INVESTIGATION ON THE MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF SILICA FUME AND OPC STABILISED PEAT

Peat geotechnical properties such as low shear strength, high organic matter, low bearing
capacity and high compressibility make it been regarded as difficult soil. Peat soil is
considered by geotechnical engineers as an unfavourable soil for construction. It has
covered approximately twenty-three (23) million hectares in South-East Asia with about
three (3) million hectares or 8% of the total area in Malaysia. Peat soil has been regarded
as problematic soil that poses significant threat to roads and building foundations stability
due to its unique characteristics of high compressibility, low shear strength and
consolidation settlements even when subjected to a moderate load. Construction on peat
soil has proven to be a challenging task to civil engineers because of its characteristics.