Functional performance of surface modified coir geotextiles in unpaved roads

Abstract

iii newlineABSTRACT newlineGeotextile is a type of geosynthetic that has gained worldwide attention from most researchers in newlinethe field of geotechnical engineering, to solve the problems related to reinforcement, separation, newlineand drainage. Presently, the use of geosynthetic materials is avoided by researchers due to its high newlinecost and threat to the environment. As a result, the focus has now shifted towards sustainable newlinegrowth by using various natural reinforced materials. Taking into consideration, the sustainable newlinedevelopment of the country, natural fiber geotextiles are in use as reinforcement to stabilize newlineunpaved roads, since it is a cost-effective, simple, and long-term solution to this problem. Coir is newlineone of those natural fibers which is used as reinforcement to improve the functional and structural newlineperformance of unpaved roads. Natural fibers (coir, jute, sisal, banana fiber, etc.) have a lot of newlinepotential but they also possess some drawbacks such as high moisture absorption, degradability newlineand the presence of impurities on the fiber s surface, which negatively affects its potential newlineapplication. Coir fiber also exhibits some disadvantages, such as hydrophobicity, the presence of newlinevoids and cracks on the fiber surface which accelerates its degradation rate and also results in a newlineweak bond formation between fiber and matrix leading to reduced geotextile-soil interaction. The newlineabove mentioned disadvantages of coir geotextiles have limited its potential of increasing the load newlinebearing capacity of unpaved roads. As a result, the surface modification of coir geotextiles by newlinechemical treatment has become necessary in order to improve the performance of unpaved roads newlinereinforced with treated coir geotextiles. newlineIn view of the above information the present study aims at exploring the possibilities of utilising newlinesurface modified coir geotextiles in unpaved roads, through a comprehensive and exclusive newlinelaboratory study. newlineThe research work aimed newline1. To study the physical properties and surface morphology of untreated/treated coir newlinegeotextiles. newline2. To