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Sustainable Stabilisation of Expansive Clay with Shredded PET Fibers: Multi-Scale Performance and Microstructural Analysis
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Researchers incorporated recycled PET fibers into expansive clay soil at dosages up to 1.2% by weight and found that 1.0% PET content increased unconfined compressive strength by 37%, more than doubled soaked bearing capacity, and reduced swelling by 15%, offering a lower-carbon alternative to conventional cement-based stabilization.
Expansive clay soils present major challenges for infrastructure due to their high swelling potential and low bearing capacity. While conventional stabilisers, such as lime and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), are effective, they are environmentally unsustainable due to their high carbon footprint. This study examines the potential of shredded recycled polyethene terephthalate (PET) fibres as a low-carbon alternative for stabilising high-plasticity clays. PET fibres were incorporated at dosages ranging from 0% to 1.2% by dry weight, and their influence on compaction characteristics, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR), swelling behaviour, and microstructure was evaluated through laboratory testing and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Among the tested mixes, the 1.0% PET content exhibited the highest measured performance, resulting in a 37% increase in UCS, a 125% enhancement in unsoaked CBR, more than a two-fold increase in soaked CBR, and a 15% reduction in the Differential Free Swell Index (DFSI). SEM analysis indicated the formation of a three-dimensional fibre matrix, which improved particle interlock and reduced microcrack propagation. However, higher fibre dosages caused agglomeration and macrovoid formation, which adversely affected performance. Overall, the findings suggest that the inclusion of PET fibres can enhance both geotechnical and environmental performance, providing a sustainable stabilisation strategy that utilises plastic waste while reducing reliance on OPC.
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Comprehensive Review of Geotechnical Engineering Properties of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Fibers and Strips for Soil Stabilization
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This review synthesizes research on using recycled PET plastic fibers and strips as soil reinforcement in geotechnical engineering, finding that PET additions consistently improve shear strength, bearing capacity, and settlement resistance, while offering an environmentally beneficial second life for one of the most widely discarded plastic types.
Expansive Soils Stabilized with Recycled Polypropylene Fibers: An Assessment Based on Laboratory and Life Cycle Data for Mechanical and Environmental Performance
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This study demonstrates that recycled polypropylene fibers can effectively stabilize expansive clayey soils, with laboratory tests showing improved strength and reduced swelling, while life cycle assessment confirmed lower environmental impact compared to traditional soil stabilization methods.
Micronized PET as a green additive for lime stabilization of swelling soil
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Researchers investigated using micronized recycled PET plastic combined with hydrated lime to stabilize swelling soils, testing mixtures at varying PET percentages (5-10%), lime content (0-6%), and dry densities. Results showed that both PET content and lime content significantly reduced one-dimensional soil swelling, suggesting this approach offers a sustainable pathway for diverting plastic waste into construction applications.
Mechanical Performance and Microstructural Characterization of PET-Modified Cement Mortars with Metakaolin
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Researchers found that adding PET plastic flakes to cement mortars weakened mechanical performance by creating a porous interfacial transition zone, but that replacing 10% of cement with metakaolin densified this interface enough to restore compressive and flexural strength to levels matching standard mortars — enabling viable use of recycled PET in sustainable construction materials.
Construction And Demolition Waste Used in Stabilization of Expansive Soil in Road Subgrades- A Review
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Researchers review studies on stabilizing expansive clay soils with construction and demolition waste—including brick powder, crushed concrete, and plastic waste—finding consistent improvements in California Bearing Ratio and unconfined compressive strength that make treated soils suitable for road subgrades while diverting waste from landfills.
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