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Application of plant-derived fibers in soil reinforcement on experimental, numerical, and case study scales: a review

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Abstract

The use of natural rather than artificial materials is of considerable interest in sustainable geotechnics. This review study focused on soil reinforcement with plant fibers and explored the behavior and performance of plant fiber-reinforced soil by random distribution as an effective method for soil improvement. The behavior of fiber-soil composites is essentially governed by the mechanical characteristics of synthetic fibers, but plant fibers have intrinsically distinct properties from synthetic ones. Biochemical and mechanical features of natural fibers determine the behavior of soil-fiber composites. Still, the biochemical and physical properties of fibers have received minimal consideration in geotechnical research involving natural georeinforcement materials. Thus, a thorough examination of the use of natural fibers for soil reinforcement was conducted in this study, and the impacts of the qualities of plant fibers on their performance in the soil were examined. The mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced soil was then investigated by analyzing laboratory, numerical, and case studies. The behavior of fibers in cohesive and granular soils was subsequently explored. The results demonstrated the significant effect of mechanical characteristics such as Young’s modulus and tensile strength, as well as biochemical constituents (cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose) on the performance and interaction of fibers in the soil. The findings also revealed that plant fibers greatly enhance mechanical parameters such as shear, compressive, and tensile strength. Recommendations are made for soil reinforcement with plant fibers and the selection of appropriate types and amounts of fibers.

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  1. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

    Mohammad Mahdi Shalchian & Mahyar Arabani

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Shalchian, M.M., Arabani, M. Application of plant-derived fibers in soil reinforcement on experimental, numerical, and case study scales: a review. Bull Eng Geol Environ 82, 19 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-022-03029-8

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