Investigation of stabilized peat soil geomorphology via scanning electron microscopy

Rafidah, Binti Ramli. (2017) Investigation of stabilized peat soil geomorphology via scanning electron microscopy. [Final Year Project Report] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This study investigates mainly on the correlation of geomorphology of stabilized peat soils via Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) test. SEM observation on peat soil consisted of many sheet-like particles that likely attribute to high compressibility and low shear strength of the soil. Prior to construction, the conditions of peat soil have to be improved in order to overcome any problem related to settlement and surface subsidence. This paper describes the chemical reactions occur within stabilized peat with additives (cement, fly ash and lime) which commonly known as pozzolans via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) related to strength development. Geomorphology studies via SEM observations which then the micrographs were analyzed with ImageJ, the results indicate that the geomorphology of peat soil treated with additives and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) improved significantly as the average size of pores distribution decreases. In addition, the particular sample also show that the shear strength increases as the curing period increases. However, with the use of higher WaterAdditive ratio resulted higher porosity and low shear strength as measured via Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) test. The study shows that addition of cementitious materials improved the characteristics of peat soils in which can be proved by investigating the geomorphology development via SEM and comparing with UCS Test results.

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