Static and dynamic characterization of fiber reinforced sand: A numerical investigation

For the characterization of fiber-reinforced soil under static loading conditions, there is a wealth of literature. However, study on the dynamic behavior of fiber-reinforced soil is very limited. Now that earthquakes are occurring frequently around the world, the dynamic soil analysis has become important for all classes of geotechnical engineering problems. Through numerical simulation of triaxial specimens, the current study explores the behaviour of fiber-reinforced cohesionless soil. The numerical model was validated using existing laboratory triaxial compression testing literature. The stress–strain response of fiber-reinforced sand has been investigated using static and cyclic triaxial testing, as well as other combinations of fiber contents. Fiber-reinforced sand is tested for bulk modulus, shear modulus, and damping values. Effects of fiber contents on static and dynamic stress–strain response of fiber-reinforced soil are highlighted. It has been observed from results that, with an increase in fiber content modulus of elasticity, bulk modulus and shear modulus values increase while damping coefficients decrease for the same. It is believed that the highlighted numerical approach will be an alternative to laboratory experiments to determine the dynamic properties of fiber-reinforced soil.