An Integrated Approach to Expansive Soil Stabilization with Lime and Biodegradable Jute Fiber

Expansive soils, known for significant swelling and shrinkage due to moisture variations, pose challenges for civil engineering projects. This study investigates the stabilization of such soils using lime and biodegradable jute fiber. The soil, classified as CH, has a plasticity index of 84%, liquid limit of 95%, and shrinkage limit of 11.63%. Laboratory tests, including Atterberg limits, UCS, and CBR, were conducted to assess the soil's behavior with varying lime and jute fiber contents. The optimum lime content was determined to be 5%, resulting in a 72% increase in UCS, from 142 to 244.19 kN/m2. The inclusion of jute fiber further enhanced the soil properties, with the maximum UCS of 311.15 kN/m2 achieved at 0.65% jute fiber. The MDD increased from 16.57 to 18.2 kN/m3 with 0.5% jute fiber, while the OMC rose to 19% from 15%. CBR values improved significantly, with a peak of 21.98% at 0.65% jute fiber, compared to 6.85% for untreated soil. Additionally, the SBR value increased from 0% in untreated soil to 207.59% at 0.65% jute fiber, indicating improved load-bearing capacity. The differential free swell index, initially 146%, decreased significantly, highlighting reduced swelling potential. Lime sample was investigated for elemental analysis through X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrum. The results demonstrate that the combination of lime and jute fiber enhances soil strength, stability, and load-bearing capacity. This eco-friendly method offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for expansive soil stabilization, reducing reliance on synthetic materials in geotechnical applications.