Model tests on jarofix embankment subject to strip loading

Jarofix is an industrial waste material generated during extraction of zinc from its ore and it is dumped within the plant premises without any usage. In the present study, material is studied for its feasibility in road embankment construction by carrying out laboratory model test. Stress-settlement responses of model embankment made up with jarofix alone/jarofix-soil mix were studied under strip loading. The model embankments were also constructed and tested with single/double layer geogrid reinforcement at different depths and slopes. Jarofix model response was studied with different parameters viz. edge distance (De/B = 0–6), slope (β = 0–45°), and width of strip footing (B = 10–30 mm). Additional parameters were studied in the case of reinforced jarofix model namely, embedment depth (Uz = 10–60mm), vertical spacing (z = 5–60mm), and number of reinforcement layers (N = 1–2). Non-dimensional parameters (bearing capacity ratio and settlement reduction factor) were analyzed. A relationship was developed for failure stress with other response variables by using ANN and MLR. Failure patterns were analyzed in a model embankment. Validation of model test with field test was also presented. It was concluded that failure stress increases with the increase in distance of footing from the edge of the slope while it decreases as the slope angle increases. More significant parameters affecting the failure stress of model embankment are the width of the plate, number of reinforcement layers, and embedment depth. The result of the laboratory model test has good agreement with field settlement.