United States Department of Transportation
i
Evaluation of the effect of synthetic fibers and nonwoven geotextile reinforcement on the stability of heavy clay embankments.
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2003-04-01
[PDF-1.55 MB]
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Abstract:This study evaluates two methods for repairing slope surface failures of clayey soil embankments. One method involves reinforcing the cohesive soils with randomly oriented synthetic fibers; the other method incorporates non-woven geotextiles. The performance of soils reinforced using these two methods was studied in the laboratory and in the field. In the laboratory, a parametric study was conducted to compare the performances of soil and fiber-soil in terms of their shear strengths. Both a large direct shear and a standard triaxial apparatus were used to experimentally evaluate the shear strengths of the reinforced materials. The interface friction between the geotextile fabric and the soil was also evaluated using the large direct shear apparatus. The specimens of soil, fiber-soil, and fabricsoil materials were tested at various moisture contents and confining stresses. Various fiber contents were also used to evaluate their effect on shear strength. The laboratory results indicated that, in the short term, the fiber reinforcement will compensate the loss of soil shear strength caused by the increase in soil moisture content. The best results were achieved with a fiber content of 0.1% by weight.
Field evaluation included experimental repairs of failed slopes and monitoring their performance. Site investigations indicated that slope surface failures occurred when surface water trapped in fissures or cracks saturated the adjacent soils. To investigate the long-term stability, seven experimental slope sections with fiber and geotextile reinforcements were constructed at various compaction efforts and moisture contents. The performance of these slopes was monitored and the results indicated that repairing failed slopes with the non-woven geotextile was a good option to battle repetitive surface failures in slopes of high plastic soils. Accordingly, a simple procedure of repairing the slope with the low-cost material was recommended for use by maintenance crews in daily rehabilitation activities.
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