Shear characteristics and stress-strain mathematical model of waste polyester textile reinforced clay

Clay reinforcement through appropriate applications of waste fiber or waste fiber fabric can generate huge economic and environmental benefits. In this study, clay was reinforced using waste polyester fiber filaments and waste polyester fabric blocks, respectively. Triaxial tests (σ₁ > σ₂ = σ₃) were carried out to examine the influence of reinforcement method and the contents (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%) on the shear behavior of clay. After reinforcement, the deformation resistance and shear strength of the clay was improved. The optimal contents of fiber filament and fabric block were both 1.0%; as the fiber filament or fabric block content increased from 0.5% to 1.5%, the stiffness of the reinforced clay decreased, while the energy absorption capacity and the cohesive strength first increased and then decreased. Under the optimal content condition, the fiber filament showed better reinforcement than the fabric block. Under the train hardening condition, a hyperbolic model can be used to quantitatively describe the stress-strain relationship of the reinforced clay, and the model parameters can also reflect the strain hardening degree.