Understanding the physical properties and characteristics of peat soils is crucial for effective construction planning and execution

Oct 13, 2025 by pynkocean.com 132 views

Testing the Value of Shear and Consolidation Strength on Peatlands in Palupake Village, Padang Tualang District, Langkat Regency

Introduction

Peat soils have unfavorable physical properties for construction purposes, mainly caused by low shear strength and high levels of shrinkage, which is rooted in minimal mineral content. The main problems faced by peat soil are high water content, low mineral content, weak carrying capacity, and high levels of compressibility. In addition, there is a Humic Acid (COOH) in peat soil organic material, which makes peat soil stabilization a challenge. Understanding the physical properties and characteristics of peat soils is crucial for effective construction planning and execution.

In the midst of increasing the need for infrastructure development, the use of peatlands for construction needs, both industry and settlements, become increasingly general. Peatland characterization is essential for determining the feasibility of construction projects. Peatland also has varied characteristics in each region, so it is important to conduct comprehensive research at the development planning location before conducting construction.

Objectives

This study aims to analyze the physical properties (index properties) and classification of peat soil, determine the optimum water content and weight of the maximum dry volume using the proctor test, and determine the cohesion value (C) and the shear angle in the peat soil through the direct shear test (direct shear test). In addition, this study also aims to determine the value of the compression index (CC) and the peat soil consolidation coefficient in Palupake Village, Padang Tualang District, Langkat Regency.

Methodology

The test results show that peat soils in Palupake Village have very high water content, reaching 426.666%. The specific weight of this soil is 1,300, while the wet volume weight (γB) is recorded at 1,106 gr/cm³ and the dry volume weight (γd) is only 0.368 gr/cm³. Peat soil pores at this location are 5,616. Based on ASTM D44427-84 (1998) standards, peat soil samples are classified as medium ash peat with ash content of 5,230 and organic content of 94,780%. This land is also categorized as a highly acidic peat with a pH value of 4.

From the standard proctor test, the optimum water content is obtained at 30,320 and the maximum dry contents weight of 0.620 gr/cm³. Peat soil compaction shows that the weight of the dry volume of the undisturbed sample increased from 0.368 gr/cm³ to 0.620 gr/cm³. The value of shear angle in peat soil reaches its peak at a sample of 85% ydmax with a value of 2.158 ° and cohesion of 0.021 MPa.

Results

The peat soil compression index (CC) shows different values depending on the sample: sample 1 has a value of 0.704 and sample 2 of 0.594. The consolidation coefficient (CV) for sample 1 is 0.094 cm²/second, while sample 2 shows a value of 0.078 cm²/second. From these results, it can be concluded that the speed of peat soil reduction is strongly influenced by the amount of loading given.

Discussion

The results of this study show that peat soils in Palupake Village have high water content, low mineral content, and weak carrying capacity. The peat soil classification is medium ash peat with ash content of 5,230 and organic content of 94,780%. The pH value of this land is highly acidic, which makes it challenging for construction purposes.

The optimum water content and maximum dry contents weight of peat soil are obtained at 30,320 and 0.620 gr/cm³, respectively. The value of shear angle in peat soil reaches its peak at a sample of 85% ydmax with a value of 2.158 ° and cohesion of 0.021 MPa. The peat soil compression index (CC) shows different values depending on the sample, while the consolidation coefficient (CV) is influenced by the amount of loading given.

Conclusion

This test shows the importance of understanding the characteristics of peatlands before carrying out development on it. By knowing the physical nature and value of shear strength and consolidation, construction planners can carry out more effective strategies in carrying out the stabilization and use of peatlands to meet the increasing infrastructure needs. This information is expected to help in better and more informative decision making for future development projects.

Recommendation

Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that construction planners and engineers conduct comprehensive research on the physical properties and characteristics of peat soils before carrying out development projects. This includes determining the optimum water content and maximum dry contents weight, as well as the value of shear angle and cohesion. Additionally, the peat soil compression index (CC) and consolidation coefficient (CV) should be taken into account when designing construction projects on peatlands.

Future Research

Future research should focus on developing more effective methods for stabilizing and using peatlands for construction purposes. This includes exploring new technologies and materials that can improve the physical properties of peat soils, as well as developing more efficient and cost-effective methods for peat soil compaction and stabilization.

Limitation

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited scope of the research. Future studies should aim to increase the sample size and scope of the research to provide more comprehensive and accurate results.

References

ASTM D44427-84 (1998). Standard Test Method for Classification of Peat Soils.
[Insert other relevant references]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Testing the Value of Shear and Consolidation Strength on Peatlands in Palupake Village, Padang Tualang District, Langkat Regency

Q: What is peat soil and why is it a challenge for construction purposes?

A: Peat soil is a type of soil that is formed from the accumulation of partially decayed plant matter. It has high water content, low mineral content, and weak carrying capacity, making it a challenge for construction purposes.

Q: What are the main problems faced by peat soil?

A: The main problems faced by peat soil are high water content, low mineral content, weak carrying capacity, and high levels of compressibility.

Q: Why is it essential to conduct comprehensive research on peat soils before carrying out development projects?

A: It is essential to conduct comprehensive research on peat soils because they have varied characteristics in each region, and understanding their physical properties and characteristics is crucial for effective construction planning and execution.

Q: What are the objectives of this study?

A: The objectives of this study are to analyze the physical properties (index properties) and classification of peat soil, determine the optimum water content and weight of the maximum dry volume using the proctor test, and determine the cohesion value (C) and the shear angle in the peat soil through the direct shear test.

Q: What are the results of this study?

A: The results of this study show that peat soils in Palupake Village have high water content, low mineral content, and weak carrying capacity. The peat soil classification is medium ash peat with ash content of 5,230 and organic content of 94,780%. The pH value of this land is highly acidic, which makes it challenging for construction purposes.

Q: What are the implications of this study for construction planners and engineers?

A: The implications of this study are that construction planners and engineers should conduct comprehensive research on the physical properties and characteristics of peat soils before carrying out development projects. This includes determining the optimum water content and maximum dry contents weight, as well as the value of shear angle and cohesion.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are the small sample size and the limited scope of the research. Future studies should aim to increase the sample size and scope of the research to provide more comprehensive and accurate results.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: The recommendations for future research are to develop more effective methods for stabilizing and using peatlands for construction purposes. This includes exploring new technologies and materials that can improve the physical properties of peat soils, as well as developing more efficient and cost-effective methods for peat soil compaction and stabilization.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The potential applications of this study are in the fields of civil engineering, geotechnical engineering, and environmental engineering. The results of this study can be used to develop more effective methods for stabilizing and using peatlands for construction purposes, which can lead to more efficient and cost-effective construction projects.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study?

A: The potential benefits of this study are that it can lead to more effective and efficient construction projects, which can result in cost savings and improved project outcomes. Additionally, the results of this study can be used to develop more sustainable and environmentally friendly construction practices.

Q: What are the potential risks of this study?

A: The potential risks of this study are that it may not be applicable to all types of peat soils, and that the results may not be generalizable to other regions. Additionally, the study may not address all the potential challenges and limitations of using peatlands for construction purposes.

Q: What are the potential future directions of this study?

A: The potential future directions of this study are to explore new technologies and materials that can improve the physical properties of peat soils, as well as to develop more efficient and cost-effective methods for peat soil compaction and stabilization. Additionally, the study can be expanded to include more comprehensive research on the physical properties and characteristics of peat soils.