Abstract
Compressibility is one of the most important mechanical properties of soil. The parameter that characterizes compressibility is the constrained modulus of elasticity. Knowledge of this is important to calculate the settlement of a structure foundation on peat material. According to soil classification by EN ISO 14688-2, peat is an organic soil that contains min. 20% organic matter. It is a highly organic type of soil. Peat material has large compressibility. The value of the constrained elasticity modulus for peat is ca. 400 kPa, while it may be ca 1.0–1.6 MPa for consolidated peat. Due to the extensive range of the modulus, experimental research in this field is proposed. It is suggested to load the peat material layer with an embankment and to determine its total settlement. Based on this, a program was developed to determine the settlement–strain relationship. The authors propose an approach according to two models: the first is based on constant stress distribution in the soil with an oedometer test. The second considers the variability of stresses in the soil and the influence of the loaded area. Both methods were tested based on numerical simulations, and then an experimental field in Szczecin was used. The formulae for the constrained modulus of elasticity measurement were derived; in practical conditions, a uniaxial deformation state can be used with the combination of the total settlement.
Highlights
Peat material is a highly organic soil
The embankment was founded on a layer of peat material with a thickness of HT = 8 m
The constrained modulus of elasticity of the peat material was determined via both methods presented for the numerical simulation and the actual case study in Szczecin
Summary
Peat material is a highly organic soil. It comprises decomposed remains of plants in a wet environment [1,2,3]. Many behavioural parameters and properties are similar to clay soils, but they are radically different from strength characteristics. It is taken for an immensely soft soil [3,4]. In this soil, water can comprise 90% of the mass; it is a poor substrate for buildings [1,4]. The natural moisture content can reach up to 1500% This type of soil has low density and organic matter contents. Huge water content (>200%) and porosity are reasons for huge compressibility of peat (including significant secondary and tertiary compression), low stiffness and low shear strength
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