GEOTECHNIC II - BFC34402

SEMESTER 2 SESI 2018/2019

SEKSYEN 2

PROPOSAL

PREPARED BY: GROUP 2

NAMA NO MATRIK
TG. AHMAD RAMADAN B TG KAMARUL BAHARIN CF170003
SAIDATUL HUSNA BT MOHD FOUZI CF170198
MUHAMMAD SYAZWAN BIN AHMAD SHUKRI CF170047
KHAIRUL ANUAR BIN ISMAIL CF170076
MUHAMMAD AZHIIM BIN KAMARULZAMAN CF170018
WAN AZFIZATUL AZ ZARAH WAN MOHAMAD YUSOFF CF170154

PREPARED FOR:
DR. MOHD KHAIDIR BIN ABU TALIB

LECTURER CIVIL ENGINEERING

SUBMISSION DATE:
18 APRIL 2019
 APPENDIX 2:
GUIDELINE FOR MINUTE OF MEETING

MINUTE OF MEETING 1
GEOTECHNICAL PROJECT
FACULTY OF CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

DATE : 16 April 2019

TIME : 22:00-00:00
PLACE : Ruang Gunasama Kolej Kediaman Bestari

Members Present: (list all members that attended meeting)

1. Khairul Anuar Bin Ismail (Chairperson)

2. Wan Azfizatul Az Zarah Wan Mohamad Yusoff (Secretary)
3. Saidatul Husna Binti Mohd Fouzi
4. Tg. Ahmad Ramadan Bin Tg. Kamarul Baharin
5. Muhammad Syazwan Bin Ahmad Shukri (Modelling)
6. Muhammad Azhiim Bin Kamarulzaman

Members Apologies: (list members that did not attend the meeting)

All present

NO SUBJECT ACTION BY FEEDBACK

1.0 CHAIRPERSON ADDRESS

1.0.1 Greet the group members and start the meeting. All group Drafting report
1.0.2 Explain about the report that need to be submit members session begun by
by following the requirement stated in the rubric. dividing the
1.0.3 Dividing the report by chapters to the members chapters.
and the report need to be draft before the actual
report is done.
2.0 PAPER PRESENTATION BY SAIDATUL HUSNA

2.0.1 Pick chapter 1 which is introduction. All group Everyone take

2.0.2 Brainstorming the point that need to be elobrate members part in their own
in the report. task and also in
2.0.3 In this chapter will be explain regarding the soil giving ideas to
selected in previous meeting that is Soft Soil and brainstormed
the specific soil is Batu Pahat Soft Soils (BPSS).
2.0.4 Point selected are as follows:
i. The problems that are found in Soft soil
espeacially for highway construction.
ii. How to overcome this problems.
iii. Choose the right addictive to stabilize the Soft
Soil.
iv. Methods of admixture layout:
 High Quality Deep Mixing Method (Large
Diameter)
 Chemical Stabilization Method
 v. Reason choosing this method.

3.0 PAPER PRESENTATION BY KHAIRUL ANUAR

3.0.1 Are assigned with chapter 2 that is Case Study All group Everyone take
3.0.2 Discussing about points that will be elaborate members part in their own
more in this chapter. task and also in
3.0.3 In this chapter, point selected are: giving ideas to
i. Background of study that is understanding brainstormed
problems of soft soils.
ii. What is nano-clay and the advantages.
iii. Determining the problems and causes
occurred in Batu Pahat area by previous
studies.
iv. Choosing the laboratory testing that will be
used for determining the strength of the soil
after the mixing of addictive.

4.0 PAPER PRESENTATION BY TG. AHMAD RAMADAN

4.0.1 Brainstorming the apllication of the addictives. All group Everyone take
4.0.2 Choosing the method to combine the area of soil members part in their own
selected with addctives. task and also in
4.0.3 Explaining the test that will be conducted to giving ideas to
obtaine the result. brainstormed

5.0 PAPER PRESENTATION BY MUHAMMAD AZHIIM AND MUHAMMAD

SYAZWAN

5.0.1 Elaborate the overview of the study. All group Everyone take
5.0.2 Explaining the result obtained. members part in their own
5.0.3 Give recommendation to improve the study. task and also in
giving ideas to
brainstormed
6.0 PAPER PRESENTATION BY WAN AZFIZATUL AZ ZARAH

6.0.1 Giving overview regarding the draf for the report. All group Everyone take
6.0.2 Are assigned in skectching the model for members part in their own
Geotechnical Festival related to the theme” task and also in
Problematic Soils and Ground Improvement”. giving ideas to
6.0.3 Drafting for poster that will be presented on brainstormed
Geotechnical Festival.

7.0 CLOSING

7.0.1 All group members agreed with the ideas More Evaluate more on
brainstormed. research for next meeting.
report
Prepared by: Approved by:

__________________ ____________________
Wan Azfizatul Az Zarah Wan Mohamad Yusoff Khairul Anuar Bin Ismail
(Secretary) (Chairperson)
 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Soft soils are common soil that had been found in Malaysia. This type of soils is
not suitable for heavy construction because they can produce large settlements over a very
long time span. In Malaysia, the development of road networks, residential and
commercial properties have encroached into the areas underlain with very soft soils. The
soft soil has created a challenge to the construction industry, specific in road construction.
Soft soil has a characteristic are high compressibility, low shear strength and low
permeability. General construction problems in this deposit are insufficient bearing
capacity, excessive post construction settlement and instability on excavation.

Construction of roadways over soft soil is one of the most common problems for
highway construction in this world as well as in Malaysia. The usual approach to soft soil
stabilization is to remove the soft soil, and replace it with a stronger material of crushed
rock. This method can give a really high cost of replacement, so that, highway agencies
evaluate alternative methods of highway construction on soft soil.

In order to counter these problems, we choose two types of admixtures which is

nano clay and bentonite. These admixtures will be layout on top of soil with proper
procedures. By applying these admixtures, it will help increase the strength in soil and
decrease the void in the soft soil. There are two methods of admixture layout:
i. High Quality Deep Mixing Method (Large Diameter)
ii. Chemical Stabilization Method

The applications of these methods are constrained by technical feasibility, space, time
constraints and construction cost. The best selection and application of the most
appropriate ground improvement techniques can improve the performance of foundations
and earth structures, including embankments, cut slopes, roads and railways. Chemical
stabilization methods are presented to provide soil strength improvement, differential
settlements, shorter construction period, reduced construction costs, and others which can
give impact on soft soil.
 CHAPTER 2: CASE STUDY

i. Case study highly suitable for achieving study objectives

ii. The selected case study for data interpretation are highly suitable

Background Study

The background of study is to be understanding problem of soils with the causes

and method provided to prevent any failure. This project focused on soft soils problem
with chemical stabilization. Site investigation is needed to identify any problem that
might occur after the building constructed. On that process, type of soil will be
determined. Further inspection and solving method are on geotechnical engineers.

There are various methods to solve the soft soils problem, one has to know the
engineering properties of the soft clay. The conventional ground treatment methods such
as soft soil replacement; expedite pore water dissipation and platform settlements through
the insertions of prefabricated vertical drains (PVD) and surcharge fills; modify subsoil
bearing capacity through the installation or stone column or combination of these
techniques are widely used in Malaysia. The applications of these methods are
constrained by technical feasibility, space, time constraints and construction cost. Early
selection and application of the most appropriate ground improvement techniques can
improve considerably not only the design and performance of foundations and earth
structures, including embankments, cut slopes, roads and railways but also result in their
cost-effectiveness. Chemical stabilization methods are presented to provide soil strength
improvement, mitigation of total and differential settlements, shorter construction period,
reduced construction costs, and other characteristics which may impact on their utilization
to specific projects on soft ground. This research addresses these deficiencies by creating
Nano-clay by using Batu Pahat soft clay (BPSC) and performing testing laboratory
stabilized soil using Batu Pahat soft clay (BPSC) Nano-clay as admixtures at Research
Centre for Soft Soils (RECESS) (Ashraf, M.H 2010).

Nano-clay is the essential Nano-clay raw material is montmorillonite, a two to one

layered smectite clay mineral with a platy structure. The thickness of each layer is about
1 nm, diameter from 10 nm to several microns, and the interlayer space around 1 nm
depending on the modification methods. Due to its high aspect ratio and good physical
and thermal properties, nano-clay has the potential for exceptional improvements in
barrier, flammability resistance, thermal and mechanical properties.

Problems and Causes

The article states that problem of occurred by increasing the resident and
commercial development was constructed on soft clay in Batu Pahat.
The construction on soft soil is increasing due to lack of suitable land for infrastructures
and other developments. Imported soils from cutting of hills and highlands are used for
various construction purposes. Type of clay called is BPSC which is Batu Pahat Soft
Clay. According to Hashim and Islam (2008), roads in Batu Pahat district experienced
many types of failures such as cracks, large surface deformation and structural
deformation of pavement layers and the subgrade.

They suggested that in order to reduce these failures, Batu Pahat soft clay needs
to be utilized in order to reduce imported soil from other places and reduced the possibility
of environmental damages. BPSC at Research Centre for Soft Soil (RECESS) has a
plasticity index (PI) that range from about 36% to 46% in which the higher the PI, the
greater the potential for problems. Clays, especially highly plastic are subject to swell
when their moisture content is increased. Moisture control is perhaps the most important
single factor in the success of foundations on shrinking and swelling clays. The
percentage of clay in a soil and the activity of clay minerals are reflected qualitatively by
the value of the plasticity index. The larger content of clay minerals, and the more active
the clay mineral, the greater is its potential for swelling, creep and changes in behaviour.
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) suggests that the plasticity index over 35%
provided an indication of volume change potential is very high. These volume changes
can give rise to ground movements which can cause damage to buildings. Therefore, in
order to prevent these problems, it is essential for engineers to stabilize the existing soil
before commencing the construction activities. By stabilizing the soil, it is hoped that the
soil will be more suitable as road subgrade and any road construction.
Laboratory Testing

1. Atterberg Limits
Atterberg limit is a laboratory test that is performed to determine the plastic limit and
liquid limit of soil. The plastic and liquid limit of BPSC is determined by using cone
penetrometer test. By obtaining the value of plastic and liquid limit of BPSC, the plasticity
index (PI) of BPSC can obtain.

2. Permeability
Permeability test is a laboratory test that is performed to determine the coefficient of
permeability, k or the rate of water flow through the soil sample. The type of permeability
test used is falling head test as it is suitable for fine grained soil. In this case, BPSC is
used. The test results provide the rate of water seepage through the soil.

3. California Bearing Ratio

It is a penetration test for evaluation of the mechanical strength of road subgrades and
base courses. The test is performed by measuring the pressure required to penetrate a soil
sample with a plunger of standard area with equipment’s. The CBR rating was developed
for measuring the load-bearing capacity of soils used for building roads. The harder the
surface, the higher the CBR rating.

Results

This method chosen based on the results gained that the Nano-Clay is able to
increase the strength of the soft clay, Mohd Idrus Haji Mohd Masirin. (2007). The
California Bearing Ratio of the soil is increase significantly where the results for the
highest percentage of admixture is 14.4% while the permeability of the soil decreases
significantly with increasing Nano-Clay whereby the results of the highest percentage of
admixture is 2.0187x10-11 m/s. After doing this research, it is proven that Nano-clay can
contribute towards better soil stabilization and enhance the quality of soil as subgrade and
foundation at large.
 CHAPTER 3: APPLICATION/APPROACH METHOD

Application of addictive in field work, where a target area is choosing to be

determined. Nano clay and bentonite are both type of admixture to be layout on top of
soil with proper procedure. After completing layout, the admixture with soil, testing of
soil is conducted.

On site application help to:

i. Decrease in void.
ii. Increase strength of CBR test.
iii. Strengthen soil.

Methodology of Admixture Layout

1. High Quality Deep Mixing Method (Large Diameter).

This type of method is using rotating mixing tool, drilling tool into the soft soil. When
the drilling rotation is reversed the admixture in injected and mixed with soil and the
reaction start immediately. Deep mixing method is a method used on column type
technique where it will improve the strength, deformation properties and hydraulic
conductivity of the soil.

Figure 1: Deep mixing method with binder

2. Chemical Grouts
 Chemical Stabilization method where it is effective in improving soil properties
by mixing addictive to soils. The addictive used as admixture mix with soft clay is Nano-
clay and bentonite. Chemical agent such as nano-clay and bentonite give cation chemical
exchange reaction and cementation. The chemical grouts is injected into the voids of the
soil with up to 10 to 15 nano meter in diameter. There’s two type of process:
i. Single step
All the premix is injected into the soft soil.

ii. Two step process

The initial chemical injected into the soil then follow up by second chemical material
react with the first in-situ to stabilized the soil.

Figure 1: System in jet grouting

Testing for Soft Soils (Road Construction subgrade)

1. Atterberg Limit
To determine the Plastic Limit, Liquid Limit and Plasticity Index

2. Permeability
To determine the coefficient of permeability (Rate of water seepage through soil).

3. California Bearing Ratio

Indicator for soil mechanical strength for subgrade and base.
 CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION

On the geotechnical properties of soft soil, the liquid limit, plastic limit, linear
shrinkage, compaction parameters and shear strength of the soil were determined.
Addition of each of the nanomaterials decreased the liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity
index and linear shrinkage of the soil. The dry density increased with increasing
nanomaterial percentage. On the other hand, the optimum moisture contents of the soil-
nanomaterials mixtures decreased with increase dosages of nanomaterial. In addition,
when the nanomaterial percentage exceeded the optimum contents, there was evidence of
particles Res. J. Appl. Sci. Eng. Technol., 8(4): 503-509, 2014 509 agglomerations which
in turn affected the mechanical properties of soils negatively. As well, the compressive
strength of the soil increased with nanomaterial addition. Moreover, the addition of a
small amount of nanomaterials, i.e., not more than 1%, leads to enhancement of soil
geotechnical properties by increasing the compressive strength for all tested soils. These
results can help researchers further improve soil strength and other soil properties.

In recommendation, the strength of the soil can be improved by stabilization

process which include the blending of soil to achieve a desired gradation or the mixing of
commercially available additives that may alter the gradation, texture or plasticity, or act
as a binder for cementation of the soil. The articles suggested that Nano-clay and
Bentonite has the potential for exceptional improvements in barrier, flammability
resistance, thermal and mechanical properties due to its high aspect ratio and good
physical and thermal properties. The essential Nano-clay raw material is montmorillonite,
a two to one layered smectite clay mineral with a platy structure. The thickness of each
layer is about 1 nm, diameter from 10 nm to several microns, and the interlayer space
around 1 nm depending on the modification methods. The increasing of Bentonite and
Nano-clay decreases the void in BPSC. When the void in BPSC decreases, the rate of
water flowing through the soil also decreases thus improving the soil and is suitable for
road subgrade. The CBR value for BPSC increases when the percentage of Bentonite and
Nano clay increases thus increasing the strength of BPSC. High value of CBR shows that
the strength of the soil is good. The admixture used which is Bentonite and Nano-clay are
suitable additives for strengthening of soil can be used to improve the quality of weak
road subgrade.
 CHAPTER 5: REFERENCES

1. Ashraf, M. H. (2010). Stabilization of Subgrade by using Fly Ash related to Road

Pavement Thickness Design at Jalan Jaya Gading. Universiti Malaysia Pahang:
Degree of Bachelor Thesis.
2. M. M. Mohd Idrus (2016). Investigation of Stabilised Soft Soil Pertaining on its
CBR and Permeability Properties for Road Construction.
3. Axelsson, K., Johansson, S., and Andersson, R. _2002_. “Stabilization of organic
soils by cement and Pozzolanic reactions—Feasibility study.” Swedish Deep
Stabilization Research Center Rep. No. 3, Swedish Geotechnical Institute,
Linkoping, Sweden.
4. American Coal Ash Association (ACAA) (1999). Soil and pavement base
stabilization with self-cementing coal fly ash, Alexandria, Va. American Coal Ash
Association (ACAA) (2000). ACAA’s CCPs production use and survey.
Alexandria, Va.
5. Ferguson, G. (1993). “Use of self-cementing fly ashes as a soil stabilization
agent.” Fly ash for soil improvement, Geotechnical Special Publication No. 36,
ASCE, New York, 1–14.
6. Nicholson, P. G., and Kashyap, V. (1993). “Fly ash stabilization of tropical
Hawaiian soils.” Fly Ash for Soil Improvement, Geotechnical Special Publication
No. 36, ASCE, New York, 15–29.
7. A. V. Shroff, and D. L. Shah, “Grouting technology in tunnelling and dam
construction,” 2nd edition, Balkema Publishers, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 1999.
8. US Army Corps of Engineers, “Chemical grouting,” Manual No. 1110-1-3500,
Washington D.C., USA, 1995.
MODEL DESIGN