Improving the properties of clay soils in foundations through compaction and the integration of fibres and cement

Clay soils present significant challenges in engineering applications, particularly in the design and construction of foundations, due to their susceptibility to swelling and shrinkage. This research investigates the enhancement of clay soils through the incorporation of fibres, compaction, and cement, based on a comprehensive series of tests conducted at the Public Works Laboratory in Adrar, southern Algeria. The tests adhered strictly to technical standards in soil mechanics, examining the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the clay soil. The results demonstrated that applying a compressive strength of 2.5 MPa and incorporating palm and glass fibres in proportions ranging from 0% to 0.3% reduced bulk density by 0.95% to 7%. The capillary water absorption rate increased by 10.61% to 12.63%, while compressive strength improved by 11.4% to 34.37%. Furthermore, thermal conductivity decreased by 0.71% to 11.9%. These findings provide valuable insights into the properties of clay soils and the observed improvements. It can be concluded that soil enhancement through various materials and fibres is viable and yields positive outcomes in geotechnical applications.