MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF KAOLINITE FIBER SOIL COMPOSITE

The mechanical properties of a kaolinite/fiber soil composite were eva luated by a series of laboratory unconfined-compression, splitting-ten sion, three-point-bending, and hydraulic-conductivity tests. The inclu sion of randomly distributed fibers significantly increased the peak c ompressive strength, ductility, splitting tensile strength, and flexur al toughness of kaolinite clay. The increase in strength and toughness was a function of fiber length and content, and the water content of the composite. Increasing fiber content increased the compressive and tensile strength, and the toughness index of kaolinite clay, with the effect being more pronounced at lower water contents. The contribution of fibers to peak compressive and tensile strengths were reduced, and ductility increased, with increasing fiber length. The fiber inclusio n increased the hydraulic conductivity of the composite and the increa se was more pronounced at higher fiber contents. Despite the increase, the hydraulic conductivity of the composite was still low enough to b e considered for some landfill applications.