Evaluation of reinforcement on the mechanical behavior of partially bonded fiber/matrix interface

This paper aims at introducing a new natural composite used as soil stabilizer with particular application in geotechnical engineering. The fibers introduced in the present study could be used as effective soil reinforcement. This research proves the feasibility of the use of modified jute/polypropylene in lime and cement composites and studies their effects on the tensile and compressive strength of the matrix. In general, the optimal mechanical performance of natural composites and durability depends on the optimization of the interfacial bond between natural fiber and matrix. Since the fibers and matrices are chemically different, strong adhesion at their interfaces is needed for an effective transfer of stress and bond distribution throughout an interface. In this paper a theoretical approach for the identification of elastic modulus in composite interfaces is proposed in detail with a reasonable error. The theoretical approach is based on the method using a sum of least squares criterion. The approach is applied through optimization techniques, using analytical sensitivities and correlating adhesion with Young's modulus. The validity and potentiality of the proposed technique is discussed and the results demonstrated the versatility, accuracy, and efficiency of the presented approach. The applied method also appears to be a simple way of predicting the modulus of elasticity in composite interfaces. This leads to a discussion of the most promising stabilization methods for soil reinforcement and the outlook for the future.