Environmental Improvement Of Geotechnical Characteristics Of Weak Soils Using Polymers And Recycled Rubber Components

Abstract

Many construction projects are required to be erected on soils characterized as weak or problematic. Weak soils need to modify and improving their properties to create a solid layer for shallow foundations and pavements. In addition, from an environmental perspective, the possible use of waste tires in soil improvement has been considered as it has few adverse environmental effects. The presence of waste rubber fiber and rubber powder has not been used in the soils improved by traditional materials, because their use leads to a decrease in the resistance of the lime concrete. In this research, the effects of adding different amounts of waste rubber and waste rubber fibers on the mechanical features of treated lime and lime-fly ash additives are investigated. Results shows that the addition of rubber powder slightly reduces the compressive strength of the improved soil. Meanwhile, the use of rubber fibers significantly improves the compressive strength, ductility, fracture strain, as well as the moduli of elasticity, bulk, and shear strength in all processing times. Also, adding 12% of waste rubber powder and 1% of rubber fibers to the lime and lime-fly ash additive can provide good and reduces adverse environmental effects.