Understanding the physical properties and classification of peat soils is crucial

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 123 views

The Immersion Study with a Certain Duration of the CBR (California Bearing Ratio) Value and the Analysis of the Free Compressive Strength with the UCT (Uniconfined Compression Test) Testing of the Lae Balno Peat Land

Introduction

Peat soil is a type of soil with a very high organic content, which is formed through the process of decomposition of plant material. Understanding the physical properties and classification of peat soils is crucial for the development of sustainable land resources. This study aims to explore the physical properties and classification of peat soils in the Lae Balno village, Lake Paris District, Aceh Singkil Regency, and to determine the value of California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and the free compressive strength of peat soil through testing the Unconfined Compression Test (UCT).

Background

Peat soils can be divided into two types, namely ombrogen peat soil and topogenic peat soils. Ombrogen peat soils are formed in areas that depend on rainfall, so they tend to form thick domes. Conversely, topogenic peat soils are formed in the inland areas of coastal plains or rivers, influenced by floods and tidal water, so that they are usually more fertile and not too thick. The physical properties of peat soils, such as water content, specific weight, pore number, wet volume weight, dry volume weight, ash content, organic content, and pH, are essential for understanding their behavior.

Research Methodology

This study aims to explore the physical properties and classification of peat soils, followed by measurement of the value of California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of peat soil samples, as well as analyzing changes in the parameters of CBR values after the soil experiences compaction and variations of soaking duration for 2, 4, and 6 days. In addition, this study also aims to determine the free compressive strength of peat soil through testing the Unconfined Compression Test (UCT).

Research Result

Based on the results of research in the village of Lae Balno, peatlands showed a number of physical characteristics as follows:

Water content: 581.27%, which is a high value indicating that the peat soil is highly sensitive to water.
Specific weight: 1.28, which is a low value indicating that the peat soil is light and prone to settlement.
Pore number: 5.72, which is a high value indicating that the peat soil has a high porosity and is prone to water infiltration.
Wet volume weight: 0.99 gr/cm³, which is a low value indicating that the peat soil is light and prone to settlement.
Dry volume weight: 0.19 gr/cm³, which is a low value indicating that the peat soil is light and prone to settlement.
Ash content: 22.34%, which is a high value indicating that the peat soil is classified as high ash peat peat soil.
Organic content: 77.66%, which is a high value indicating that the peat soil is classified as fibric peat peat soil.
PH: 4,44, which is a low value indicating that the peat soil is highly acidic.

CBR Value Result

The CBR value resulting from the test shows that the peat soils in the original state have a CBR value of 3.21% for unsupped conditions (unsoided). However, after immersion, the CBR value decreased:

2.61% for 2 days soaking, which indicates that the peat soil is sensitive to water and prone to settlement.
2.17% for 4 days, which indicates that the peat soil is highly sensitive to water and prone to settlement.
1.66% for 6 days soaking, which indicates that the peat soil is highly sensitive to water and prone to settlement.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The decrease in the value of CBR as the soaking duration increases indicates that peat soils have sensitive properties. This has implications for the ability to support the soil, which can affect the design and construction of buildings that will be erected on the land. The sensitivity of peat soils to water and settlement is a critical factor in the design and construction of buildings.

Free Compressive Strength Result

The free compressive strength obtained from the UCT test is 0.09 kg/cm². This very low value shows that peat soils in the study area have weak mechanical resistance. The weak mechanical resistance of peat soils is a critical factor in the design and construction of buildings.

Conclusion

Overall, the results of this study provide valuable information about the physical characteristics and mechanical behavior of peat soils, as well as being an important reference for the use of peatlands in future development projects. This knowledge is not only beneficial for geotechnical engineers, but also for the community and decision makers who focus on the management of sustainable land resources. The findings of this study highlight the importance of considering the physical properties and mechanical behavior of peat soils in the design and construction of buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Immersion Study with a Certain Duration of the CBR (California Bearing Ratio) Value and the Analysis of the Free Compressive Strength with the UCT (Uniconfined Compression Test) Testing of the Lae Balno Peat Land

Q: What is the purpose of this study? A: The purpose of this study is to explore the physical properties and classification of peat soils in the Lae Balno village, Lake Paris District, Aceh Singkil Regency, and to determine the value of California Bearing Ratio (CBR) and the free compressive strength of peat soil through testing the Unconfined Compression Test (UCT).

Q: What are the physical properties of peat soils that were studied? A: The physical properties of peat soils that were studied include water content, specific weight, pore number, wet volume weight, dry volume weight, ash content, organic content, and pH.

Q: What is the significance of the CBR value in this study? A: The CBR value is a measure of the bearing capacity of a soil, which is essential for determining the load-bearing capacity of a soil. In this study, the CBR value was used to determine the sensitivity of peat soils to water and settlement.

Q: What is the significance of the free compressive strength in this study? A: The free compressive strength is a measure of the mechanical resistance of a soil, which is essential for determining the ability of a soil to support loads. In this study, the free compressive strength was used to determine the weak mechanical resistance of peat soils.

Q: What are the implications of the findings of this study? A: The findings of this study highlight the importance of considering the physical properties and mechanical behavior of peat soils in the design and construction of buildings. The sensitivity of peat soils to water and settlement, as well as their weak mechanical resistance, are critical factors that must be taken into account in the design and construction of buildings.

Q: What are the limitations of this study? A: The limitations of this study include the small sample size and the limited scope of the study. Further research is needed to confirm the findings of this study and to explore the physical properties and mechanical behavior of peat soils in more detail.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research? A: The recommendations for future research include conducting further studies on the physical properties and mechanical behavior of peat soils, as well as exploring the use of alternative testing methods to determine the CBR value and free compressive strength of peat soils.

Q: What are the practical applications of this study? A: The practical applications of this study include the use of the findings to inform the design and construction of buildings on peat soils, as well as the development of guidelines for the management of peat soils in the Lae Balno village, Lake Paris District, Aceh Singkil Regency.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the community and decision makers? A: The implications of this study for the community and decision makers include the need to consider the physical properties and mechanical behavior of peat soils in the design and construction of buildings, as well as the need to develop guidelines for the management of peat soils in the Lae Balno village, Lake Paris District, Aceh Singkil Regency.

Q: What are the future directions for this research? A: The future directions for this research include conducting further studies on the physical properties and mechanical behavior of peat soils, as well as exploring the use of alternative testing methods to determine the CBR value and free compressive strength of peat soils.