Modeling the Elastic Behavior of Clay Soils Reinforced with Recycled Rubber Fibers

Abstract

This work use composite material models to forecast the modulus of elasticity of a composite made from scrap tire rubber fibers and clayey soils. The computed modulus of elasticity is juxtaposed with the reference modulus derived from experimental testing. Forecasting the effective mechanical characteristics of composites is essential in scenarios when testing is unfeasible, difficult, or expensive. The investigation encompasses many methodologies within the elasticity framework, including rheological models like Voigt, Reuss, Hirsch-Dougill, Popovics, Halpin-Tsai, Hashin, and the Bache & Napper–Christensen estimate. These models seek to forecast the effective Young's modulus of the composite system consisting of soil and rubber fibers. The highest disparities recorded are 10.66%, 12.71%, and 12.98% for both types of soil. Voigt, Hashin, and Bache calculations provide precise forecasts of the effective Young's modulus, demonstrating remarkable concordance with experimental data across various fiber volume fractions from 10% to 50%.