Enhancing Shear Strength of Cement-Stabilized Soils under Freeze-thaw: A Steel Fiber Reinforced Approach
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Abstract
This study examines the impact of steel fiber inclusion on the shear strength of cement-stabilized soils exposed to freeze-thaw cycles. Three distinct soil types, characterized by varying clay and sand fractions, were stabilized with 8% cement by weight and reinforced with 1%, 2%, and 3% steel fibers (diameter: 0.5 mm, length: 3 cm). Direct shear tests demonstrated a progressive increase in the internal friction angle with increasing fiber content for all soil types under non-frozen conditions. However, exposure to freeze-thaw cycles resulted in a reduction of both the internal friction angle and cohesion for all studied mixtures. Notably, steel fiber reinforcement continued to offer a significant improvement in shear strength, with a maximum observed increase of 16.7% in the internal friction angle under freeze-thaw conditions compared to unreinforced specimens. These findings suggest that steel fiber inclusion can mitigate the detrimental effects of freeze-thaw cycles on the shear strength of stabilized soils, particularly for clay-rich soils exhibiting higher susceptibility to such environmental degradation.