RECYCLED CRUSHED PLASTIC WASTE STRIPS (PWS) FOR IMPROVING EXPANSIVE CLAY

Authors

  • Zeena W. Samueel
  • Khalid W. Abd Al-Kaream
  • Kawther Y. AL-Soudany

Keywords:

Free Swell, Swelling pressure, Plastic waste strips, Expansive soil, Bentonite

Abstract

Many geotechnical problems may arise when dealing with soils of high swelling pressure. The present study recommends the application of plastic waste strip (PWS) materials to mitigate these challenges through the improvement of expansive soil. In order to prepare the expansive soil, natural earth obtained from Nahrawan was mixed with 70% Bentonite by weight. A detailed experimental program was carried out to assess the influence of incorporating four varying percentages of PWS (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) by weight on the properties of expansive soil. The results of these additions were analyzed in comparison to those of untreated soils. After mixing dirt with a strip, several physical tests are conducted to examine the qualities of the soil. Specific gravity, consistency limits, compaction characteristics, free swelling, and swelling pressure were studied. When the prepared soil was treated with plastic waste strips (PWS), the results demonstrate how adding PWS decreased the specific gravity value, increased the plastic limit (PL), decreased the plasticity index (PI), and increased the liquid limit (LL). These results suggest that adding PWS could improve the current physical properties of soil. The maximum water content (O.M.C.) and the Standard Proctor Compaction Test (SPCT) marginally reduced the ideal percentage of plastic waste strips, which was found to be 8%, which in turn reduced the free swell and swell pressure in considerable percentages. The outcome demonstrated that adding plastic waste strips to expansive soils improved their geotechnical qualities, and these findings will help engineers and decision-makers who use this additive. So waste plastic strips is considered an eco-friendly and cost-effective material for stabilization.

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Published

2025-01-17

How to Cite

Zeena W. Samueel, Abd Al-Kaream, K. W., & Kawther Y. AL-Soudany. (2025). RECYCLED CRUSHED PLASTIC WASTE STRIPS (PWS) FOR IMPROVING EXPANSIVE CLAY. GEOMATE Journal, 28(125), 101–108. Retrieved from https://geomatejournal.com/geomate/article/view/4760