Utilizing a new columnar inclusion approach to treat loose and granular soils

Abstract

This study introduces an innovative method to improve the load-bearing properties of loose fine-grained soils, mitigate geodynamic stress-related risks to supported structures, and address the issue of end-of-life tire waste. This technique involves blending shredded end-of-life tires with sandy soil and compacting the mixture into sand-rubber compacted piles (SRCP), thereby enhancing both the soil's load-bearing capacity and its ability to absorb energy. As per the ASTM classification system, the sand used in this study falls into the category of fine to medium poorly graded sand, with particle sizes ranging from 4.75 mm and an average particle size (D50) of 0.2 mm. An experimental program was devised to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of this composite material. Field plate load tests (FPLT) were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the proposed technique, taking into account factors such as the initial relative density of the soil, the ratio of rubber to sand (R/S) in the mixture, and the distribution of piles in the surrounding environment. The results from the plate load tests revealed that when SRCP was applied to soil with a relative density of 40 %, the ultimate load-bearing capacity increased by 100 %.