Influence of physical and biochemical composition of three cellulose fibers on cracking of soil

Abstract

Different soil improvement techniques have been used to intensify the engineering properties of soil. Three different lignocellulose fiber-reinforced (jute, coir and water hyacinth (WH)) have been explored on the desiccation potential of compacted clayey silt coil. The experimental methodology involved the mixing of fibers with soil at requisite amount and subjecting them to natural environment with controlled irrigating. The controlled irrigation comprised of 15 wetting/drying cycles for 105 days. Parameters like matric suction and water content were focused upon and recorded along with the surface crack formation. The data obtained from the field experiments were analyzed using the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach, which is developed in house using C++ language. From the analysis, it can be comprehended that coir is more effective as a reinforcement due to its multifilament nature and higher lignin content which is suitable in resisting crack formation. Further, optimization analysis and sensitivity analysis suggested mechanism of cracking for each fiber.