This paper presents results of a comprehensive investigation on the utilization of carpet waste fibers in reinforcement of clay soils. Effects of adding proportionate quantities of two different types of shredded carpet waste fibers to clay soils (i.e., 1, 3, and 5% by dry weight of the soil) were investigated and evaluated. The investigation was conducted on specimens prepared at their maximum dry unit weight and optimum moisture content, as well on specimens prepared at variable conditions of dry unit weight and moisture content. A comparison was also made on specimens prepared at the same fiber content by changing dry unit weight while moisture content was kept unchanged or by changing both dry unit weight and moisture content. The investigation revealed that inclusion of carpet waste fibers into clay soils prepared at the same dry unit weight can significantly enhance the unconfined compression strength (UCS), reduce postpeak strength loss, and change the failure behavior from brittle to ducti...

This paper provides results of a comprehensive investigation into the use of waste carpet fibers for reinforcement of clay soil slopes. The interaction between laboratory scale model slopes made of fiber-reinforced clay soil and surface strip footing load was examined. Results for the influence of two variables, namely fiber content and distance between the footing edge and the crest of the slope, are presented and discussed. The particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique was used to study the deformation of the slope under the surface loading. The front side of the tank was made of a thick Perspex glass to facilitate taking accurate images during the loading stage. To study the stress induced in the slope under footing pressure, excess pore-water pressure and total stress increase were measured at predetermined locations within the slope. The results showed that fiber reinforcement increased the bearing resistance of the model slope significantly. For instance, inclusion of 5% waste carpet fiber ...