Improvement of Geotechnical parameters fine soils using Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Geo-textile admixtures

Abstract

Due to rapid increase in plastic waste from bottles, polythene bags and packing strips the waste disposal is
becoming a problem. Attempts been made to utilize this waste plastic as a geotechnical material to solve both the
geotechnical as well as environmental problem. Soil reinforcement is used for a wide range of ground improvement schemes
in geotechnical engineering applications that include backfill for earth retaining structures, failed slopes, landfill liners and
covers, stabilization of soil and sub-grades for footings and pavements. The aim of the research is to study the effect of the
additives (Low density polyethylene (LDPE), High density polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene) on the stability and the
increase of bearing capacity of selected soil. The physical, chemical and designing properties of soil was contemplated and
the soil was treated with added admixtures of LDPE, HDPE and polypropylene with the goal of stabilizing the local soil. The
stabilization or modification of soil is done by blending of additives with the soil at the rate of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%
individually. The tests conducted to evaluate soil behavior are Atterberg limits (liquid limit, Plasticity index, Plastic limit),
Moisture content, specific gravity, sieve analysis and Direct shear test. The results demonstrated that the gradation of soil is
fine grained from the particle size analysis. Plasticity index (P.I), Liquid limit (L.L) and plastic limit (P.L) were shown
reduction with the addition of admixtures. It was discovered that the Cohesion C diminished, the angle of internal friction
was improved with the addition of admixtures. It was concluded that the parameters are increasing with the addition of these
admixtures up to some limit and then shows reduction in their content. The investigation demonstrated that the best stabilizer
for the contextual investigation is Low density polyethylene (LDPE), High density polyethylene (HDPE) and Geo-textile
(Polypropylene).