Improvement of Soil Properties by Basalt Fibre Reinforcement-Paper

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The study evaluated randomly distributed basalt and polypropylene fibres as reinforcement for Dhanori clay. Laboratory tests examined consistency limits, compaction, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and consolidation. Fibre contents were 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% of dry soil weight.<br /><br />Fibre inclusion had little practical effect on the clay’s liquid limit, plastic limit, or plasticity index. It slightly increased optimum moisture content and generally reduced maximum dry density, with the density reduction less pronounced for basalt fibre. Both fibre types increased soil strength and changed its failure behaviour from brittle toward more ductile. The reported shear-strength improvement was about 17% for basalt and 25% for polypropylene; polypropylene generally produced the greater strength gain. Strength responses were not consistently linear as fibre content increased.<br /><br />Basalt fibre did not significantly affect compressibility over the tested range. In contrast, polypropylene-reinforced soil showed greater compressibility at higher fibre contents under higher consolidation pressures. For both fibres, permeability and the coefficient of consolidation generally increased, potentially allowing faster drainage and consolidation in the field.<br /><br />Overall, basalt fibre improved the engineering properties of the clay, though it did not match polypropylene’s strength performance. The authors highlight basalt’s lower cost and environmental advantages, and suggest it may be suitable where the observed improvements meet design requirements. Because the findings come from laboratory testing of one clay, field verification is needed before broader application.

Keywords

basalt fibre

polypropylene fibre

Dhanori clay

soil reinforcement

unconfined compressive strength

compaction properties

consolidation

plasticity index

shear strength improvement

compressibility