A Study on Durability Characteristics of Natural Fiber Reinforced in Weak Soil

Abstract

Engineers are often faced with the problem of constructing facilities on or with soils, which do not possess adequate strength to support the loads imposed upon them either during construction or during the service life of the structure. Stabilization of soils with low-bearing capacity is an economical way to strengthen the earth for construction purposes. Use of natural fibre in civil engineering for improving soil properties is advantageous as they are cheap, locally available, biodegradable and eco-friendly. The natural fiber reinforcement causes significant improvement in CBR values, Unconfined Compressive Strength of the soil and Durability characteristics of the soil and other engineering properties of the soil. The natural fibers are bio-degradable hence it is necessary to treat the fibers with chemically. In the present study sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solutions are used to increase the durability of the coir and jute fiber. The strength and durability of fibers treated with Sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide are studied and among these chemicals sodium hydroxide offered better durability and hence delays in degradation.