Experimental Investigation on the Stabilization of Peat Soil using Cement

Abstract

This study investigates if cement can stabilize peat clay soil for foundation purposes in building. To assess the effectiveness of cement-stabilized peat clay, an experimental study was conducted. The peat clay soil was originally characterized by a variety of laboratory experiments, including those measuring moisture content, specific gravity, Atterberg limit, and particle size distribution. To assess the compressive strength and bearing capacity of peat clay soil modified with cement proportions of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight of the peat clay for 0, 7, and 28 days of curing, an unconfined compression strength (UCS) test was conducted. UCS (from 32.345 kN/m2 to 405.988 kN/m2) and bearing capacity (from 31.528 kN/m2 to 386.489 kN/m2) increased for 0, 7, and 28 days of curing when cement was added. Conversely, UCS and bearing capacity decreased as curing days increased. After seven days of curing, 20% cement and peat clay combined produced the maximum compressive strength (405.988 kN/m2) and bearing capacity (386.489 kN/m2). Nonetheless, the minimal criteria for the bearing capacity of peat clay soil for benefits to the economy and environment is met by the bearing capacity of 179.908 kN/m2 for 10% cement at 7 days of curing. The study's conclusion demonstrates that peat clay should be stabilized for building applications using cement.