EVALUATION OF THE EFFECT OF PLASTIC BOTTLE (PET) WASTE ON STABLIZATION OF CLAY

The volume of plastic wastes is increasing at a fast rate. Plastic waste is the third major constitute at municipal and industrial waste in cities. This study has been carried out to evaluate the effect the plastic waste on stabilization of clay soil to improve the compressive strength of soil.  An experimental program was conducted to investigate the effect of Plastic bottle waste (PET) and evaluate the efficiency on clay soil as stabilizers. A series of laboratory compaction and triaxial tests were carried. Plastic bottles waste (PET) with length (5 – 10 mm) was used as reinforcement. Soil specimens were compacted at maximum dry density with different percentage of plastic bottle reinforcement 0.5, 1.5, 3, 6, 12 and 15 % of weight of clay soil). Results indicate that an increasing of plastic bottle content decrease the maximum dry density and increase the OMC. The highest increase in strength value was achieved when the soil reinforced with 1.5 % of plastic bottle