The mechanics of fibre-reinforced sand

Abstract

Fibres can be an effective means of reinforcing soils. This paper presents data from laboratory triaxial tests on quartzitic sand reinforced with polypropylene fibres. By keeping the studied composite consistent throughout the study (host sand and fibre characteristics kept constant), it has been possible to develop a framework of behaviour for the sand–fibre material, which provides a solid base for future research on fibre-reinforced soils. Data from previous work and from new tests have been analysed within the Critical State framework, that is in terms of normal compression line, critical state line and state boundary surface.