Use of basalt geogrid in soil improvement

ls cause major problems in transportation structures. To solve these problems, the layer of weak soil is removed, and instead, a high quality filling material with better strength properties is laid. Considering a road route, the quantity of this excavatio n and filling can reach very high values. Reviewing the literature, it is seen that the thickness of the filling layer is reduced by using geogrids which are geosynthetic product. In addition, the use of geogrid regulates the load distribution, reduces the settlement, and extends the service life of the road. Geogrids used in the market are originally produced from chemical materials like polypropylene of plastic origin. As a result of increasing environmental sensitivity in the world and our country, the i dea of using more environment friendly products emerges. For this purpose, in this thesis, it is attempted to present an alternative to other geogrids by using the basalt geogrid on soils, which is produced from basalt fiber used in the improvement of the endurance properties of concrete. In the study, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were conducted on the silt and clay soil obtained from Sakarya province. 11 different variations were created by changing the number and location of geogrids on each s oil type. For each variation, dry samples were tested at the end of compaction process, and wet samples after 96 hours of soaking in water. In total, 44 CBR tests were conducted. After the conducted tests, it has been observed that the use of basalt geogrid improves the silt and clay soil. Increased water content and swelling values have reduced the positive effect of the geogrid. In conclusion, basalt geogrid can be used as an alternative to other geogrids. Considering also the scale effect, this study s hould be supported by model tests to better understand the positive effect of basalt geogrid. Keywords: Soil Stabilization, Basalt geogrid, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), Silt, Clay Weak soi