Effect of sand column on compressibility and shear strength properties of peat

Abstract

Peat is found in many countries throughout the world where it can be generally seen in thick layers in limited areas. Peat is an extreme form of soft soil and is considered problematic due to the low shear strength and large compressibility. This project presents laboratory finding on the compressibility and shear strength characteristics of fibrous peat with sand column. The peat used in the study is classified as fibrous peat and H₁–H₄ in Von Post scale. Its liquid limit is 119%. In all tests, the peat used for the tests passing 2 mm and remain on .15 mm. The rounded sand used for making sand column is poorly graded passing from 2 mm sieve size and retaining on 1 mm sieve size. The tests conducted to investigate effect of area ratio of sand column on shear strength and compressibility of the peat. Three different area ratios were used for both compressibility and shear strength tests. Consolidation test results showed that when the area ratio increases compressibility characteristic of the peat improved. Shear strength of the organic soil was also affected from the sand column.

Keywords:

• Fibrous peat
• sand column
• compression
• shear strength

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to express their thanks to Mrs Hozan K. Yaba for her support during the experimental study. The authors are also grateful to the anonymous reviewers for carefully reviewing the manuscript and providing valuable comments.