Behavior of Strip Footing on Fiber-Reinforced Model Slopes

Laboratory scale model slopes reinforced with waste carpet fibers were made in a rigid tank with dimensions of 800 mm x 300 mm x 500 mm. Bearing capacities of the strip footing rested on non-reinforced and fiber-reinforced model slopes with 1%, 3% and 5% fiber content were compared at 20% footing displacement ratio. The influence of location of footing on the bearing capacity was studied with placing the footing at different edge distances from the crest of the footing (i.e., 150 mm, 100 mm and 0). Suction probe sensors were installed at appropriate locations on the rear side of the model slope to measure the pore-water pressure generated due to the footing pressure. Results showed that fiber reinforcement increased the bearing resistance of the model slopes significantly. Inclusion of 5% fiber increased the bearing resistance by 271% compared to that of non-reinforced model slope at the footing edge distance ratio of 3. The location of footing was found to affect the load-carrying capacity of the fiber-reinforced model slope. The increase in the edge distance ratio of the footing increased the load-carrying capacity of the model slope.