Engineering properties of peat soils in Peninsular, Malaysia

Aim of this study is to determine physical and mechanical properties of tropical peatland in West Malaysia. To know the proper methods of ground improvement and to know the scale of improvement works, a proper soil investigation requires. A study on peatland in Peninsular, Malaysia was conducted to determine stratigraphy of peat layer, bearing capacity, physical properties, unconfined compressive strength and consolidation properties. Some conventional laboratory and field experiments were done to determine its physical and mechanical properties and to find the soil profile. From experiments it was observed that the depth of the peat was moderate and it had high water, organic and fibre content. The soil was acidic and it had low bearing capacity and had low unconfined compressive strength. Its compressibility was very high and it had high settlement value. These properties should be considered when ground improvement works are undertaken for this type of problematic soil in construction industry.