Foam Mortar Layer in Soft Subgrade Embankment: A Review

Abstract

Soils are the basis of the construction of civil engineering structures that are designed to support and withstand the weight of the structures above them. The main problems of soft soil include low bearing capacity and large settlement. In road pavements, the sub grade as the bottom layer of the road must have a good bearing capacity. Subgrade is a part that must be considered because of the weight of the pavement structure and the embankment above it. Soft soil conditions cause the need for reinforcement of the sub grade layer. Solving the problem of road construction is done by engineering so that the sub grade as the bottom layer of the road is safe and stable and has a good bearing capacity. The effort made to increase the bearing capacity of the subgrade is by reinforcing the soil (soil improvement). One of them is with lightweight material mortar-foam is an alternative construction material in soil reinforcement for road construction. Mortar-foam is formed from a mixture of foam, cement, sand and water. Research on foam mortars has been conducted in various places and countries in various ways and methods. This article will discuss the latest developments in the use of foam mortars as backfill in soft soils in the subgrade layer presented based on information provided by the author.