Assessing the performance of stabilized clay reinforced with waste fibrous materials under extreme environmental conditions

The reutilization of industrial waste materials in soil stabilization not only reduces environmental challenges and conserves natural resources but also helps lower the cost of production materials. This study examines the effect of incorporating waste tire textile fibers (WTTFs) into chemically stabilized expansive soils aiming to enhance their mechanical properties and durability under freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs). To this end, the base soil was initially stabilized using a combination of calcium carbide residue (CCR=25%) and water treatment sludge (WTS replacement=10%). To address the limitations of chemical stabilization, such as low tensile strength, WTTFs were introduced in varying proportions (0%–2%), and their influence on mechanical behavior and durability was investigated through several tests, including unconfined compressive strength (UCS), indirect tensile strength (ITS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results demonstrated that the optimum WTTF content (1.5%) significantly enhanced soil performance, achieving a notable improvement in tensile strength and also freeze-thaw resistance. The addition of WTTF provided a reinforcing effect, reducing microcrack propagation and contributing to a more resilient soil matrix. These findings highlight the potential of WTTF as a sustainable reinforcement material, enhancing the durability and performance of chemically stabilized soils. By integrating WTTF with CCR and WTS, this approach offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for stabilizing expansive soils, especially in regions with extreme climatic conditions.