Effects of Discrete Short Polypropylene Fibers on Behavior of Artificially Cemented Kaolinite

To meet construction demands, reinforcement and stabilization methods have been widely used to improve properties and mechanical behavior of clays. Although cement stabilization increases soil strength, at the same time reduces ductility which is of paramount importance in roads, landfill covers, etc. In the current study, kaolinite was stabilized with 1, 3, and 5 % cement and mixed with 0.05, 0.15, 0.25, and 0.35 % polypropylene fibers to increase ductility. Samples were cured at 35 degrees C for 1, 7, and 28 days and subjected to unconfined compression tests. Results showed that the inclusion of discrete fibers to uncemented and cemented kaolinite reduced stiffness and the loss of post-peak strength and changed brittle behavior of cemented samples to a more ductile behavior. Cement and fiber contents as well as curing period were found to be the most influential factors, and fiber-soil interaction was influenced by binding materials.