SOIL STABILIZATION WITH DISCRETE FIBRILLATED POLYPROPYLENE FIBERS

It is noted that mixing discrete fibrillated polypropylene fibers with chemically stabilized sand or clay soils improves the life of materials in pavement layers. The paper shows how these improvements have been demonstrated through unconfined compression, triaxial and flexural beam tests in laboratories, increased number of passses to failure in field tests, and through several projects and applications in North America. In most cases, 1-inch-long, discrete fibers are mixed or blended into soil. During the process, the fibrillated fibers open into net, grid and fiber configurations to provide a mechanical means to reinforce the soil. This technology enhances the in-situ soil to create a new homogeneous fiber-reinforced composite. The paper describes recent research, soil testing and determination of dosage rates, as well as field tests. Study observations are described, and recommendations based on the results are presented.