Investigational Study on the Influence of Polypropylene Fiber and Copper Slag in the Stabilization of Clayey Soil

Abstract - The use of plastic items, including bottles made of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), has expanded dramatically in recent years, which could result in a number of environmental problems. Finding ways to handle these waste products without endangering the environment is crucial. Utilizing plastic waste as materials for soil stabilization is one of these techniques. Polypropylene Fiber (PP) has been used as a fiber in this investigation. Standard laboratory tests were conducted in order to assess the stabilization's impact. Among the tests were the California Bearing Ratio (CBR), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and standard compaction test. The main purpose of this study is to find the best way to combine clay soil with copper slag and polypropylene fiber. A comparison of virgin soil, soil including copper slag, and soil containing copper slag and polypropylene fiber is made in order to examine engineering properties like liquid limit, plastic limit, maximum dry density, California Bearing Ratio Test, and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS). Polypropylene fiber is utilized in varying amounts, such as 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%, in conjunction with three distinct combinations of copper slag at 15%, 20%, and 25%. The UCS and CBR rise as the amount of Copper Slag added to Polypropylene Fiber increases, according to the analysis of these experiments. The highest values of UCS and CBR were found at 1.5% Polypropylene Fiber and 15% Copper Slag. As a reinforcing material, polypropylene fiber intermixed with soil helps to bind soil particles together, and the "bridge effect" of fiber reinforcement in soil prevents stress cracks from spreading further. Key Words: Compaction test, CBR, UCS, Copper Slag, Polypropylene Fiber