Stabilization of Dune Sand Mixed with Plastic (LDPE) Waste Strips for Design of Flexible Pavement in Construction of Roads

摘要

The objective of the present study is to develop a mix proportion that can be economically used for construction of flexible pavement by stabilizing of dune sand using cheap and locally available materials like waste LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) strips. Dune sand is loose and cohesion less in its natural form. The construction as well as protection of flexible pavement for the purpose of approach roads, temporary roads and landing strips in desert region like western Rajasthan (India) has been a problem of great concern, which necessitates stabilization of dune sand with some admixtures to improve its strength property and reduce settlements. In this paper, waste LDPE strips of 5mm X 5mm are used so as a reinforcement to perform the CBR studies while mixing with dune sand for improving engineering performance of sub grade soil. The varying percentage 0%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9% and 1.0% LDPE waste strips content were mixed in dune sand. With these mix compositions, a series of California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests and Variable Head Permeability tests were carried out at different dry densities arrived by Standard Proctor test as 1.57 gm/cc, 1.62 gm/cc and 1.66 gm/cc (M.D.D.). The results and conclusions were summed up wh ich shows that use of LDPE waste in dune sand in an appropriate amount really aids in improving the strength of dune sand and also helps in modification of dune sand properties which might be in terms of strength of sub grade soil.