Improved mechanical properties of a high plasticity clay soil by adding recycled PET

To the problems posed by clay soils of high plasticity, such as vulnerability to variations in volume, producing differential settlements causing damage to structures, it is due to factors such as this it was decided to seek an alternative enhancement to parameters such as increased resistance, friction angle and cohesion of a high plasticity clay soil (CH). In the execution of civil works, these parameters generally do not conform to the requirements of the project, for that reason should seek a solution for the stability of the soil involved in any construction. The constant search for improving environmental conditions has led to the use of waste plastic to reinforce the soil and improve its mechanical and physical properties. That is why according to our proposal we try to increase data for the use of this alternative material as a soil improvement proposal, obtaining interesting and different results to that found in other investigations that used similar materials. We chose crushing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) obtaining a recycled PET 3-5 mm length as a reinforcing material to stabilize and improve the mechanical properties of the soil. According to standard proctor assays and direct shear, it was determined that the optimum percentage to be added is from 1% to study the soil because of better behaviors were observed study material with respect to the other mixtures.