Assessment of compressive strength of peat soil with sawdust and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) with hydrated lime as additive

Abstract

Construction activities on peat soils are found to be extremely difficult as the soil is profound as soft soil and has low shear strength and high moisture content. Due to alternating swelling and shrinkage nature, it causes serious damage to the structure above it. This happens due to repetition of drying and wetting of soil. Stabilization of soil is commonly applied to improve the mechanical properties of soil prior to soil engineering works. This soil improvement method is advantageous and effective one by using waste materials. Waste in our country is divided in various types and it includes domestic wastes, industrial wasters, agricultural wastes etc. Because of difficulties to diminish these wastes without affect to environment and surroundings, it can be used as a stabilizing agent in the soil. Therefore, this experimental study carried out to evaluate the effect of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and sawdust on engineering properties of the peat soil. The properties such as compaction and unconfined compressive strength are determined separately with sawdust and added of RHA in peat soil at a variety of percentages (2.5%, 5% etc.) in addition small amount of constant rate of lime with 2% of the dry soil weight. By obtaining the results, it can deduce a promising and improving result in stabilizing the soil with sawdust and Rice Husk Ash in both economic and strength capacity. This will not only solve the waste disposal problem but also enhance the strength characteristics of soil significantly.