Utilization of Waste Plastic Shreds for Stabilization of Soil

Abstract

When soil available for construction is not suitable for the intended purpose, then soil stabilization is required. In this study, two soil samples were collected from Margoa, Goa State and were reinforced with waste plastic shreds. These plastic shreds were obtained from plastic packaging waste which would cause a major disposal problem for the environment. Waste plastic shreds were added in varying percentages like 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% to the soil samples as a reinforcement material. From compaction test, maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) were determined and shear strength parameters (cohesion and friction) were obtained from box or direct shear test. For the first soil sample, there was a decrease in MDD, OMC, and cohesion and a slight increase in friction with an increase in the percentage of reinforcement. For the second sample also, almost the same results were obtained that means decrease in MDD, OMC, and cohesion and a slight increase in friction with increase in the percentage of reinforcement. The decrease in maximum dry density of soil must be due to low specific gravity of plastic shreds. Also it has been observed that adding beyond 10% of plastic waste would not vary much in MDD value. The present work concluded that the stabilized soil could be utilized for roadways, parking areas, site development projects, airports, and many other situations where subsoils are not suitable for construction.