A Comparative Study of the Effect of Coated and Natural Jute Fibers on the Strength Properties of Kuttanadu Soil

It is a well-known fact that nowadays finding a construction site with good soil condition is difficult. Kuttanadu region is the largest agricultural area in Kerala, India. The soil in this region is dark brown in color having high compressibility with high organic content. Construction of any type of structures on this soil is still a challenge to civil engineers. Jute is one of the most valuable natural fibers produced extensively in India. The natural fibers are cheap and non-hazardous to mother earth compared to artificial fibers; however in long run, these natural fibers will undergo biodegradation. To reduce the biodegradable nature, it is coated with an alkali, sodium hydroxide. This paper presents the influence of coated and natural jute fibers on the strength properties of Kuttanadu soil. The percentage of fiber by dry weight of soil was taken as 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%. The effect of length of fiber on the strength properties is studied by using 20 mm and 40 mm length jute fibers. The effect of diameter is studied with jute fibers having 3mm and 5mm diameters. The fibers were soaked in the alkali solution for 24 h and then dried at room temperature for seven days. Coating is done at different percentages of NaOH solution varying from 1 to 30%. Based on the analysis of results, it is concluded that the Kuttanadu soil has been stabilized effectively with the addition of jute fibers, and the durability of the jute fibers is enhanced by the coating of NaOH solution.