A Methodological Framework for Investigating Textile Waste Fibre-Reinforced Soil in Embankment Applications

Abstract

Earth embankments are increasingly vulnerable to deterioration due to natural aging, external factors and the effects of climate change, requiring more effective and sustainable repair strategies. Conventional reconstruction or low-pressure injections often introduce structural discontinuities and require large volumes of material. At the same time, the textile industry faces growing pressure to manage waste more responsibly. Repurposing textile waste fibres in geotechnical applications offers a promising dual benefit. This contribution presents a methodological framework for investigating the hydro-mechanical behaviour of mixtures of textile waste fibres and natural soil, based on laboratory tests conducted on embankment soil treated with linen and viscose fibres. Procedures for soil–fibre mixing, fibre distribution inspection and sample preparation are proposed. Key parameters, such as fibre content and geometry, are identified and guidelines to investigate fibres effect on shear strength, hydraulic conductivity, and water retention are provided.