Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Soil Reinforcement using a Sustainable Material, Jute Geotextile

The existing soil at a particular site may not be suitable for construction activity due to poor bearing capacity and excessive compressibility. Natural jute geotextile fibers have recently been widely used for ground improvement because the material is environmentally friendly and abundant in Asian countries. A laboratory experimental program through a triaxial test and a numerical analysis using PLAXIS 2D finite element model has been implemented to study the influence of jute geotextile on sub-grade soil modification. The experimental and numerical result shows that including jute geotextile on sub-grade soil significantly improves the soil strength by lowering the stress, strain, and displacement at the top of the sub-grade soil, increasing the shear strength and bearing capacity of the soil and by reducing the quantity of instant settlement. Therefore, by ensuring adequate long-term durability through suitable treatments already developed, jute geotextile may be considered an environmentally friendly, sustainable material for sub-grade soil strengthening applications.