetics International)
Effect of Polypropylene Fibres on Properties of Black Cotton Soil
In the present work the use of polypropylene fibers for improving properties of black cotton
soil. The comparison of properties of soil with addition of varying percentages of fibers by dry weight
of soil and having different aspect ratios is also carried out. The addition of polypropylene fibers
resulted in increase in optimum moisture content and decrease in maximum dry density. Direct shear
tests conducted on soil shows increase in value of cohesion and decrease in value of angle of internal
friction. With the inclusion of the fibers increase in CBR value and unconfined compressive strength is
observed. Addition of PP fibers resulted in reduction in MDD in the range of 3% to 14% & Increase in
OMC from 1% to 9% due to adsorption of water particles by the surface of fibers. (Effect of
Polypropylene Fibres on Properties of Black Cotton Soil, Firake Dipeeka B, Borole Seema, Kulkarni
M.(April 2018), Civil Engineering, India International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering,
Management & Applied Science (IJLTEMAS))
Experimental Study on the Influence of Polypropylene Fiber on the Swelling Pressure Expansion
Attributes of Silica Fume Stabilized Clayey Soil
Expansive soil shows dual swell–shrink which is not suitable for construction. Several mitigating
techniques exist to counteract the problem promulgated by expansive clayey soils. This paper explored
the potential mecho-chemical reinforcement of expansive clayey soil to mitigate the effect of upward
swelling pressure and heave. The polypropylene fiber is randomly distributed in the soil for mechanical
stabilization, and the industrial residual silica fume is used as a chemical stabilizer. The experimental
analysis was made in three phases which involved tests on mechanically-reinforced expansive soil,
using randomly distributed polypropylene fibers with different percentages (0.25%, 0.50%, and 1.00%),
and which were 12 mm length. The second phase of experiments was carried out on chemical

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stabilized expansive soil with different percentages (2%, 4%, and 8%) of silica, and the next phase of
the experiment focused on the combination of mecho-chemical stabilization of the expansive soil with
different combinations of silica (i.e., 2%, 4%, and 8%) and polypropylene fibers (i.e., 0.25%, 0.50%, and
1.00%). Maximum dry density (MDD), optimum moisture content (OMC), liquid limit (LL), plastic limit
(PL), plastic index (PI), grain size, and constant volume swelling pressure tests were performed on
unreinforced and reinforced expansive soil, to investigate the effects of polypropylene fiber and silica
fume on the engineering properties of expansive clayey soil. The experimental results illustrate that
the inclusion of polypropylene fiber has a significant effect on the upward swelling pressure and
expansion property of expansive soil. The reduction in the upward swelling pressure and expansion is a
function of fiber content. These results also indicated that the use of silica fume caused a reduction in
upward swelling potential, and its effect was considerably more than the influence of fiber.(
Experimental Study on the Influence of Polypropylene Fiber on the Swelling Pressure Expansion
Attributes of Silica Fume Stabilized Clayey Soil, Nitin Tiwari OrcI D. and Neelima Satyam(15 July
2019), Discipline of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Indore 452020, India)
Effect of Polypropylene Fibres on the Compressive and Tensile Strength of a Soft Soil, Artificially
Stabilised with Binders
According to the researchers, studies the effect of binder and fibre quantity on the mechanical
behaviour of “Baixo Mondego” soft soil, chemically stabilised with binders and reinforced/non-
reinforced with short polypropylene fibres. The experimental programme was comprised by four types
of tests, one to evaluate compressive strength (unconfined compressive strength test) and three to
evaluate tensile strength (direct tensile strength test, split tensile strength test and flexural strength
test). The results indicate that increases in binder content cause an increment in the stiffness, the
compressive and tensile strength, but have a lower impact on the specimens reinforced with fibres. In
general, the addition of a low quantity of fibres to the stabilised soft soil originates a decrease in the
stiffness, compressive and direct tensile strength, a reduction of the loss of strength after peak and a
change in behaviour, from brittle to more ductile. The results also reveal that the impact of the
addition of fibres on the strength depends on the strain mechanism used in each test. Therefore, in
flexural strength tests the impact of the fibres is significant, while in the direct tensile strength tests
the inclusion of fibres has a negligible effect. Relationships between the compressive and tensile
strength are presented at the end of this study, as well as between the tensile strengths evaluated

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from the direct tensile strength test, split tensile strength test and flexural strength test. (Effect of
Polypropylene Fibres on the Compressive and Tensile Strength of a Soft Soil, Artificially Stabilised
with Binders, Antonio A.S. Correia, Paulo J. Venda Oliveira, Dione G. Custodio, Retrieved from
https://eg.uc.pt/bitstream/10316/80378/1/1-s2.0-S026611441400123X-main.pdf)
Soil Stabilization Using Polypropylene Fiber
According to the Journal of Transportation Engineering, the main objective of this study is to
investigate the use of waste fiber materials in geotechnical applications and to evaluate the effects of
waste polypropylene fibers on shear strength of unsaturated soil. Such soil needs to be stabilized to
increase its strength, durability and to prevent erosion. The Unconfined compressive strength, Proctor
test are evaluated first. Then after the effectiveness of fiber inclusion in strength characteristics of soils
are worked out through a series of UCS, Proctor tests. The results have been interpreted in terms of
stress-strain behavior, variation of failure strain-stress, effect of fiber content and other strength
parameters. This study shows that by using polypropylene fiber in varying percentage for improving
soil properties and it is advantageous because it causes significant improvement in the compressive
and shear strength of the soil. Genetic programming used to formulate models based on the measured
data. The formulated explicit GP model will be useful to determine optimum input values for achieving
safe and strong bearing strata. (Soil Stabilization Using Polypropylene Fiber. Journal of Transportation
Engineering. Retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331648560_Soil_Stabilization_Using_Polypr0pylene_Fib
er)
Review on Stabilisation of Soil Using Polypropylene as Waste Fibre Material
According to Ethesis, there is a rapid increase in generation of waste plastics all around the
world due to Economic Growth, Changing Consumption and Production Patterns. The world's annual
consumption of plastic materials has increased from around 5 million tonnes in the 1950s to nearly 100
million tonnes. Thus, presently 20 times more plastic is produced as compared to 50 years ago. In Asia
and the Pacific, as well as many other developing regions, plastic consumption has increased much
more than the world’s average due to rapid urbanization and economic development. So, with this,
more and more resources are being used to meet the increased demand of plastics, which results in
higher generation of plastic waste. After food waste and paper waste, plastic waste is the third major

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constitute at municipal and industrial waste in cities. Even the cities with low economic growth have
started producing more plastic waste due to increased use of plastic packaging, plastic shopping bags,
PET bottles and other goods/appliances using plastic as the major component. This situation gets
worsened due to the fact that they are not even aware of the ill-effects of plastic waste to
environment. Due to extremely long periods required for natural decomposition, waste plastic is often
the most visible component in waste dumps and open landfills. Plastic waste recycling can provide an
opportunity to collect and dispose off, plastic waste in the most environmental friendly way and
conversely, it can be converted into a resource. Due to growing concern about the disposal off plastic
waste, and the panic in the current environmentalist, the object of this thesis was chosen as “Soil
Stabilisation Using Polypropylene as Waste Fibre Material” which is one of the type of the plastic
waste.(Review on Stabilisation of Soil Using Polypropylene as Waste Fibre Material. Retrieved from
http://www.ijirset.com/upload/2015/november/17_Review.pdf)
Expansive Soil Stabilization using Plastic Fiber Waste Polypropylene
Expansive soil ls are often found in most of the parts of India. Black cotton soil is one of the
types of expansive soil.Soilis the basic foundation for any civil engineering structures. Expansive
soils are known as swelling soils, which posses the tendency of swelling and shrinkage with the
variation in moisture content. These soils are not good for construction as this soil causes
severe damage to the structure. To avoid these failures in engineering field soil must be
stabilized to achieve soil properties. Change in soil properties by chemical and physical means in
order to enhance the engineering properties of the soil is known as soil stabilization. The Soil is
improved using many methods and materials in geotechnical engineering. Production of non-
biodegradable waste like plastic is going on increasing in recent times. In this thesis, black cotton soil is
stabilized using waste materials like plastic waste fiber-polypropylene. Polypropylene fiber content is
available at low cost. Polypropylene which is one of the types of the plastic waste is used as
soil stabilizer. As it takes extremely long time for natural decomposition, plastic fiber waste is
mixed with expansive soil which helps in mitigating the volume change behavior. This study
provides the laboratory investigations on Strength parameters of expansive soil and reinforced soil.
Tests such as Atterberg’s limit, Compaction Test, Swell Index, CBR, and UCS Test are carried out. These
tests were conducted on different proportions of reinforced soil until optimized proportion is arrived.
Laboratory investigations are carried on black cotton soil blended with small proportions of

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polypropylene fiber content of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% by weight of dry soil. Test results
were analyzed and investigated to know the effectiveness of plastic fiber waste on Strength
characteristics of expansive soils. (Expansive Soil Stabilization using Plastic Fiber Waste ... Retrieved
from https://businessdocbox.com/Green_Solutions/67096845-Expansive-soil-stabilization-using-
plastic-fiber-waste-polypropylene.html)
Stabilization Of Clayey Soil Using Polyethylene And Polypropylene
According to Fatin Nabilah Binti Mender, a number of studies have been conducted recently to
investigate the influence of randomly oriented fibers on the geotechnical behavior of grained soils.
However, very few studies have been carried out on fiber-reinforced clayey soils. Therefore, this
experimental work has been performed to investigate the influence of randomly oriented fiber and
systematically oriented inclusion on the geotechnical behavior of clayey soils. This research evaluates
the use of waste fiber materials such as polyethylene and polypropylene fiber for the modification of
clayey soils. This investigation focuses on the shear strength of the reinforced soils with randomly and
systematically included waste fiber materials. The unreinforced soil were subjected to specific gravity
test, hydrometer test, Atterberg limits and proctor compaction and unconfined compression test to
determine the geotechnical properties. The results for the basic properties of clayey soil are as
following, optimum moisture content: 32.5%, maximum dry density: 13.43 kN/m3 , specific gravity:
2.51, liquid limit: 74.67%, plastic limit: 45.98% and plasticity index: 28.69%. However, for the
reinforced soil were subjected to unconfined compression test only in order to differentiate the shear
strength with unreinforced soil. These waste fibers improve the strength properties of clayey soils. The
UCS value enhanced with increasing percentage of polypropylene fiber and reached at optimum
content on 10% reinforcement where it showed the highest improvement of 730 kN/m2 from 650
kN/m2 and depleted when reach 20% reinforcement. For polyethylene fiber, the reinforced soil
showed the highest UCS on 20% reinforcement by 733 kN/m2 . The polyethylene and polypropylene
fibers can be successfully used as reinforcement materials for the modification of clayey
soils.(Stabilization Of Clayey Soil Using Polyethylene And Polypropylene (Fatin Nabilah Binti Mender)
Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026611441400123X)
Definition of terms

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Polypropylene Fiber (PP) – It is a synthetic fiber formed from a polypropylene melt. It is
generally much higher than polyamide fibers in elasticity and resiliency. It is
comparable to polyethylene but a little bit harder and more heat resistant. This
kind of fiber is sensitive to heat and light. Its resistance to these agents is
more determined by the effectiveness of added stabilizer.
Soil Stabilization – It is the adoption of soils to intensify their physical properties.

Improvements include the load bearing capacity of a sub-grade to support
pavements and foundations.
Fiber-Reinforced Soils – It is defined as a soil mass that contains randomly distributed,

discrete elements like fibers which provides an improvement in the mechanical
behavior of the soil mixture.
Compressive Strength - the maximum compressive stress that under gradually

applied load a given solid material will sustain without fracture
Foundation - A foundation is a lower portion of building structure that transfers its gravity
loads to the earth. Foundations are generally broken into two categories: shallow
foundations and deep foundations. A tall building must have a strong foundation if
it is to stand for a long time.
Geotechnical - investigations are performed by geotechnical engineers or engineering

geologists to obtain information on the physical properties of soil earthworks and
foundations for proposed structures and for repair of distress to earthworks and
structures caused by subsurface conditions.
Chapter III
METHODOLOGY
In this chapter the experimental design, materials and methods, treatment of data, and the decision
criteria were discussed. The main objective is to present the methodology and research design.
Research Design

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The study demonstrates the use of polypropylene fibers as a reinforce material in soil. In which,
an experimental work will be carried out to find the compressive strength of soil before and after
reinforcement. The results generated by testing of soil with different proportion (as 0% 0.5% 1% and
1.5%) Polypropylene fibers will help to find optimum dosage of polypropylene fibers in soil with similar
properties. The graph will help to understand the effect of reinforcement of Polypropylene fibers by
proportion of its weight.
Materials
Soil - The main material use for this study is soil. In this research, the soil has been from
a field located near Beverly hills subdivision at Lipa, Batangas. The soil will be tested in
different experiment to find its characteristics properties.
Polypropylene Fiber – The polypropylene fiber was use in this study is provided by
Polymer Products (Phil.) 436 EDSA, Caloocan City. Color of Polypropylene fiber is white. The
properties of the Polypropylene fiber we use are as follows.

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Physical Properties
 Color – white
 Length – 24mm
 Melting point – 150°c - 165°c
 Density – 0.91 g / c.c
 Tenacity – 3.5 – 8 g / den
Chemical Properties
 Acids: Acid does not affect on polypropylene. It has excellent protesting ability against
acids.
 Effect of Bleaching: It has enough ability to prevent the harmful action of bleaching
agent under 65 C.
 Organic Solvent: Organic solvent does not cause harm to polypropylene during action.
 Protection Ability against light: It loses energy by sunlight
 Protection Ability against mildew: Good
 Protection Ability against insects: It does not affected by insects.
 Dyes: Difficult to dye polypropylene because its moisture regain is 0%. But pigment
dyeing is possible.

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TESTING
ASTM D422-63 - Standard Test Method for Particle-Size of Analysis of Soils
Sieving of soil sample
1. . Take a representative oven dried sample of soil sample that weighs about 200-500g.
2. Using a mallet, break the soil sample into smaller pieces
3. Determine the mass of sample accurately.
4. Prepare the set of sieve and place the weighed soil sample at sieve #4 (top sieve)

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5. Make sure sieves are clean, if many soil particles are stuck in the openings try to poke
them out using brush.
6. Weigh all sieves and the pan separately.
7. Pour the portion of the soil sample into the stack of sieves from the top and place the
cover, put the stack in the sieve shaker and fix the clamps, adjust the time on 10 to 15
minutes and get the shaker going.
8. Stop the sieve shaker and measure the mass of each sieve + retained soil.
9. Create a graph in between the relation of percent finer and the particle size passed.
10. Calculate the percent retained and passing on each sieve.
11. Use the data gathered to identify the classification of soil by using the table below.
ASTM D4318-05 Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of
Soils
Liquid limit and Plastic Limit test
1. Prepare at least 250 g of representative air dry soil sample passing the no.40 sieve. Pulverize
this soil sample. Be sure to break all lumps to elemental particles.
2. Prepare at least 3 moisture tin cans. Mix the prepared sample with a small amount of water.
Mix
the sample of soil thoroughly until it becomes uniform and consistent in appearance. A major
source of error is poor mixing.
3. On the liquid limit device cup, place an amount of soil. Smooth the pat surface using the
grooving
tool. Cut a groove at the middle.
4. Fasten the brass cup to the hinge of the liquid limit device.
5. Using the 1cm. block at the end of the grooving tool, adjust the height of the fall to exactly 1
centimeter. Height of fall is very critical and as little as 0.1 cm can affect the liquid limit by
several
percent.
6. Prepare 3 different consistencies of soil based on the number of blows in the liquid limit device:
25-35, 20-30, and 15-25 blows. This is done carefully by adding water to the soil.

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7. Mix the soil sample until the consistency would require 25-35 blows to close the groove for
about
12.5 mm. Take the moisture content near the groove using 30 g of soil to determine the
moisture
content by placing in the oven. Keep the temperature at 105 degree Celsius.
8. Add additional water to test the remaining consistencies of soil. Repeat procedure 7.
9. Draw the flow curve wherein the data is recorded with the water content in the domain and
the
log N in the abscissa. The water content that would require 25 blows to close the groove is the
liquid limit of the sample.
Plastic Limit Test

1. Take a sample of 100 grams.
2. Start rolling the soil between the finger and the glass plate with adequate pressure to form a
soil thread approximately 3mm with 80-90 strokes per minute. When the diameter of the
threads of soil becomes 3mm, break the threads in smaller pieces, reform into a ball and re-roll.
Continue the re-balling and re-rolling threads crumble under pressure and soil can no longer be
rolled into threads.
3. When the threads crumbles at a diameter greater than 3mm this is satisfactory to define the
plastic limit.
4. Place the crumbled soil in a tin can until a weight of about 30grams is achieved. Do this until
two (2) samples are achieved. Place it in an oven to oven dry. Maintain the temperature at
105°C. 5. After determining the moisture content, determine its average. The result is the
plastic limit of the soil.
UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST (ASTM D2166 – 00 Section 7)

RESOURCES:
1. Unconfined compression apparatus, proving ring type
2. Proving ring, capacity 1 kN, accuracy 1N.
3. Dial gauge, accuracy 0.01 mm.
4. Weighing balance
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5. Split mould and rammers
6. Sample extractor
7. Knife
8. Vernier calipers
PROCEDURE:
1. Take the soil sample and put it in the cylindrical molder with a 20% of water
2. Take the specimen from the seals and cylindrical molds.
3. Place the specimen in the loading device so that it is centered on the bottom platen.
Adjust the loading device carefully so that the upper platen just makes contact with the
specimen.
4. Zero the deformation indicator and apply the load so as to produce an axial strain at a
rate of ½ to 2% per min.
5. Record the load at sufficient values at sufficient interval. The rate of failure should be
chosen so that the time to failure does not exceed about 15 minutes.
6. Continue loading until the load value decreases.
7. The Compressive Strength shall be calculated as follows:
σ = Compressive Strength
F = Force/Load
A = Area
A₀ = Initial Cross-sectional Area
€ = Axial strain
∆L = Deformation
L₀ = Initial Length
CHAPTER IV

Soil Mechanics 2020
DATA AND RESULT
Experimental determination of various soil properties has been carried out in accordance with their
respective American Standard testing method (ASTM). For Unconfined Compressive Strength test the soil
sample is prepared with different proportion of Polypropylene fiber such as 0.5% 1% and 1.5% is prepared.
Plain soil is also prepared for comparison of reinforced and plain sample. Three (3) samples for each
proportion is prepared and tested. Reading were noted and calculation is done and result are interpreted.
Sieve Analysis of Soil Sample

This shows the summary of results for sieve analysis of the soil from Mabolo. This is needed for the classification
of soil by using USCS
OPENING MASS % CUMMULATIVE % FINER

SIEVE NO. (mm) RETAINED RETAINED % RETAINED (PASSING)
4.00 4.75 3.40 1.71 1.71 98.29
10.00 2.00 27.50 13.82 15.53 84.47
16.00 1.18 27.85 14.00 29.53 70.47
40.00 0.43 65.90 33.12 62.65 37.35
100.00 0.15 35.50 17.84 80.50 19.50
200.00 0.08 21.50 10.81 91.30 8.70
PAN 17.30 8.70 100.00
198.95
The soil
sample of Brgy. Kayumanggi, Lipa City, Batangas gave a value 8.78% that pass through the no.200 sieve in which
it is coarse-grained soils. The next value that must be check is the passing on sieve no. 4 in which it gave a value
100
Particle Size Distribution
90
80
70
60 Particle Size Distribution
50 D60
40
D30
30
D10
20
10
0
1000 100 10 1 0.1 0.01 0.001
of 98.28% in which the result is sand.

Soil Mechanics 2020
D60 = 0.86 D30 = 0.3 D10 = 0.08

𝐷60
Uniformity coefficient ,UC = 𝐷10
= 10.75
𝐷302
Curvature coefficient ,CC = (𝐷10)(𝐷60)
= 1.31
Soil Classification using USCS
: 8.78% passed No.200 sieve < 50% - Coarse-Grained Soils
: 98.29% passes No.4 sieve > 50% - Sands
: Between 5% - 12% passes No. 200 sieve – Borderline Classification or Dual symbols
: Cu = 10.75 > 6 ok! Cc = 1.31 1 < 1.31 < 3 ok! – SW (Well graded sands)
: PI = LL-PL = 48.96 – 40.91 = 8.05 > 7 – SC (Clayey Sand)
Well graded Clayey Sands
Atterberg’s limits
Atterberg’s limits of plain soil
Liquid Limit
LIQUID LIMIT
DESCRIPTION T1 T2 T3
RANGE 15-25 20-30 25-35
NO. OF BLOWS 21 25 30
WT. OF TIN CUP 34.7 37.35 34
WT . OF TIN CUP + WET SOIL 64.7 67.35 64
WT. OF TIN CUP AND DRY SOIL 55.13 57.49 54.28
WT. OF WATER 9.57 9.86 9.72
WT. OF DRY SOIL 19.43 20.14 20.43
WATER CONTENT 49.25 48.96 47.58
LIQUID LIMIT 48.96

Soil Mechanics 2020
Liquid Limit
35
30
25
20 Liquid Limit
15 25th blow
10
0
46.00 47.00 48.00 49.00 50.00
Liquid limit of soil specimen corresponding to 25 no. of blows (WL) = 48.96%
Plastic Limit
DESCRIPTION T1 T2
WTO OF TIN CUP 34.00 36.00
WT. OF TIN CUP + WET SOIL 66.00 66.00
WT. OF TIN CUP AND DRY SOIL 56.00 58.00
WT. OF WATER 10.00 8.00
WT. OF DRY SOIL 22.00 22.00
WATER CONTENT 45.45 36.36
PLASTIC LIMIT 40.91
The average water content of plastic limit test Wp = 40.91%
Plasticity index(IP) = (WL-WP) = 57.73 – 40.91= 11.3%

Soil Mechanics 2020
Atterberg’s limits of reinforced soil
LIQUID LIMIT
DESCRIPTION T1 T2 T3
RANGE 15-25 20-30 25-35
NO. OF BLOWS 15 27 35
WT. OF TIN CUP 34 32 35
WT . OF TIN CUP + WET SOIL 88 90 102
WT. OF TIN CUP AND DRY SOIL 67 69 78
WT. OF WATER 21 21 24
WT. OF DRY SOIL 33 37 43
WATER CONTENT 63.64 56.76 55.81
LIQUID LIMIT 57.73
Liquid limit
35
30
25
Liquid Limit
20
25th blow
15
10
0
50.00 55.00 60.00 65.00 70.00
Liquid limit of reinforced soil specimen corresponding to 25 no. of blows (WL) = 57.73%

Soil Mechanics 2020
PLASTIC LIMIT
DESCRIPTION T1 T2
WTO OF TIN CUP 35 34
WT. OF TIN CUP + WET SOIL 65 64
WT. OF TIN CUP AND DRY SOIL 56 54
WT. OF WATER 9 10
WT. OF DRY SOIL 21 20
WATER CONTENT 42.86 50
PLASTIC LIMIT 46.43
The average water content of plastic limit test Wp = 46.43%
Plasticity index(IP) = (WL-WP) = 57.73 – 46.43= 11.3%
Unconfined Compressive Strength Test

This is the main purpose of the study. Throughout the three (3) sample of each proportion(0% 0.5% 1% 1.5%)
water content kept constant at 20%
Plain / Unreinforced soil sample

0% of Polypropylene Fiber
SAMPLE 1
3
2.323 2.407 2.43
2.5
2.063
STRESS (N/MM²)
2 1.609
1.5
1 0.797
0.5
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
STRAIN (%)

Soil Mechanics 2020
SAMPLE 2
3
2.447
2.5 2.302
STRESS (N/MM²) 1.996
2
1.42
1.5
1 0.729
0.5
0
0 2 4 6 8 10
STRAIN (%)
SAMPLE 3
3 2.657
2.489
2.5
1.997
STRESS (N/MM²)
2
1.458
1.5
1 0.772
0.5
0
0 2 4 6 8 10
STRAIN (%)
Graph of plain soil samples
Average Unconfined compressive stress of soil sample is (qu) = 2.511 N/mm²
The value of cohesion of soil (c) = qu/2 =2.511 /2 = 1.256 N/mm²

Soil Mechanics 2020
Reinforced Soil Sample

0.5% of Polypropylene fiber
SAMPLE 1
3 2.698
2.5
2.5 2.204
STRESS(N/MM²)
2
1.593
1.5
1 0.789
0.5
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
STRAIN(%)
SAMPLE 2
3 2.687
2.54
2.391
2.5
2.0214
STRESS(N/MM²)
2 1.653
1.5
1 0.771
0.5
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
STRAIN(%)

Soil Mechanics 2020
SAMPLE 3
2.5 2.186
1.921
2
STRESS(N/MM²)
1.592
1.5
1 0.694
0.5
0
0 2 4 6 8 10
STRAIN(%)

1% of Polypropylene fiber
SAMPLE 1
4 3.739
3.525
3.303
3.5 3.074
3 2.744
STRESS(N/MM²)
2.389
2.5
2.021
2
1.489
1.5
0.969
1
0.5
0
0 5 10 15 20
STRESS(N/MM²)

Soil Mechanics 2020
SAMPLE 2
4.5
3.765 3.865
4 3.519
3.251
3.5 3.008
STRESS(N/MM²)
3 2.673
2.241
2.5
2
1.5 1.046
1
0.5
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
STRESS(N/MM²)
SAMPLE 3
4.5
3.74 3.854
4 3.456
3.5 3.102
STRESS(N/MM²)
3 2.673
2.241
2.5
2
1.5 1.046
1
0.5
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
STRESS(N/MM²)
Graph of soil samples with 1% of Polypropylene fiber

Soil Mechanics 2020
The value of cohesion of soil © = qu/2 =3.81 /2 = 1.9097 N/mm²

1.5% of Polypropylene fiber
SAMPLE 1
4
3.373
3.28
3.199 3.254
3.5 3.024 3.151
2.857
3
STRESS(N/MM²)
2.422
2.5
2 1.624
1.5
1
0.5
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
STRESS(N/MM²)
STRESS(N/mm²)
4
3.356
3.5 3.209 3.284 3.338
3.07
2.857
3
2.329
2.5
AXIS TITLE
2
1.39
1.5
1
0.5
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
AXIS TITLE

Soil Mechanics 2020
STRESS(N/mm²)
3.5 3.098 3.168 3.21 3.094 3.0673.054
2.965
2.799
3
2.391
2.5
AXIS TITLE
2 1.559
1.5
0.5
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
AXIS TITLE
Graph of soil samples with 1.5% of Polypropylene fiber
The value of cohesion of soil © = qu/2 =3.261 /2 = 1.691 N/mm²
From the graph above and values of cohesion of soil of all sample it can be observed that the strength of the
soil get increased as the proportion of Polypropylene fiber goes increasing but after the optimum dosage of
the Polypropylene fiber it decreases on further increasing of the proportion of polypropylene fiber. In the
above result, plain soil sample has compressive strength of 2.511 N/mm². When the soil sample is reinforced
with 0.5% of Polypropylene fiber the compressive strength obtained is 2.523 N/mm². Which get further
improved when the Polypropylene fiber proportion gets on 1%. From 1% reinforcement the compressive
strength gets 3.81 N/mm². But at 1.5% of Polypropylene fiber the compressive strength obtained is 3.261
N/mm² respectively, which are less than the strength obtain with the 1% Polypropylene fiber

Soil Mechanics 2020
Comparison of samples
4.5
3.854
4 3.74
3.456 3.356
3.284 3.338
3.5 3.102 3.209
3.07
2.857
3 2.673 2.687
STRESS(N/MM²)
2.54
2.447589706
2.329 2.391
2.5 2.241 2.302398783
2.0214
1.996513609
2 1.653
1.420866066
1.39
1.5
1.046
1 0.771
0.72988393
0.5
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
STRAIN(%)
0% 0.50% 1% 1.50%
The average maximum stress 3.81 N/mm2 is obtained at 1% of PP fiber

Comparison of Strength of Samples
Average Compressive Stress
Sample % of
Polypropylene fiber 0% 0.50% 1% 1.50%
qu (N/mm²) 2.511 2.523 3.81 3.261

Soil Mechanics 2020
Compressive Stress (qu)

4.5
3.81
4
COMPRESSIVE STRESS (QU)

3.5 3.261
3 2.511 2.523
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0% 0.5% 1% 1.5%
% POLYPROPYLENE FIBER
So, when the fiber length of 24mm used with soil similar properties proportion of 1% of Polypropylene mus
give better strength.
Statistical Treatment
0% 0.50% 1% 1.5%
1 2.431 2.698 3.739 3.373
2 2.448 2.687 3.865 3.356
3 2.657 2.185 3.854 3.211
Anova: Single Factor
SUMMARY
Groups Count Sum Average Variance
Column 1 3 7.534919 2.51164 0.015817
Column 2 3 7.570329 2.523443 0.086125
Column 3 3 11.45848 3.819492 0.004854
Column 4 3 9.939569 3.31319 0.007931
ANOVA
Source of Variation SS df MS F P-value F crit
2.84E-
Between Groups 3.684663 3 1.228221 42.82237 05 4.066181
Within Groups 0.229454 8 0.028682
Soil Mechanics 2020
Total 3.914117 11
∝= 0.05 (𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑝ℎ𝑎 𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝐴𝑁𝑂𝑉𝐴)
Figure 3.5 shows the summary of accumulated data needed for the F-Test or One Way
Anova Factor Test. The table shows the necessary data to calculate the F critical value in a
one way analysis of variance to statistically define the study and provide significant data. The
variable k will be representing how many groups are involved in the study. The variable x will
be representing the length of head used in the research.
Statement of the null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis where the null hypothesis states
that there is no significant difference in the mean of the scores (x) in each group, while the
alternative hypothesis states that there is a significant difference in the mean of the scores in
each group.
ℎ𝑜 = 𝜇1 = 𝜇2 = 𝜇3 = 𝜇4
ℎ𝛼 = 𝜇1 ≠ 𝜇2 ≠ 𝜇3 ≠ 𝜇4
Determination of the degree of freedom of between groups and within groups (where
groups k represents the number of design mixes used in the study)
𝑑𝑓𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 = 𝑘 − 1 = 4 − 1 = 3
𝑑𝑓𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 = 𝑁 − 𝑘 = 12 − 4 = 8
𝑑𝑓𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 11
𝐹𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 4.0662 (𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑑 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑇𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝐹 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑏𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)
Determination of the mean in each group involved in the study as well as the grand mean is
shown using the formula used below.

Soil Mechanics 2020
𝑆𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = Σ(𝑥 − 𝑥)2 = 3.914117
𝑆𝑆𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 = Σ(𝑥1 − 𝑥1 )2 + Σ(𝑥2 − 𝑥2 )2 + Σ(𝑥3 − 𝑥3 )2 + Σ(𝑥4 − 𝑥4 )2 = 0.229454
𝑆𝑆𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 = 𝑆𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 − 𝑆𝑆𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 = 3.684663
Determination of the variance between groups and variance within groups is shown using
the formula of mean squared below.
𝑆𝑆
𝑀𝑆𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 = 𝑑𝑓𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 = 1.228221
𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛
𝑆𝑆
𝑀𝑆𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 = 𝑑𝑓𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 = 0.028682
𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛
𝑀𝑆𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛
𝐹= = 42.82237
𝑀𝑆𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛
𝐹 > 𝐹𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 = 42.82237>4.0662 ℎ𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒 ℎ𝑦𝑝𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑑

Soil Mechanics 2020
4.000
3.500
Compressive stress
3.000
2.500
2.000
1.500
1.000
0.500
0.000
0% 0.50% 1% 1.5%
Polypropylene fiber proportion
1 2 3
Computation:
Reading for UCS for all samples are as follow:
Plain Soil

Soil Mechanics 2020
Sample 1
STRAIN AREA
DEFORMATION LOAD e = ∆L/L₀ A= A₀/(1-e) STRESS
(mm) (N) (%) (mm²) (N/mm²)
1 1580 0.984 1982.507 0.79697
3 3255 2.952 2022.71 1.60923
5 4260 4.921 2064.599 2.06335
7 4897 6.889 2108.236 2.32279
9 5186 8.858 2153.782 2.40786
11 5351 10.827 2201.339 2.43079
Initial length
(mm) 101.6
Initial
diameter
(mm) 50.8
initial area
(mm²) 1963
initial weight
(g) 401
initial water
content 20%
Sample 2

Soil Mechanics 2020
DEFORMATION LOAD STRAIN e = AREA A= STRESS

(mm) (N) ∆L/L₀ (%) A₀/(1-e) (mm²) (N/mm²)
1 1447 0.984 1982.507 0.729884
3 2874 2.952 2022.71 1.420866
5 4122 4.921 2064.599 1.996514
7 4854 6.889 2108.236 2.302399
9.2 5283 9.0551 2158.45 2.44759
Initial
length
(mm) 101.6
Initial
diameter
(mm) 50.8
initial area
(mm²) 1963
initial
weight (g) 401
initial water
content 20%
Sample 3
STRAIN AREA
(mm) (N) (%) (mm²) (N/mm²)
1 1530 0.984 1982.507 0.7717501
3 2950 2.952 2022.71 1.4584394
5 4124 4.921 2064.599 1.9974823
7 5247 6.889 2108.236 2.4888106
9.15 5734 9.0551 2158.45 2.6565359

Soil Mechanics 2020
Initial length
(mm) 101.6
Initial diameter
(mm) 50.8
initial area
(mm²) 1963
initial weight
(g) 401
initial water
content 20%
Reinforced soil (0.5%)

Sample 1
STRAIN AREA
(mm) (N) (%) (mm²) (N/mm²)
2 1580 1.969 2002.427803 0.789042
4 3255 3.937 2043.450652 1.592894
6 4598 5.906 2086.211661 2.203995
8 5327 7.874 2130.777414 2.500027
10.6 5914 10.433 2191.655409 2.698417
Initial length
(mm) 101.6
Initial
diameter
(mm) 50.8
initial area
(mm²) 1963
initial weight
(g) 401
initial water
content 20%

Soil Mechanics 2020
Sample 2
STRAIN AREA
(mm) (N) (%) (mm²) (N/mm²)
2 1544 1.9685039 2002.41767 0.77106791
4 3378 3.9370079 2043.45082 1.65308603
6 4217 5.9055118 2086.20084 2.02137777
8 5094 7.8740157 2130.77778 2.39067633
10 5531 9.8425197 2177.30131 2.54030068
12.2 5995 12.007874 2230.88143 2.68727863
Initial length
(mm) 101.6
Initial
diameter
(mm) 50.8
initial area
(mm²) 1963
initial weight
(g) 401
initial water
content 20%
Sample 3
STRAIN AREA
(mm) (N) (%) (mm²) (N/mm²)
2 1389 1.968504 2002.417671 0.693661
4 3254 3.937008 2043.45082 1.592404
6 4012 5.905512 2086.200837 1.923113
7.9 4650 7.775591 2128.503735 2.184633

Soil Mechanics 2020
Initial length
(mm) 101.6
Initial diameter
(mm) 50.8
initial area
(mm²) 1963
initial weight
(g) 401
initial water
content 20%
Reinforced soil (1%)
STRAIN AREA
(mm) (N) (%) (mm²) (N/mm²)
2 1940 1.9685039 2002.417671 0.968828845
4 3042 3.9370079 2043.45082 1.488658289
6 4217 5.9055118 2086.200837 2.021377772
8 5090 7.8740157 2130.777778 2.388799082
10 5974 9.8425197 2177.30131 2.743763563
12 6842 11.811024 2225.901786 3.073810374
14 7521 13.779528 2276.721461 3.303434403
16 8213 15.748031 2329.915888 3.525019956
17.9 8910 17.61811 2382.805257 3.739290055
Initial length
(mm) 101.6
Initial diameter
(mm) 50.8
initial area
(mm²) 1963
initial weight (g) 401
initial water
content 20%

Soil Mechanics 2020
Sample 2
STRAIN AREA
(mm) (N) (%) (mm²) (N/mm²)
2 2095 1.968503937 2002.417671 1.046235274
4 4580 3.937007874 2043.45082 2.241306694
6 5576 5.905511811 2086.200837 2.672801152
8 6410 7.874015748 2130.777778 3.008291182
10 7079 9.842519685 2177.30131 3.251272558
12 7833 11.81102362 2225.901786 3.519023189
14 8572 13.77952756 2276.721461 3.765063116
16.9 9101 16.63385827 2354.672963 3.865080264
Initial length
(mm) 101.6
Initial diameter
(mm) 50.8
initial area (mm²) 1963
initial water
content 20%
Sample 3
AREA A=
DEFORMATION LOAD STRAIN e = A₀/(1-e)
(mm) (N) ∆L/L₀ (%) (mm²) STRESS(N/mm²)
2 2095 1.96850394 2002.417671 1.046235274
4 4580 3.93700787 2043.45082 2.241306694
6 5576 5.90551181 2086.200837 2.672801152
8 6610 7.87401575 2130.777778 3.102153622
10 7524 9.84251969 2177.30131 3.455654009
12 8325 11.8110236 2225.901786 3.7400572
12.86 8662 12.6574803 2247.473518 3.854105479

Soil Mechanics 2020
Initial length
(mm) 101.6
Initial diameter
(mm) 50.8
initial area
(mm²) 1963
initial water
content 20%
Reinforced soil (1.5%)
Sample 1
AREA
DEFORMATION LOAD STRAIN A= A₀/(1-e) STRESS
(mm) (N) e = ∆L/L₀ (%) (mm²) (N/mm²)
3 3284 2.9527559 2022.72617 1.6235514
6 5052 5.9055118 2086.20084 2.4216269
9 6153 8.8582677 2153.78834 2.8568267
12 6732 11.811024 2225.90179 3.0243922
15 7256 14.76378 2303.01155 3.1506572
18 7632 17.716535 2385.6555 3.1991207
21 8052 20.669291 2474.45161 3.2540543
24 8429 23.622047 2570.1134 3.2796218
25.1 8793 24.704724 2607.06928 3.3727527
Initial length
(mm) 101.6
Initial diameter
(mm) 50.8
initial area
(mm²) 1963
initial weight
(g) 409
initial water
content 20%

Soil Mechanics 2020
Sample 2
STRAIN AREA
(mm) (N) (%) (mm²) (N/mm²)
3 2811 2.9527559 2022.726166 1.3897086
6 4860 5.9055118 2086.200837 2.3295935
9 6153 8.8582677 2153.788337 2.8568267
12 6833 11.811024 2225.901786 3.0697671
15 7390 14.76378 2303.011547 3.2088419
18 7834 17.716535 2385.655502 3.2837935
21 8259 20.669291 2474.451613 3.3377092
24.4 8670 24.015748 2583.430052 3.3560034
Initial length
(mm) 101.6
Initial
diameter
(mm) 50.8
initial area
(mm²) 1963
initial weight
(g) 414
initial water
content 20%

Soil Mechanics 2020
Sample 3
AREA
DEFORMATION LOAD STRAIN e = A= A₀/(1-e) STRESS
(mm) (N) ∆L/L₀ (%) (mm²) (N/mm²)
3 3154 2.9527559 2022.726166 1.559281752
6 4989 5.9055118 2086.200837 2.391428434
9 6030 8.8582677 2153.788337 2.799718012
12 6601 11.811024 2225.901786 2.965539649
15 7136 14.76378 2303.011547 3.09855155
18 7558 17.716535 2385.655502 3.168102013
21 7945 20.669291 2474.451613 3.210812432
24 7953 23.622047 2570.113402 3.094415987
27 8201 26.574803 2673.469169 3.067549869
29.2 8413 28.740157 2754.707182 3.05404511
Initial length
(mm) 101.6
Initial
diameter
(mm) 50.8
initial area
(mm²) 1963
initial weight
(g) 409
initial water
content 20%
σ = Compressive Strength
F = Force/Load
A = Area
A₀ = Initial Cross-sectional Area
€ = Axial strain
∆L = Deformation
L₀ = Initial Length

Soil Mechanics 2020
Summary
Soil reinforcement is one of the soil improvement techniques. Soil may be weak in strength that`s
why it is necessary to improve its strength to build infrastructure on it. Reinforcement of fibers in soil is
one of the methods of soil reinforcement. In this study, Polypropylene fibers are used. Specific 24 mm
length of fiber is used to study its effect on UCS of soil. Soil sample were collected from Lipa, Batangas. Test
to determine the soil characteristics has been performed. The test are sieve analysis, Atterberg`s limit and
Unconfined Compressive Strength test. From that soil has been classified as Well graded sand.
Unconfined Compressive strength test were also performed. For UCS Test proportion of fibre reinforcement of
0.5%, 1%, 1.5% are adopted. Plain sample without reinforcement was also tested. Three samples of each
type were tested. Water content was kept as 20% throughout the test. Graphs were prepared for each sample
for better undedrstanding. Results are obtained as the strengths get improve when fibre proportion gets
increases to a certain point. After that, the strength get decreases.
Conclusions:
Classification of Soil
The soil has been classified as Well graded clayey sand.
Unconfined Compressive Strength
The researchers concluded that the use of Polypropylene fibers as admixtures is effective in soil
stabilization. The compressive strength significantly increased to 0.5% of Polypropylene fiber that obtained
2.523 N/mm2 and get further improved when the Polypropylene fiber proportion gets on 1%. From 1%
reinforcement the compressive strength gets 3.81 N/mm2 improved. When the Polypropylene fiber proportion
gets on 1%. But at 1.5% of Polypropylene fiber the compressive strength obtained is 3.261 N/mm². Based on the
results, it is therefore concluded that an ideal percentage of Polypropylene fiber is 1% by weight of soil
Future Scope
This study deals with constant length of fibre and constant water content. Further study can be
done with different lengths of fibers with varying water content. Different lengths of fibers can also be mix
together and can be use as reinforcement.

Soil Mechanics 2020
Recommendation:
The researchers recommended that Polypropylene fiber is good enhancer to stabilized soil, at
the same time, it is an environment friendly material. This is also available in market.
Documentation:
Soil Classifications

Soil Mechanics 2020
Design Experiment:

Soil Mechanics 2020

Soil Design Exp Final 2019

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Soil Mechanics 2020

1. To increase the strength characteristic of soil by adding polypropylene fiber.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

Technological Institute of the Philippines 1|Page

Background of the Study

Technological Institute of the Philippines 2|Page

Polypropylene fiber is a thermoplastic “addition polymer” made from the combination of

solvents, bases and acids.

Statement of the Problem

Technological Institute of the Philippines 3|Page

Significance of the Study

Check the result of

Scope and limitation

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Technological Institute of the Philippines 5|Page

WASTE PLASTIC AS SOIL BEARING CAPACITY ENHANCER Ruben M. Ruiz , Renan P.

Technological Institute of the Philippines 6|Page

Technological Institute of the Philippines 7|Page

Technological Institute of the Philippines 8|Page

“Tang, Chao-Sheng, et al. “Desiccation Cracking Behavior of Polypropylene Fiber–Reinforced Clayey

Technological Institute of the Philippines 9|Page

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT NATURAL FIBERS ON THE STRENGTH OF

Study on Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Fly Ash Slopes

Technological Institute of the Philippines 11 | P a g e

Effects of Polypropylene Fibers on the Shear Strength of Sandy Soil

Mousa F. Attom, Adil K. Al-Tamimi

Stabilization of Expansive Soils using Polypropylene Fiber

Sarah Adnan Hussein, Haifaa Abd Al-Rasool Ali

Technological Institute of the Philippines 13 | P a g e

4.The water demand is nil for polypropylene fibers.

Technological Institute of the Philippines 14 | P a g e

(SOIL STABILIZATION BY USINGWASTE PLASTIC. N.Prakhash, D.Ajith Kumar, N.Guruvignesh,

Technological Institute of the Philippines 15 | P a g e

Enhancement in Stabilization Properties of Soil Using Waste Polypropylene Plastic Fiber

Effect of Fibers on Properties of Clay

Technological Institute of the Philippines 16 | P a g e

Technological Institute of the Philippines 17 | P a g e

Polypropylene Fiber: Physical and Chemical Properties of Propylene

Technological Institute of the Philippines 18 | P a g e

Engineering Properties of Soils Reinforced by Short Discrete Polypropylene Fiber

Technological Institute of the Philippines 19 | P a g e

Technological Institute of the Philippines 20 | P a g e

A Study Of Soil Response Using Polypropylene As Reinforcement

Technological Institute of the Philippines 21 | P a g e

Optimum Use Of Polypropylene Fibers Improves Soil Properties

Dynamic Behavior of a Clayey Sand Reinforced with Polypropylene Fiber

I. Bozyigita, N. Tanrınıana, E. Karakanb, A. Sezera, D. Erdoğana and S. Altuna discussed the

Technological Institute of the Philippines 22 | P a g e

Fiber Reinforced Soil

Technological Institute of the Philippines 23 | P a g e

Technological Institute of the Philippines 24 | P a g e

Characterization of the Effect of Recycled Polypropylene Using DOE

Technological Institute of the Philippines 25 | P a g e

Optimization of Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene-based Composite.

Technological Institute of the Philippines 26 | P a g e

Experimental Study On Splitting Tensile Strength And Acoustic Emission Characterisitcs Of

Technological Institute of the Philippines 27 | P a g e

Assessment Of Stabilization Methods For Soft Soils By Admixtures

Technological Institute of the Philippines 28 | P a g e

Properties of Polypropylene Fibres

Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Fractal Characteristics of Polypropylene Fiber-Reinforced Soil

Technological Institute of the Philippines 29 | P a g e

An experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of polypropylene fiber