Swelling potential and shrinkage potential of stabilized swelling soil using fine sand and fiber through wetting and drying cycles

Clay soils, particularly swelling soils, have long been a significant concern for geotechnical engineers. In this study, the swelling potentials during wetting cycles and the shrinkage potentials during drying cycles were investigated. These cycles were simulated using a specially manufactured model designed to simulate natural conditions. The simulated tests were conducted on remolded specimens collected from a site near Cairo, Egypt. Additionally, the simulated tests were conducted to investigate the effects of adding fine sand and fiber with different proportions to the swelling soil. The specimens used in the simulation tests were prepared and placed in specimen rings with maximum dry density and optimum moisture content. The results showed that there is a reduction in the swelling potential and shrinkage potential with an increasing number of cycles until equilibrium is reached. The test results show that the greatest reduction in swelling potentials for all specimens occurred after the first cycle. During the first wetting cycle, the swelling potential reduced from 29.35% to 23.55% with the addition of fine sand and from 29.35% to 18.75% with the addition of fibers. Similarly, during the first drying cycle, the shrinkage potential reduced from 13.80% to 13.23% with the addition of fine sand and from 13.80% to 9.56% with the addition of fibers. The fibers used in this study were obtained by shredding expired car tires into small pieces.