Utilization of polymer fibers and crushed limestone sand for stabilization of expansive clays in Amman area

Abstract

This research aims to improve the physical and mechanical properties of sprawling brown clay, which represents a serious difficulty for construction in Jordan, in particular in the middle and northern regions. Experimental work was conducted using different materials such as polymer fibers, crushed limestone sand, and Type 1 OPC cement mixed with clay at predetermined ratios. Stabilization standard tests were carried out and compressive strength, consistency limits, and shear strength parameters were measured in addition to some physical characteristics. The obtained results showed an improvement in all mechanical properties of the treated clay. The most important being the free swelling, which was reduced significantly by about 6%, i.e. from 7.45 to 1.56% when polymer fibers added to the clay, while the unconfined compressive strength was increased from 1.68 to 5.0 kg/cm2 in soil fiber mixtures. Also, there was a remarkable improvement in the cohesion, from 0.84 to 1.98 kg/cm2 and the angle of internal friction (φ) increased from 12° to 21°. Almost similar results are obtained for other mixes using limestone sand and type 1 cement.