Application of recycled concrete aggregates for stabilization of clay reinforced with recycled tire polymer fibers and glass fibers

Abstract

The application of recycled materials for soil improvement is advantageous from the viewpoint of lowering construction costs, preventing depletion of natural resources, and reducing environmental pollutions. This experimental study investigates the application of recycled concrete aggregates to enhance the strength properties of clay soil reinforced with recycled tire polymer fibers and glass fibers. Unconfined compression and indirect tensile tests were performed on composite soils comprising clay reinforced with 0.5 % fibers and stabilized with 5 %, 10 % and 15 % recycled concrete aggregates. Laboratory findings elaborated that the increase in the RCA content and curing time would significantly improve the unconfined compressive and tensile strengths as compared to the clay. Moreover, the approximate ratio of tensile to compressive strength is a constant value for the composite soils, irrespective of fiber type, RCA amount and curing duration. Concerning the practical implications, the clay reinforced with 0.5 % fibers and stabilized with 10 % recycled concrete aggregates is strong enough after 28 days of curing to fulfill the strength requirements of subbase layers in both flexible and rigid pavements.