Evaluation of Coir Geotextile Reinforcement for Low-Volume Roads

Abstract

Natural geotextiles play a vital role in the reinforcement and ground improvement of soft compressible soil to enhance soil strength and ensure stability. Of all the natural fibers, coir possesses high tearing strength even in very wet conditions. Hence, in this paper, the efficacy of coir geotextile in improving the functional performance of the pavement and enhancing the modulus of the subgrade soil has been investigated by visual examination and by conducting tests such as Benkelman Beam Deflection (BBD) test, geogauge and static plate load tests on the test sections constructed in the field. The obtained data reveals that the elastic modulus of the subgrade multiplies appreciably when it is reinforced with coir geotextile, thereby helping in increasing the service life of the pavement. Similar results are reflected in the pavement condition survey results as well. The improvement attained in the elastic modulus of the reinforced subgrades is 1.41 and 1.25 times of the elastic modulus of the parent soil, with coir geotextile of mass per unit being 740 g/m2 and 365 g/m2, respectively. The modified subgrade elastic modulus is given as input to the KENLAYER software and analyzed in order to prepare a design chart for coir geotextile reinforced low-volume roads.

Keywords

• coir geotextile
• reinforcement
• distress survey
• elastic modulus
• low volume roads
• design chart