References

Ahnberg, H. (2006). Strength o f Stabilized Soils: A laboratory study on clays and organic
th
soils stabilized with different types of binder. 16 Report o f Swedish Deep Stabilization
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A.S.T.M. (1979) "American Society for Testing and Materials Annual," Philadelphia,
PA., U . S . A .

Aud Helland, Aino Maijala, Juha Forsman , Pentti Lahtinen, Mikko Leppanen , Arnt-
Olav Haeya Roger , M. Konieczny (2009), Reserch report on Review o f techniques and
methods o f "Cement stabilization and solidification" published by Ramboll -
Norwegian., p 4

Balasubramaniam, A.S. & Brenner, R.P. (1981) "Consolidation and Settlement o f Soft
Clay". Soft Clay Engineering (Development in Geotechnical Engineering), V.20,
Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, pp 481-527.

Casagrande, L. 1948. Electro-osmosis in soils. Geotechnique. London, England. V. 1

p. 159

Edil, T. B., and Wang, X. (2000). "Shear strength and ko o f peats and organic soils."
Geotechnics o f High Water Content Materials, A S T M STP 1374, West Conshohocken,
Pa., pp. 209-225

Harnandez, Martinez F. G., A l Tabba, (2005)- A research report on "Strength properties

o f stabilized peat" - Department o f Engineering - university o f Cambridge , 2005)

Hobbs, N. B. (1986). Mire Morphology and the Properties and Behavior o f Some British
and Foreign Peats. Quarterly Journal o f Engineers Geology. London, 19(1): 7-80.

Karin Axelsson, Sven-Erik Johansson and Ronny Andersson, (2002). - Stabilization o f

Organic Soils by Cement and Puzzolanic Reactions - Feasibility Study - Report 3 -.
Swedish Deep Stabilization Research Centre.

Karunawardena, W.A. (2000) " A Study o f Consolidation Characteristics o f Colombo

Peat", Proceedings o f 1st International Young Geotechnical Engineering Conference,
Southampton, United Kingdom.

Kulathilaka S A S (1999) -Improvement o f Engineering Properties o f Peat by

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Preconsolidation, Proceedings of the 1 1 Asian Regional Conference o f ISSMG held in
Seoul, South Korea pp 97-100.

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Kulathilaka, S. A. S, Sagarika, D. K. N. S., (2006). - A Laboratory Simulation of Electro
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Osmotic Consolidation o f Very Soft Peaty - 100 Annual Sessions o f the IESL in
October 2006.

Kulathilaka, S. A. S, (2008). Paper publication at SLGS conference on Ground

Improvement Techniques - " "Improvement o f Extremely Soft Sri Lankan Peaty Clays
by Preloading, Deep Mixing and Electro Osmosis".

Kogure, K., Yomuguchi, H., Ohira, Y. and Ishioroshi, H. (1986) "Physical and
Engineering Properties o f Peat Ground," Proceeding Advances in Peat land Engineering.
Ottawa, Canada, 95-100.

Macfarlane, I. C. (1969). Engineering Characteristics of Peat. In Muskeg Engineering

Handbook. Proa, Ottawa, Canada, 1969, pp. 3-30.

Maclenn D J and Sherwood P T 1962, Study o f the Occurrence and Effects o f Organic
th
Matter in relation to the stabilization o f soils with cement, Proceedings o f the 5
International Conference o f Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering in Paris.

Mesri, G. & Ajlouni, M. (2007) "Engineering Properties o f Fibrous Peats," Journal o f

Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, ASCE, U.S.A., V o l . 133, No. 7: 850-
866.

Massarsch K. R. and Topolnicki M. (2005). Regional Report: European Practice o f Soil

Mixing Technology. Deep Mixing '05. International Conference on Deep Mixing Best
Practice and Recent Advances. Stockholm, Sweden, May 23-25, 2005. Recent Advances
and Best Practice. Report 13, Volume 1.1, R19. Swedish Deep Stabilization

Masse, F., et al. 2001. Vacuum consolidation: A review o f 12 years of successful

development.
http://www.menard-soltraitement.com.

Munasinghe W G S, (2001). Methods for Improvement o f Engineering Properties o f Peat

- A Comparative Study, Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment o f the M.Eng. in
Geotechnical Engineering at University o f Moratuwa.

Munasinghe W G S, Kulathilaka S A S (2003) - Modeling the Consolidation Behaviour

th
o f Peat and Improvements - 12 Asian Regional Conference on ISSMGE in Singapore in
2003., pp 175-178

Phroba, A. (1998) "State o f the art in Deep Mixing Technology: Part I: Basic Concept
and overview'. Ground Improvement, 2, 81-92.

78
• Ramboll 2005. Professional solution for mass stabilization 2005 - Ideachip and Ramboll
Finland)
Ideachip and Ramboll 2005. Mass Stabilization Manual, http://www.allu.net/

• Sarma, S.K. (1979) "Stability Analysis o f Embankments and Slopes". ASCE, JGED,
Vol.105, ppl511-1524.

• Sarojini W A S (2004) - Improvement o f Sri Lankan Peaty Clay by Deep Mixing and
Electro osmosis - M. Eng. Thesis at University o f Moratuwa.

• Shawn. W. Logan, Michael J. Mann, Jonathan Kolber, Brian Rose and Michael L. Grant,
(2008) Column Mixing, Paper published in the Conference on Remediation o f Soft Clay
Utilizing the "Dry M i x Method" (In Swedish) (a field study for Ground Improvement)
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• Wong Leong et.al, 2008 - Behavior of Stabilized Peat Soils in Unconfined Compression
Tests. American Journal o f Engineering and Applied Sciences 1 (4): 274-279, 2008 -
ISSN 1941-7020 (© 2008 Science Publications)

• Von Post Humification Index - EPA Export 04-01 -2007:02:18:42

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• Web Page -
(http://www.n-sharyo.co.jp/business/kiden_e/pdf/PPT-Soilstabilizingtechniques.pdf)
 I

9 Publications

Enhancement of Engineering Characteristics of Peaty Clay due to Mixing With Cement

D. R. Saputhantiri
Senior Lecturer Institute of Engineering Technology, Katunayake
S A S Kulathilaka

Professor of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa

Abstract
Thick layers of soft peaty clay encountered in recent infrastructure development projects in Sri Lanka had
been improved mainly by different techniques of pre-consolidation. Alternatively, if peaty clay is mixed in situ
with a binder, such as cement, a pozzolanic reaction can be induced causing a fundamental change in
microstructure. Greater improvement of strength and stiffness would be achieved more rapidly than with pre-
consolidation.
Samples of peaty clay obtained from the Southern Transport Development Project were mixed with 15% and
20% of cement by wet weight and the mix was allowed to harden. A surcharge was applied by a special
loading arrangement to simulate the overburden pressure under which it will harden in the field.
Improvements achieved in strength and stiffness of treated peat were assessed by conducting consolidation
tests and unconsolidated undrained triaxial shear tests. The results indicated that significant improvements
were achieved in the undrained shear strength and primary and secondary consolidation characteristics.
Improvements achieved in secondary consolidation characteristics were more significant. Micrographs
obtained through Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) illustrated the micro structural changes taken place in
the peaty clay due to mixing with peat.
consolidation and heavy tamping followed by
1 Introduction preloading. Sand Compaction Piles and Crushed
Presence of thick layers of soft peaty clay creates
Stone piles were used in the CKE project to form
problematic situations in the infrastructure
composite ground.
development projects due to its very low shear
strength and very high compressibility. Peats are
Most of these techniques are based on the principle
the product of the humification of natural plant
of consolidation and the major problem associated
matter under anaerobic conditions. Based on the
is the time taken. It could be reduced by the use of
degree of decay peat could be classified as; coarse
vertical drains. However, in the case of peaty clays
fibrous, fine fibrous or amorphous granular.
of low shear strength the required loading will
Amorphous granular ones are with the greatest
have to be applied in several stages. When peaty
degree of humification. Peats encountered in most
clays of extremely low shear strength are
of the infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka are
encountered placement of any fill without causing
mainly amorphous granular and are mixed with
shear failure would not be possible. There,
differing amounts of inorganic clays. As such, the
methods such as vacuum consolidation where
organic content are in the range 30-40%. Hence, the
consolidation was effected without application of a
term "peaty clay" is more appropriate to describe
physical load had been used. Heavy tamping has
this material. In Sri Lanka, peaty clays are
also been helpful to gain some shear strength
encountered in water logged areas of the flood
initially, so that preload could be placed rapidly.
plains of main rivers.
Alternatively, if the peaty clay is mixed in-situ
Natural water contents in the order of 500% had with an appropriate binder such as cement, the
been observed but the range 200-300% is the most hydration reactions and the subsequent pozzolanic
common. The specific gravity values observed are reactions will cause a major change in the
in the range 1.7-2.1. Peaty clay layers of thickness
as high as 10 m were encountered in the Southern Eng. D. R. Saputhantiri
Transport Development Project (STDP) and the Senior Lecturer Institute of Engineering Technology, Katunayak
Colombo Katunayake expressway (CKE) project. Eng. (Prof.) S.AS Kulathilaka,
Improvement techniques adopted ranged from: C. Eng., MIE(SL), B.Sc. Eng. (Moratuwa), PhD (Monash), P
excavation and removal, pre-consolidation with of Civil Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, Univers
preloading, pre-consolidation with vacuum Moratuwa

P- 1
microstructure and considerable gain in strength
a n d stiffness w o u l d be achievable w i t h i n a
relatively shorter period of time such as 28 days.
W h e n pore water in the soil reacts w i t h the
cement, h y d r a t i o n occurs rapidly and p r i m a r y
cementitious products such as C a l c i u m Silicates,
Calcium A l u m i n a t e s and H y d r a t e d L i m e are
f o r m e d . These particles b i n d together to f o r m
hardened skeleton matrices which enclose
unaltered soil particles. H y d r a t i o n of cement
causes a rise of p H v a l u e of pore water and Soil
Silica and A l u m i n a w i l l be dissolved in this strong
bases. These products react w i t h C a l c i u m ions
liberated in the process to f o r m insoluble
secondary cementitious products. This secondary
reaction is k n o w n as the pozzolonic reaction. Since
some of the calcium ions liberated w i l l be used to
satisfy the high exchange capacity of the organic
matter, a greater a m o u n t of cement is required to
stabilize an organic soil. (Maclean and Sherwood
[9])
3. Laboratory Simulation of the Process
The process of complete liquefaction of the in-situ
soil a n d m i x i n g w i t h cement was simulated in the
laboratory by m i x i n g the soil w i t h dry cement w i t h
the help of a m i x i n g tool (Figure 1). H a r d e n i n g of
the mix under its o w n w e i g h t in the field was
simulated by placing the mixed peat in buckets
and application of a desired loading intensity
through a specially fabricated loading
arrangement (Figure 2). L o a d i n g intensities of
2 2
2 0 k N / m and 4 0 k N / m w e r e used considering the
w i d e l y encountered stress levels in such peaty clay
layers.

I n recent times a mixes of cement and various

industrial byproducts such as blast furnaces slag
have been used successfully to stabilize both
inorganic and organic soils (Jegandan et al [3]).
Since such industrial byproducts are not available
i n Sri L a n k a , this research focused on the Figure 1- M i x i n g of Peat in t h e Lab
improvements achievable w i t h m i x i n g of cement.
A n earlier study by M u n a s i n g h e [11] has shown
that w i t h peaty clays the percentages of cement
a d d e d should be greater than 15% to achieve a
reasonable improvement. As such, cement
percentages of 15% and 20% were used in this
study. This is comparable w i t h the cement
weights of 150 - 250 kg per cubic meter of treated
soils reported in literature. (Lahtinen et al [7])

2. D e e p Mixing in the Field

T h e field m i x i n g process could be achieved w i t h

either dry cement p o w d e r or cement grout. D r y
cement p o w d e r is used for i m p r o v e m e n t of
F i g u r e 2 - C u r i n g of P e a t u n d e r a s u r c h a r g e
organic soils of high initial water content. W i t h
With the objective of quantifying the
different types of machines available, the m i x i n g
improvements achieved d u e to m i x i n g w i t h
could be d o n e in the f o r m of columns in a
cement some other samples w e r e prepared by
designed grid arrangement. Alternatively, the
r e m o u l d i n g the peaty clay a n d a l l o w i n g it to
complete mass of peat could be stabilized over a 2
consolidate under applied stresses of 2 0 k N / m
shallow depth. In the c o l u m n stabilization 2
and 4 0 k N / m . N a t u r a l l y existing peaty clay
approach columns m a y be overlapped to create
deposits are highly non homogeneous and contain
walls or blocks. These stabilized columns can
un-decayed pieces of timber, gravel particles etc.
extend to depths of 20 - 3 0 m . (Phroba et al [12],
As such authors w e r e compelled to remove the
Logan et al [8]). T h e mass stabilization had been
unwanted particles in the peaty clay and
achieved by m o d i f y i n g a simpler back hoe type
consolidate it under a given loading, to represent a
machine (Jelisic and L e p p a n e n [4]). D e p t h u p to 5
natural peat deposit.
m had been stabilized under this approach.

P-2
Two types of commercially available cements 5. Changes in the M i c r o s t r u c t u r e
(Type 1 and Type 2) were used in the study. Type
1 (T 1) was used initially and further testing was A micrograph of the amorphous peat used in this
done with Type 2 (T 2) at a later stage as research obtained from a Scanning Electron
anticipated improvements were not achieved with Microscope (SEM) is presented in Figure 3. A
Type 1. hollow perforated cellular structure and a minor
network of fibrous elements could be identified. A
4. C h a n g e o f Basic S o i l P r o p e r t i e s micrograph obtained after 7 days of curing is
shown in Figure 4 and a micrograph
Different treatments given to the samples prepared corresponding 28 days of curing is presented in
are summarized in Table 1 Figure 5. The changes in the micro structure due to
the formation of hydrated products and the
Table 1 - Different Treatments given to peaty clay pozzolanic reactions are clearly visible.
Symbol Cement Applied Duration of
Assigned Type Stress Treatment
and % kN/m 2
(days)
A-l 0 20 28
B-l 0 40 28
C-1 T l -15 20 28
C-3 T l -15 20 576
C-4 T2-15 20 28
D-l T l -15 40 28
D-3 T l -15 40 614
D-4 T2-15 40 28
i: -1 T l - 20 20 28
E-3 T l - 20 20 576
E-4 T2-20 20 28 Figure 3- M i c r o s t r u c t u r e of n a t u r a l peat
F-l Tl-20 40 28
F-3 T l - 20 40 614
F-4 T2-20 40 28

The natural peat at the time of remoulding had a

moisture content of 275%. The moisture contents
and Specific Gravity values (SG) of differently
treated peaty clays at the end of the treatment
period are presented in Table 2.

T a b l e 2- M o i s t u r e content a n d S G after t r e a t m e n t
Symbol Moisture Specific
Assigned Content gravity Figure 4- M i c r o s t r u c t u r e of peaty clay m i x e d w i t h
2 0 % cement after 7 days of c u r i n g
A- 1 188.34 1.73
B- 1 174.71 1.73
C- 1 159.04 1.85
C-3 148.05 1.85
C-4 142.48 1.85
D- 1 142.98 1.98
D-3 138.68 1.98
D-4 132.02 2.04
E- 1 145.66 1.96
E-3 140.51 1.96
E-4 135.36 1.98
F- 1 135.68 2.00
F-3 130.91 2.00
F-4 127.14 2.17 Figure 5- M i c r o s t r u c t u r e of peaty clay m i x e d w i t h
2 0 % cement after 28 days of c u r i n g

P-3
6. Changes in the Compressibility C values were much lower than that for the peat
c

which had only been preloaded.

The settlements in the peaty clays are mainly due
to primary consolidation and secondary
consolidation. Hence, the improvements achieved
in the stiffness of the peaty clay are evaluated
through the results of the one dimensional
consolidation test. Secondary consolidation
settlements are very significant in the peaty clay.
As such, the effects on the parameters
corresponding to primary and secondary
consolidation were analyzed separately.

In order to assess the secondary consolidation

characteristics the duration of a load increment
was increased to 3 days. Tests were done with all 1.00 10.00 100.00 1000.00
- • - Sample A - 1 —A— Sample C - 1
loading, unloading and reloading increments.
—* Sample C - 3 — — — Sample C - 4
Loading increments of 0-5, 5-10,10-20, 20-40, 40-80
2
and 80-160kN/m were used. In some tests
2
samples were unloaded to 5 k N / m after loading to Figure 6- e vs log a plots of A-1, C-1, C-3 and C-4
2
40kN/m . Thereafter, reloading was continued to
2
160kN/m .
3.50
6.1 Changes in e Vs log (a) relationship

Changes in the primary consolidation

characteristics were illustrated through e Vs log a
plots. A comparison for all mix samples is
presented in Saputhantiri [13]. The plots for peaty
clay samples C-1, C-3, C-4 and A-1 are presented
in Figure 6. It could be seen that with mixing of
15% cement, the recompression ratio C decreased,
r

the compression index C reduced and a

c

preconsolidation effect (greater than the applied

surcharge) was introduced. The cement type used 1.00 10.00 100.00 1000.00
initially (Type 1) was less effective. The 28 day - - Sample A - 1 —•• Sample C - 4
curing after mixing of cement type 2 has a effect — » - - Sample E - 4

similar to 576 day curing with cement type 1. As

Figure 7 - e Vs log a plots of A-1, C-4 and E-4
such, only the results of the mixing with cement
type 2 will be discussed in the proceeding sections.

The e Vs log (a) plots of samples A-1, C-4 and E-4 3.50
are compared in Figure 7. AH these samples were
2
subjected loading intensity of 20kN/m but with 3.00
different cement percentages. The graphs of
samples B-1, D-4 and F-4, that were subjected to a .2 2.50
2
loading of 4 0 k N / m are compared in Figure 8. 1
S2.00
©
It could be seen that although the three samples >
2
A-1, C-4 and E-4, were preloaded to 20kN/m , the 1.50

two cement mixed samples C-4 (15%) and D-4(20%)

showed a preconsolidation pressure of the order of I QQ 1 I 111 Mill I | \ I I I I Mill ~

2
60kN/m . The difference between C-4 and E-4 is
not very significant. Similarly, cement mixed - - Sample F - 4 _ _ _
samples D-4 (15%) and F-4(20%) showed a greater
2
preconsolidation pressure than 40kN/ m . Also the Figure 8 - e Vs log a plots of B-1, D-4 and F-4

P-4
6.2 Changes in Coefficient of Volume 0.0035
Compressibility
t
0.0030
The coefficient of volume compressibility is an
0.0025
alternate parameters used to estimate the primary
consolidation settlements. The influence on this » 0.0020
parameter is illustrated by the comparison of E k
samples A-l, C-4 and E-4 in Figure 9 and samples 0.0015
B-l, D-4 and F-4 in Figure 10. All these samples
were subjected to some improvement technique; 0.0010
A
either preloading or cement mixing and
• p .T
0.0005
preloading. Hence the coefficient of volume
compressibility (m ) values were smaller at lower
v 0.0000
stress levels. As the stress level increases the effect . 1.0,0 . „ 10.00 100.00 1000.00
— • — Sample B-1 - — • Sample D-4
of given treatment is gradually overcome and m v
— ^ — Sample F-4
value increases. Thus the behavior (shape of the
curve) is different from that of an untreated peat. Figure 10 - m plots of B-l, D-4 and F-4
v

There, the m values generally decrease with the

v

stress level. It could be seen that m values of v

V o i d R a t i o , ( « ) vs L o g ( T i m * )
cement mixed peat are much lower and remain
low until the stress level reaches much greater
values than their preconsolidation pressures.

0.0035

0.0030

0.0025
,p
> l.oKO'h> )

1
0.0020
Figure 11 - A graph of e Vs log (time) for peat

0.0015 The variation of C with the stress level for

a

samples A-l, C-4 and E-4 is presented in Figure

0.0010 12 and that for samples B-l, D-4 and F-4 is
presented in Figure 13.
0.0005

0.0000
1.00 10.00 100.00 1000.00

— • — Sample A- 1 « — Sample C - 4
— O- - Sample E - 4

Figure 9 - m plots of A-l, C-4 and E-4

v

6.3 Changes in Coefficient of Secondary

Consolidation (C ) a

Secondary consolidation settlements are generally

high in peaty clay and are evaluated through the
coefficient of secondary consolidation (C ). As a

such, the effect of cement mixing on the coefficient

, 0

of secondary consolidation C was studied in 1.00 10.00 100.00 8 ° 1000.00

a
—• — Sample A - 1 — « — Sample C - 4
detail. The C value is the gradient of the graph of
a
- Sample E - 4
e Vs log (time) after the completion of the primary
consolidation phase. The values of C were a
Figure 12 - Variation of C« with stress level (A-l,
determined for each stress level. A typical graph
used for this purpose is presented in Figure 11. C-4 and E-4)

P-5
 As seen with the m values, the C values
v a
showed that C varies with the stress level. Thus
a

increased with the stress level, as it gradually it is more appropriate to compare the C / C ratio
a c

overcome the effect of treatment. The C values of a

the treated peaty clay were much lower than the
values reported for naturally occurring peaty clay
layers in Sri Lanka. C values of the order of 0.02 -
a
with the stress level. The comparison is presented
in Figure 14 for samples Al, C4 and E4 and in
Figure 15 for samples B 1, D4 and F4.

0.06 are usually encountered. The C values of a

cement mixed peat clay remained less than 0.01 up
to a tress level of around 80kN/m . The samples
mixed with 20% cement had much lower values of
C than that mixed with 15% cement.
a
The ratio C / C is another parameter often used in
a c
It is evident from the results presented in the two
graphs that the C / C a cvalues were very
2 significantly reduced by the process of cement
mixing. The improvements achieved on this ratio
are more dominant than the improvement on other
compressibility characteristics.

the analysis of consolidation characteristics of clays. 0.0300

Mesri (1997) has shown that soft inorganic clays
have C / C ratios of less than 0.02 and for peats
a c
0.02S0
the ratio is around 0.06. Karunawardena [5] has
found that the ratio of C / C for Sri Lankan peaty
a c
0.0200
clays is around 0.03. The preceding discussions
u
0.1200
^ 0.0150
0.1000

0.0800 0.0100

f 2 0.0600 0.0050
t
0.0400
0.0000 100 l o g o 1000
I
0.0200 - S - Sample B — Sample D - 4
logo 0 Sample F
0.0000

1.00 10.00 100.00 1000.00

Figure 15 - Variation of C,/Cc with stress level
— Q — Sample B - 1 — A — Sample D - 4
» Sample F - 4 7. Changes in Undrained Shear strength
Figure 13 - Variation of C with stress level
a Low shear strength is the other most undesirable
engineering characteristic of peaty clay. Due to
excessive water contents which could be as high as
500% sometimes peaty clay could be of water like
0.0300 t
1 consistency. Undrained shear strength as low as
1
2
6 k N / m had been reported in the infrastructure
0.0250 I development projects in Sri Lanka. In these

0.0200 1 projects the soft subsoil will have to be loaded at a

U J
1 practically acceptable rate and there would not be
enough time for complete pore water pressure
0.0150
f

dissipation during the construction. As such,

undrained shear strength is the most appropriate
0.0100 parameter in the evaluation of stability. In
0.0050 41
extremely soft peaty clay construction will have to
be very slow or in stages, allowing peaty clay to
0.0000 10 100 1000
consolidate under the loading applied already.
Strength gain with consolidation is a slow process
- • - Sample A - 1 — B- -SampleC-4
— » — Sample E - 4
governed by the length of the drainage path. The
process could be accelerated to some extent with
the use of prefabricated vertical drains. Empirical
Figure 14 - Variation of CJCc with stress level correlations have been developed on the strength

P-6
gain and the consolidation pressure for Sri Lankan studies, but the comparison was done with
Peaty clays. The ratio of AC /Aa in Sri Lankan
u
remoulded peat which was not subjected to any
Peaty clays is in the range 0.2 to 0.3. (Kulathilaka preconsolidation.
[6]). As such, in the construction of a high
embankment over a thick layer of soft peaty clay,
the construction will have to be done at a very
slow rate or in a number of stages.

On the other hand with the insitu mixing of the

peaty clay with a binder, the strength gain can be
achieved in a relatively short period of time of the
order of 28 days. The binder content could be
decided based on the undrained shear strength
required for the construction. Strain %
10 15 20
In this research undrained shear strength of peaty
clay mixed with different percentages of cement Stress vs Strain Plot - Remolded Peat sample A - SI
2

and different loading were evaluated. Undrained Preloaded to 20 kN/m

shear strength obtained for different samples are

Figure 16 - Stress - Strain curve for Sample A 1
presented in Table 3, along with the moisture
content of the test sample and the axial strain at
failure. 40
30
Table 3- Undrained Shear Strength of Treated 2 0
1
Z 10
Sample Symbol Strain
Moisture C * u
Type Assigne at u
Content 0 100 s kN/m2 200
dfor Failure kN/m*
UU Test (%)
(%) M o h r Circle Plot - Remolded Peat sample A - S I -
A-1 A-SI 188.34 9.46 27.00 Preloaded to 20 k N ' i n :

B-1 B-Sl 174.71 10.46 30.25

C-1 C-Sl 159.04 14.44 41.50 Figure 17 Mohr circles for Sample A-1
C-3 C-S2 148.05 15.94 44.10
C-4 C-S3 142.48 15.44 50.25
D-l D-Sl 142.98 11.95 46.50
D-3 D-S2 138.68 12.45 55.40
D-4 D-S3 132.02 12.45 59.50
E-1 E-Sl 145.66 13.45 55.75
E-3 E-S2 140.51 14.94 59.50
E-4 E-S3 135.36 14.94 64.35
F-l F-Sl 135.67 11.45 54.75
20
F-3 F-S2 130.91 13.45 62.75 S t r a i n *»•»
2i

F-4 F-S3 127.14 15.94 69.75

S t r e s s vs S t r a i n P l o t - T r e a t e d P e a t
S a m p l e K - S 3 - P r e l o a d e d t o 2 0 UNV'in-
Stress - Strain curves and Mohr circle plots for
peaty clay sample A-1 (with preloading to Figure 18 Stress-Strain Curves for Sample E-4
2
20kN/m only) and sample F-4 (preloading to
2
20kN/m after mixing with 20% cement) are 70
60
presented in Figure 16, Figure 17, Figure 18 and 50
y
\
/
s
Figure 19 respectively. The increase of undrained 40 /
shear strength due to the cement mixing could be 30 i \
/
//
20
identified from the results. Greater percentage 10 /
) 1
increase of unconfined compressive strength of 0 1-
,„„s k.N/m2
0 100 200
peaty clay were observed by other researches with
Mohr Circle Plot - Treated Peat Sample E - S3
the use of greater percentages of cement Preloaded to 20 k N / m 1

(Hernandez-Martinez and AlTabba [2]. Munasighe

[11]) observed greater percentage increase in her
Figure 19 Mohr circles for Sample E- 4
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8. Cost Implications
The results of the study revealed that by mixing
with cement and allowing the pozzolanic reactions
to take place under the self weight, the
compressibility characteristics and undrained
shear strength of the peaty clay could be enhanced
within a relatively short period of around 28 days.
However, the cost of the operation is also a
important consideration. The cement requirement
3
would be of the order of 200 - 250 k g / m of treated
peaty clay. This cost is certainly much higher than
the cost of preconsolidation with; preloading,
vacuum consolidation, heavy tamping or any such
combination. However, the advantage in cement
mixing is the rapid achievement of the strength.
9. Conclusions
Improvement of strength and stiffness
characteristics of Peaty clay insitu within a
relatively short period of time is a major challenge
faced by the geotechnical and highway engineers
in the construction of major highways through
areas underlain by soft peaty clays.
Techniques based on consolidation had been used
successfully in the infrastructure development
project in Sri Lanka. However, the major drawback
there is the time taken for the treatment. Although
that can be accelerated to a certain extent with the
use of prefabricated vertical drains the need to
construction in stages in a peaty clay of very low
initial shear strength prolongs the construction
period.
The results of the study showed that with the
mixing of 15 to 20% of cement and allowing it to
harden under its self weight the undrained shear
strength can be significantly increased. This will
permit rapid placement of an embankment fill.
The results also illustrated that the primary and
secondary consolidation characteristics were
improved. More significant improvements were
seen in the secondary consolidation characteristics
and the C /Cc
a ratio. This is an encouraging
finding as long term secondary consolidation
settlements are a major concern in road
embankments done on soft peaty clays.
However, the cost of treatment is much higher
than that of consolidation techniques and the
technique could be economically viable only at
situations which demand accelerated
development.
Acknowledgement
Assistance of Sri Lanka Nano Technology
Institution in obtaining SEM Macrographs is
gratefully acknowledged.
References
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