The Effect of Groundnut Shell Ash on Soil Stabilization

The purpose of this study was to focus on how the groundnut shell ash affect the soil stabilization. Groundnut shell ash was used in this study to replace the excessive reliance on industrially created soil enhancing chemicals (cement, lime, and so on) has kept the cost of stabilizing a road high. It was determined that groundnut shell ash may be used and effective as a soil stabilizing component after studying the stabilization of black cotton soil using groundnut shell ash. The ideal usage of groundnut shell ash applied to the soil is 6 percent. Particularly in engineering projects on poor soils, where it may be utilized to replace deep/raft foundations, groundnut shell ash and waste fibre reinforced soil can be an excellent ground improvement option. This can save both money and energy. The process of stabilizing foundation soils to attain desired characteristics or to improve the strength and durability of a less stable soil is known as stabilization. Differential expansion and contraction are possible when a soil's moisture content fluctuates. It is usually required to stabilize them in order to lessen volume fluctuations and strengthen them so that they can withstand the applied loads even when saturated

Adsorption Studies Of Heavy Metals On Activated Carbon Prepared From Agricultural Waste

Commercially available activated carbon (AC) is still considered expensive due to the use of non-renewable and relatively expensive starting material such as bituminous coal. Therefore, this study investigates the potential use of agricultural waste such as rubber seed coat (RSC) and corncob (CC) that available in Malaysia, as the precursor for the preparation of AC which can be applied for the removal of two types of heavy metal, which are Cu (II) and Zn (II) from aqueous solution. Physiochemical activation consisting of potassium hydroxide (KOH) impregnation plus carbon dioxide (CO2) gasification was used to prepare the ACs. The optimum preparation conditions of RSCAC-CU were found at activation temperature of 793 °C, activation time of 1h and KOH impregnation ratio (IR) of 2.46. As for RSCAC-ZN, the optimum preparation conditions were at activation temperature of 797 °C, activation time of 1h and IR of 2.61. Meanwhile, the optimum preparation conditions of CCAC-CU were found at activation temperature of 762 °C, activation time of 2.7h and IR of 3.25. For CCAC-ZN, the optimum preparation conditions were at activation temperature of 768 °C, activation time of 3h and IR of 3.5. All the activated carbons prepared were high BET surface area (>500 m2/g) and pore volume (>0.41 m3/g). RSCAC and CCAC demonstrated homogeneous and heterogeneous type pore structures, respectively. The effects of adsorbate initial concentration (10-100 mg/L), contact time, solution temperature (30-60 °C), solution pH (2-6), isotherms and kinetics of the adsorption systems were evaluated through batch adsorption test. The Cu (II) and Zn (II) adsorption uptakes increased with increasing initial concentration and optimum contact time. Adsorptions of Cu (II) and Zn (II) on all ACs were best fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model. Adsorption kinetics of Cu (II) and Zn (II) followed pseudo-second-order on all the ACs. Fixed bed study showed that the exhaustion period for Zn (II) was greater than Cu (II) and the increase in bed heights resulted in higher exhaustion period

Physicochemical, microstructural and engineering behaviour of non-traditional stabiliser treated marine clay

The presence of marine clay underlying foundation has been responsible for failure in several geotechnical structures and chemical stabilisation is the usual practice to improve the strength of soils. Recently, non-traditional additives are extensively used to solve this problem and their effects on geotechnical properties of soils have been reported by many researchers. However, publications on the fundamental microstructural behaviour of non-traditional additives in treating marine clay soils and their influence on the engineering behaviour are limited. Therefore, this research aimed at determining the stabilisation mechanism and the performance of marine clay soil mixed with two types of non-traditional additives, namely calcium-based powder stabiliser (SH-85) and sodium silicate-based liquid stabilizer (TX-85). Microstructural study from different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques such as X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDAX), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and pore size distribution had been conducted to elucidate the stabilisation mechanism. Unconfined compressive test, oedometer consolidation test and consolidated undrained triaxial compression test were conducted to assess the engineering properties of the stabilised soil. In addition, strip footing model tests were conducted to determine the performance of stabilised clay soils and the results were compared with simulation using PLAXIS 2D finite element. The laboratory tests showed that the addition of 12% SH-85 at early 7 days curing period had increased the compressive strength of treated marine clay by about 42 times while the addition of 6% TX-85 with similar curing period had increased the compressive strength of treated marine clay by about 3.6 times. The results of the microstructural tests indicated the formation of new gel products in the mixtures, which were identified as calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) and sodium aluminosilicate hydrate (NASH) for soils treated with SH-85 and TX-85, respectively. SEM images illustrated the formation of new cementitious compounds (CSH and NASH) which were shown within the pore spaces, resulting in the reduction of radius of pore spaces. In comparison to the untreated soil, the results of the physical model tests showed that the bearing capacity of strip footing on the treated soil at 7 days curing period increased significantly while the settlement reduced. In short, the selected additive had successfully increased the strength of marine clay at early period, thus the usage of selected non-traditional additives was considered as cost effective for geotechnical project

Technology of crack detection in reinforced concrete structures

Some crucial signs of structural failure that are critical for repair would be cracks on the structures as well as constant exposure that can result in severe environmental damage. Being able to detect cracks on structures is becoming an essential aspect of the technology of the construction industry. Destructive Testing and Non-Destructive Testing are the two methods used for structural crack detection. This study focused on the techniques used to detect cracks. Several effective methods to detect cracks were carried out and compared to identify the most suitable method in detecting cracks on structures within the demographics of Malaysia. Image processing techniques (IPTs) through the photogrammetry method, surface crack analysis program and Convolution Neural Network (CNN) were carried out to examine crack detection through measurement and monitoring from images. The distance was determined in this study for the physical properties, using both conductibility and accuracy. The photogrammetry method was able to conduct distance at 0.1 - 40 m, with an accuracy of up to 0.005 mm. Therefore, the surface cracks analysis provided 0.10 mm accuracy, while results on CNN had an accuracy of 0.95 mm (98.22 % and 97.95 % in training and validation). Results from physical properties showed that photogrammetry had the highest accuracy, while CNN has the least accuracy. Hence, this study concluded that Photogrammetry method and Convolution Neural Network (CNN) were both the most effective methods to be used in providing clear information and effective ways to detect crack on structures

Marine Clay Soil Treated with Demolished Tile Waste: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review investigates the stabilization of marine clay soil using demolished tile waste. The study adopts the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) method to comprehensively analyze existing research in this area.The utilization of waste materials for soil stabilization has gained significant attention due to environmental concerns and sustainability objectives. In this review, we explore the effectiveness of using demolished tile waste as a stabilizer for marine clay soil. The analysis reveals that different types of waste materials exhibit varying degrees of improvement in the soil's properties. The results demonstrate a consistent increase in shear strength after stabilization, indicating the suitability of demolished tile waste as a stabilizing agent for soft clay soils. Interestingly, the highest strength is not obtained at the largest additive quantities. Instead, most research papers report a peak in strength at specific additive proportions and curing time, followed by a decline. This phenomenon occurs when the hydration process is complete, and large lumps form between the clay particles. Furthermore, the size of the additive also plays a crucial role in enhancing the strength of problematic soils. Optimal additive size leads to better distribution and interaction with the clay particles, contributing to improved stabilization results. This review provides valuable insights into the potential of utilizing demolished tile waste for enhancing the engineering properties of marine clay soil. The findings highlight the importance of carefully selecting the type and quantity of additives to achieve the desired stabilization outcomes

Stabilization of Johor Peat Soil using Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA)

Peat soil have been categorized as a problematic organic soil, because they have a high settlement rate when placed any structure on it. Therefore, the peat soil must first be stabilized using cement before it can be used. However, massive use of cement can lead to environmental pollution. Therefore, this study intends to use sugar cane bagasse ash as a substitute for cement in peat soil stabilization. The mix ratio of 5% to 20% was used to find the optimal mix ratio. Various tests were carried out on samples such as basic properties tests, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). After all the tests, the 5% replacement SCBA mix ratio gave the highest unconfined compressive strength if compared to the other mixtures ratio. Therefore, it is selected as the optimum mix ratio. The soil strength achieved by the SCBA 5% replacement ratio was found to be higher than cement stabilization alone due to the presence of secondary pozzolan reactions. The microstructure result from the SEM test had shown that the 5% replacement SCBA mix ratio filled in the hollow left by the peat soil. Hence, able to improve its soil structure and thus increasing its strength

Liquefaction resistance of sand matrix soils

Numerous researches have been focusing on the roles of fines in liquefaction resistance of sand matrix soils (sand dominant soil that contains little presenting fines). It has been reported that the presence of plastic fines would either imposed additional liquefaction resistance of sand matrix soils or caused reduction to the liquefaction resistance. This paper aims to present the liquefaction resistance of sand matrix soils with respect to different fines content based on the results from cyclic tests using triaxial testing system. The sand matrix soils were reconstituted by mixing the plastic fines (kaolin and bentonite) to the clean sand at seven different percentages by weight. Results showed that liquefaction resistance of sand matrix soils decreases with an increase of fines content until a minimal value and increases thereafter. It was identified that the presence of fine contents to give the minimum liquefaction resistance were 20 % for sand-bentonite mixtures and 25 % for sand-kaolin mixtures. These values represent the threshold fines content for respective mixtures

Effects of Solution Matrix on Moringa oleifera Seeds and Banana Peel in Eliminating Heavy Metals, Fluoride and Turbidity from Synthetic groundwater samples

Plant-based biomass has become an environmental-friendly water purification agent in replacing conventional chemicals. In the previous study, Moringa oleifera (MO) seeds and banana peel (BP) have been selected based on their moderate to high effectiveness in removing lead, cadmium, nickel, arsenic, turbidity, and fluoride from synthetic groundwater samples. This study was aimed to investigate further the effects of solution matrix on the biomass effectiveness. Batch experiments were conducted by using coagulation technique and the initial pH of the solutions was controlled to be at pH 7. The results demonstrate that the removal rates for most of the pollutants in multi-contaminant solution were higher compared to the single-contaminant solution. The reason could be due to electrostatic or mutual interactions between contaminants present in the solution thus improved the removal rates of those contaminants. The findings are significantly important to understand the effects and removal behavior of the biomass in different solution matrix

PERFORMANCE OF LIME-TREATED MARINE CLAY ON STRENGTH AND COMPRESSIBILITY CHRACTERISTICS

ABSTRACT: The presence of marine clay in Iskandar Malaysia Region, Nusajaya has caused expensive solutions in the construction of structures and roads. Alternatively, soil treatment is suggested to increase the strength of the unsuitable material to meet the constructions requirement for foundation and also to achieve the specifications for development work. In this study, a series of laboratory test has been conducted to determine the potential of lime to stabilize marine clay to form the basis of a strong, reliable land for construction of roads and building. Testing program involves obtaining specimens of marine clays from various locations at Iskandar Malaysia Region, followed by laboratory tests to determine the physical and engineering properties with and without the addition of lime. The proportions of hydrated lime added are 3%, 6% and 9% to the untreated marine clay and tested at 7 and 28 days curing periods. Results show an increase in strength with increasing lime content. In addition, strength also increases significantly as early as 7 curing days and continues for 28 curing days. In agreement with the strength tests, compression characteristics improved with increasing lime content and as time prolonged. Hence, lime is successful and considered effective to improve the strength and compressibility behavior of Marine clay

Effect of humic acid on geochemistry properties of kaolin

Organic soil is always known as problematic soil because of its engineering properties are inferior from other soft soils and/or because its behaviour may deviate from traditional rules of soil behaviour which makes it difficult to predict and design. Considerable research has been carried out over the years on organic soils, particularly peat soil which consists of various components of organic matter but the effect of particular organic matter is less reported. Hence, this study is carried out to determine the effect of humic acid (a kind of humified organic matter) on kaolin (which is widely studied). This paper addresses the influence of humic acid (30% and 50% of dry mass) on kaolin’s geochemistry properties namely Atterberg limits, compaction, specific gravity and Loss on Ignition (LOI). The findings of the study showed that the contents of humic acid had altered the behaviour of kaolin. The loss on ignition increased linearly with the increment of humic acid. However, the specific gravity, maximum dry density and Atterberg limits decreased with addition of humic acid. Atterberg limits decreased as the humic acid increased is believed to be due to the nature of humic acid which precipitated under acidic environment