Effect of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) on the Compressibility of Soil in Changkat Chermin, Perak

This research presents a series of laboratory test to determine the effect of Rice Husk
Ash (RHA) on the compressibility of soil in Changkat Cermin, Perak, Malaysia. This
research proves that the compressibility characteristic of the soil changed with adding
solely RHA because of interlocking between the soil and RHA particles. The concept
can be seen through the particle size distribution curve. Different mixed were prepared
by mixing RHA in percentages of 0 %( indicator), 12%, 18%, 24%, 30% and 36% with
soil by weight. The blend of soil with 18% to 24% of RHA had resulted in decrease of
void ratio, e, decrease of compression index, cc, increase of coefficient of
compressibility, c, and decrease of the volume of compressibility, m,. Compaction
characteristic and Atterberg's limit were also determined. The addition of RHA with
lime/cement increases the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) and decreases the
Maximum Dry Density (MDD)