Characterization of Strength and Stiffness Parameters of Clayey Soil Partially Replaced with Plastic Granules

Objectives: In the present study, recycled plastic granules that are available as a raw material to plastic industries are utilized to investigate their role in influencing the shear strength and stiffness parameters of the clayey soil. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Undrained Tri-axial tests are performed on various samples of clayey soil that are partially replaced with recycled plastic granules at different percentages (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5%) by the weight of dry soil. Findings: Plastics contribute major portion of waste generated by human civilization. As these materials are non-biodegradable, they have considerable life and huge potential in providing solutions to complex engineering problems. In geotechnical engineering applications, researchers are motivated to use plastic wastes either as an alternative to or as a partial replacement of the conventional materials. The experimental results have clearly shown a significant improvement in the shear strength parameter cohesion (c) parameter although there was some compromise on the other parameter angle of internal friction (φ) of the soil – plastic granules mixtures.Application/Improvements: Bearing capacity and slope stability can be improved by adding plastic granules in clayey soil.