Using environmentally friendly geotextiles for soil reinforcement: A parametric study

Abstract

Built environment protection is important because construction represents a major contribution to climate change, resource depletion and pollution at a global level. Global strategy for more sustainable construction is a significant step towards a more successful, socially and environmental friendly atmosphere making a strong contribution to the better quality of life signaled by sustainable development strategy. The brightest sustainable strategy in ground engineering is the consideration of substituting the use of biodegradable materials as substitute to the non-biodegradable (man-made materials) in a situation where there is requirement for short-term ground improvement. The most important properties of biodegradable geotextiles such as vegetable fibres for soil reinforcement are their high initial tensile strength. Widespread use of biodegradable fabrics in ground engineering has not happened due to the limited service life of these fabrics and availability of chemical fibres, which are superior to vegetable fibres. The overall aim of this paper demonstrates the potential for the use of sustainable biodegradable vegetable fibres over man-made polymeric materials in ground improvement.