Utilization of Sand Cushion for Stabilization of Peat Layer Considering Dynamic Response of Compaction

Abstract

Soft peat soils are located in many zones and at a given depth all over the world and are characterized by their low shear strength and high settlement. It can also cause progressive failure of roads, embankments, and foundations. Sand cushioning is the most beneficial technique used to relieve the stress transmitted to the peat layer to mitigate any deformation and shear failure. In this research, a field study of a road with a soft peat layer located at a depth 4m below the ground surface is carried out. The plate load test is conducted on three cases over the peat layer using sand cushions with and without reinforcement. The results were compared with plate footing on the surface of the road without stabilization. The field tests of the improved technique were verified and deeply analyzed using the numerical program Plaxis. The finite element analysis mainly sheds light on the simulation of the dynamic response that represents the compaction of the sand cushion over the peat layer. A series of numerical models has been done considering the effect of repeated load compaction on the adopted sand cushions with and without reinforcement. The numerical analysis is directed to show the effect of repeated loads of compaction equipment that were used on decreasing the stress over the peat layer. The results showed that the composite compacted cushion with both a higher number of cycles and stress has a great effect on relieving the stresses transmitted to the face of the peat. As a result, the footing capacity is increased with less deformation. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-04-011 Full Text: PDF