Applied Mechanics and Materials Vols. 773-774

Abstract: This paper compares some geotechnical properties of Kaolin, Laterite and Peat. Laterite was collected from Bukit Banang while Peat sample was collected from Parit Nipah, both locations were in Batu Pahat, Johor. Meanwhile, kaolin that was used in this research was manufactured kaolin. These soil samples were subjected to routine laboratory analysis and resulting data were analyzed statistically using a correlation analysis. A laboratory testing program consists of “Basic properties test” to obtain general information on the materials (e.g Natural moisture content, Atterberg Limit, Specific gravity, grain size analysis, chemical composition and pH) and “Geotechnical properties tests” to measure specific properties that characterize soil behaviour for design and constructability assessments (e.g Standard Proctor Test, Unconfined Compressive Strength and CBR).The results showed that the Natural/initial moisture content for laterite, peat and kaolin is 22.54%, 480.61% and 0.22% respectively. Meanwhile Specific gravity for each soil was in the range 1.50-2.79.It was also found that the pH of all soil is acidic which lay in the range of 3.76-5.95.The UCS for the optimally compacted sample of laterite is 445.77 kPa, kaolin is 199.23 kPa and for peat is 58.70 kPa. This paper summarizes the result of analysis performed on all tests conducted. Based on the results, the geotechnical property of the soil is a highly dependent with the type of soil and therefore, determining the soil characterization and the soil strength should be considered during the planning phase of any earthwork construction operation.

Abstract: Contaminated soil is often a problem and typical concern in the developing countries due to the lack of clean soil for development, such as in Malaysia. The objective of this study is to investigate the performance of the available techniques for soil remediation contaminated with lead (Pb) through Stabilisation/Solidification (S/S) technique. In this study, cockle shell powders at different percentages (2.5%, 5% and 7.5%) were added as a partial replacement of cement. Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the S/S technique to treat the contaminated soil. The results showed a 99% reduction of Pb concentration after the contaminated clay soil was treated with S/S technique. The combination of cement and cockle shell powders is very effectively used in the remediation of lead contaminated soil and reducing the amount of cement usage for sustainability approaches.

Abstract: This paper shows the stress-strain behavior of peat from the perspective of geotechnical engineering based on laboratory test. Stress happens when a load applied to a certain specimen and deformed the specimen while strain is the response from applied stress on a specimen. Peat is known as an ultimate soft soil in engineering terms because it has low shear strength and compressibility. This research is concerned about the stress-strain behavior of hemic peat. The undisturbed samples were collected at Parit Sulong and Parit Nipah, Batu Pahat, Johore, Malaysia. Normal stresses are 12.5kPa, 25kPa, 50kPa and 100kPa. The shear rate to determine the stress-strain on peat is 0.1mm/min. It is a drained condition test. Both results from each method that obtained were compared based on the relationships of stress-strain. Parit Sulong has higher stress-strain than Parit Nipah. If shear stress increased, shear strain also increased. The result shows that, direct simple shear test of stress-strain that tested on hemic is more relevant than a direct shear box because DSS shear the entire specimen of peat while DSB only shear at the center of the specimen. Geotechnical engineers can use the direct simple shear method to understand efficiently about the stress-strain behaviour of peat.

Abstract: In general, increasing of penetration rate may result in an increased of pile capacity. Occasionally, there were differences between theoretical and actual bearing capacity of the piles. Rate of penetration of pile influenced the pile bearing capacity. The bearing capacity of model pile increased as the rate of loading increased based on pile driving formula. Therefore, the study was conducted to determine the bearing capacity of model piles with different penetration forces based on theoretical method and experimented analysis. Five circular hollow section model piles using pipe pile were used to penetrate into cohesionless soil with different penetration force respectively. The loading for ultimate bearing capacity using theoretical calculation was approximately about 0.163kN.However, referring to the limitation of a laboratory setup, the maximum loading was 0.12kN. Several trials had been initiated but when it reached 0.14kN, the setup was unstable and dangerous to be continued. Therefore, the ultimate bearing capacity derived by the pile load test results were based on a pile moved up to 10% of its tip diameter criteria. In the future, both theoretical and actual calculation must be made to avoid any confusion and detect mistakes in near future.

Abstract: Peat soils are challenging soils which are a problem for many geotechnical engineers especially in the design of shallow foundations and road constructions. The engineering properties of peat are dependent on the nature of its physical properties. Micro structural studies done on the soil shows that it consists of fibres which cause the soil to be highly compressible resulting in excessive settlement when they are subjected to moderate load increments or vibrations produce by traffic. In this paper, dynamic testing was done to approximately simulate traffic loading characteristics on peat taken from Parit Nipah and Pontian, Johor using a cyclic triaxial testing with 1Hz loading frequency. The results were compared with soil that has a stiffer particulate nature such as sand. The comparison showed that the dynamic loading parameters of dynamic shear modulus and damping ratio of peat was dependent on the fiber content and was very much lower than that of well graded and uniform sands. This can be an important indication to understand the key parameter behaviour of peat that must be taken into account when designing and managing infrastructures on peat soils.

Abstract: This paper presents the consolidation parameters of reconstituted peat soils with different peat soil particle sizes. The reconstituted peat sample was used to determine the consolidation parameters since the undisturbed samples were difficult to collect. The selected sizes of soil particles passing have been collected and formed the reconstituted peat samples by preloaded a pressure to remove the extra water. The testing involve was one-dimensional oedometer consolidation test with the load increment method (5 – 320kPa). It is important to gather the information about a soil profile, especially on consolidation properties which were important in predicting the settlement of soil. Based on the results, compression index (Cc) and swell index (Cs), the values were increased with the increasing peat particles size.

Abstract: Normally, the conventional method of piling that uses percussion, vibration or bored piles is less environmental friendly and may contributes to environmental problems. The study was conducted in order to identify the potential of silent piling technology for sustainable implementation. In addition, it is also useful to evaluate the acceptance of this technology and the level of technical knowledge among the engineers who are involved in construction industry, especially in Malaysia. Quantitative research using questionnaires was considered for this study in order to gain relevant information. The questionnaire was distributed to 43 companies that are registered under ACEM (Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia). The result shows that there is a great potential for silent piling technology in Malaysia. The technology is accepted among designers at the highest level. Meanwhile, the technical knowledge regarding silent piling technology is also at the highest level. In addition, the result also shows that Press-in technology is highly recommended for the construction industry for sustainable implementation. In conclusion, it is hope that suggestions and strategies can be synergized so that sustainable technology, such as Press-in technology, is applied in Malaysia. The technology is not only useful for the designer, but also the industry, local authorities and universities.

Abstract: Electrokinetic has proven to be alternative technique to remediate pollution and increase soil strength for soft soil. This remediation method has been applied to remediate the hydrocarbon and heavy metal contaminant. Phytoremediation is a technique used to remediate the hydrocarbon and heavy metal contaminant. Both of this remediation technique has been proven as attractive alternative to clean up polluted soils. Although barren acidic soil is not categories as hazardous, the necessity of covered soil surface is on demand in order to minimize the surface erosion. Other than that, this remediation technology also helps in horticulture in order to enlarge the plantation and farming area. This paper will explain the formation of barren acidic soil, principles electrokinetic remediation for remediation of barren acidic soil and application of phytoremediation in order to sustain the process of remediation. Correlation of both remediation methods will minimize the acidic ion migration and sustain the pH value on soil surface for grass, vegetable or palm oil plantation.

Abstract: Recently, Stabilization/Solidification (S/S) method has been focusing on the usage of agricultural waste as an alternative towards environmental friendly and low cost material to substitute cement. The aim of this study is to determine the leachability of lead contaminated soil by using sugarcane bagasse as partial replacement of cement in S/S method. In this study, different percentages (2.5%, 5% and 7.5%) of treated and untreated sugarcane bagasse have been utilized as a partial replacement to cement. Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) and Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP) have been conducted to determine the leachability of lead contaminated soil. The results indicate that with 7.5% of treated sugarcane bagasse replacement in cement resulted significant reduction of lead contaminant in soil up to 99 % after 28 days. As a conclusion, treated sugarcane bagasse could be an alternative low cost material in the S/S method as it can significantly reduce the remediation cost normally incurred by the usage of cement.

Abstract: Contaminated soils are due to several factors which are caused by the removal of toxins, waste from industrial activities, heavy metals from landfill and organic and inorganic waste from fertilizer used by farmers. This study aims to measure the mobilization of Pseudomonas putida cells through kaolin clay soil using elctrokinetic bioremediation technique. The electrokinetic is used to generate currents into the soil, thus migrating ions to opposite charge of electrodes. The Pseudomonas putida and distilled water was supplied into the anode and cathode reservoirs, respectively. The electrokinetic bioremediation testing was conducted for 5 days duration using 50 V of electric current. The bacterial counts of Pseudomonas sp. are enumerated high at 1.3x10⁷ cfu/gww (near the anode), 5.0x10⁶ cfu/gww (in the middle) and 8.0x10⁶ cfu/gww (near the cathode). These results showed high survivability of Pseudomonas sp. until Day 5. It was demonstrated that the electrokinetic bioremediation technique can be used for Pseudomonas putida transportation in kaolin clay soil throughout the soil specimen and moving in same direction with the electroosmotic flow in electrokinetic bioremediation system.