Um Hydromechanical Behavior and Crack Formation Process in Expansive Soil Reinforced with Green Coconut Fibers

Hydromechanical Behavior and Crack Formation Process in Expansive Soil Reinforced with Green Coconut Fibers

Abstract

Green coconut fibers discarded in unsuitable locations become environmental liabilities. In this research, the feasibility of reusing coconut fibers as reinforcement in expansive soil in Paulista/PE is investigated through laboratory experiments, in a sample of compacted soil and in mixtures with coconut fibers in weight proportions of 0.25%; 0.50%; 1.00% and 2.00%. Tests were carried out on: granulometry, consistency limits, compression, expansion tension, hydraulic conductivity and analysis of crack formation due to drying. The potential for expansion, with the addition of fibers, there is a reduction in the soil expansion tension from 101.7 kPa for natural soil to 25.8 kPa for soil with 1% coconut fiber, a reduction of 74.63%. The tensile strength due to diametral compression increases 42% when adding 2% fiber to the natural soil. In relation to simple compression, it showed an increase in maximum tension of 57.49%. Hydraulic conductivity does not change, values ​​do not exceed permeability (10^-9 m/s). The crack intensity factor (CIF) decreases as the fiber content increases. The insertion of green coconut fibers into the expansive soil improves all investigated geotechnical characteristics of the expansive soil.