UTILIZATION OF BOTTLED PLASTIC WASTE FOR STRENGTH IMPROVEMENT OF SOIL

Abstract

Due to an inefficient and faulty waste collection and transit system, a large amount of plastic waste fails to reach landfills or incinerators. Recycling plastic waste from water bottles has become one of the major challenges worldwide. The present study provides an approach for the use of plastic waste as reinforcement material in soil. To study effect of size and shape, plastic chips of different sizes (4mm x 12mm and 5mm x 15mm) had been used. A series of unconfined compression(UCC), direct box shear tests and swell pressure tests have been performed at four different percentages of fibers (0%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0% by dry weight of soil) to determine stress-strain and swelling behavior of plastic waste mixed soil and the influence on plastic waste on shear strength of soil has been observed. The experimental results in the form of stress-strain response are presented. Based on experimental test results, it is observed that the strength of soil is improved significantly with addition of a small percentage of plastic waste to the soil. The improvement in strength due to inclusion of plastic waste can be advantageously used in bearing capacity improvement and settlement reduction in the design of shallow foundations and pavement design on a weak soil.