Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Silty Soils Using Fibers Obtained from Waste Air Filters

Authors : Mehmet Uğur Yilmazoğlu

Pages : 777-787

Doi:10.29109/gujsc.1600295

View : 62 | Download : 54

Publication Date : 2025-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In this study, the effect of waste vehicle air filters on the strength of silty soil was investigated by converting them into 6 mm long fibers. With the increase in environmental awareness worldwide and the focus on sustainability in construction applications, waste materials in geotechnical applications have attracted significant attention in recent years. The fibers obtained from vehicle air filters were mixed into the soil at 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.50, 2.00, 2.50 and 3.00 percent of the dry weight of the soil, and their effects on shear strength parameters were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Unconfined compressive strength tests were performed on fiber-reinforced soil samples, and the results were compared with those of unreinforced soil. Experimental results show that fiber reinforcement increases shear strength, and the optimum fiber ratio for maximum stability improvement is 0.75%. This study reveals that fibers obtained from waste vehicle air filters can be a sustainable alternative to polypropylene and other costly fibers with high carbon footprints. It can also be considered a potential ground improvement additive contributing to reducing waste and improving the mechanical properties of the ground.
Keywords : Sustainability, waste air filter, fiber, soil improvement

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