Experimental Analyses of the Effect of Polypropylene Fibers on Consistency Limits and Permeability of Clays

Abstract

Fine soils in general are characterized by their high plasticity and low permeability, thus posing significant challenges in civil engineering projects due to their susceptibility to swelling and shrinkage. This study aims to evaluate the influence of polypropylene fibers on the physical and hydraulic characteristics of a silty clay from the Mila region in Algeria, known for its high plasticity. The properties of the unreinforced soil were initially characterized, followed by mixtures with varying proportions of polypropylene fibers (2%, 4% and 6% of dry weight). Atterberg limit and permeability tests were carried out for each mixture. This experimental approach offers relevant observations to understand the behavior of clays stabilized by polypropylene fibers, emphasizing the specific impact of the 6% fibrous fraction on the physical performance of the material. Which leads to a reduction of 6.89% in the plasticity of clays, as well as a very significant increase in the permeability of the reinforced soils. The findings of this study are essential to guide future applications of polypropylene fibers in civil engineering and construction field involving complex soils.