The Effect of Polymeric Fibers on the Mechanical Properties of Cement-Stabilized Clay Soils in Northern Iran

An experimental study was undertaken to investigate the effects of two types of fibers, Acrylic and Polyamide, on the of soil. In the present investigation, soil samples were prepared with four fiber contents and two cement contents. Next, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), indirect tensile, flexure, direct shear, durability, and one-dimensional consolidation tests were performed considering 7 and 28�days curing periods. The results indicate that the addition of 0.3% to cement-clay mixture causes an increase of 59% and 54% in flexural and tensile strength, respectively, compared to those of untreated soil. Moreover, the addition of more than 0.1% has shown to change the brittle of soil to amore ductile one. Finally, it has been identified that the simultaneous use of cement and polymeric fibers can be considered as an effective strategy to improve the studied clay soils