Variation in Coefficient of Consolidation and Modulus of Elasticity Values of Clayey Soil Randomly Reinforced with Sand

Abstract

In India about one-fifth of the area is covered by clayey soil. This soil behaves like a soft soil under wet/saturated condition. There are a number of methods available to stabilize this type of soft soil such as soil replacement, sand cushion, cohesive non-,swelling layer, mechanical, chemical and thermal stabilization, soil reinforcement, etc. Recently, the use of reinforced soil has been developed to improve the behavior of soil in geotechnical engineering. Reinforced soil can be obtained by either incorporating continuous reinforcement inclusions within the soil mass in a defined pattern or mixing discrete fibers randomly within a soil fill (i.e. randomly reinforced soils). Sand is a common reinforcing material that can be easily applied to the soil. It is a proven fact that geotechnical properties of soil can be improved by adding sand into the soil.

In the current study, the behavior of clayey soil randomly reinforced with sand have been evaluated through laboratory tests. A series of one dimensional laboratory consolidation tests and triaxial shear tests were conducted to study the changes in coefficient of consolidation and modulus of elasticity of clayey soil reinforced with sand. The results indicate improvements in the values of coefficient of consolidation and modulus of elasticity.