Stabilization of Soft Clay by Using Diapers Back Sheet Layer Wastes

¹ Centre for Diploma Studies, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Kampus Pagoh) KM 1,Jalan Panchor, 84000, Muar, Johor, Malaysia
² Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia

^* Corresponding author: faizalp@uthm.edu.my

Abstract

This research focus on improving the weaknesses of soft clay soils by using proper recycled material as a stabilization agent for strengthening purpose. Therefore, Diaper’s Back Sheet Layer Wastes (DBSLW) were used as the agent of soil stabilization. In this study, series of laboratory test were conducted to evaluate the optimum size and content of DBSLW as a strip reinforcement to increase the strength of Batu Pahat Soft Clay (BPSC). Testing program involves obtaining the physical properties of BPSC followed by California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test to determine the strength of BPSC with and without the addition of DBSLW. Result shows that the optimum size for DBSLW is 10 mm x 30 mm while the optimum content is 0.5%. At 15 mm penetration, sample with diapers strip of 10 mm x 30 mm dimension record 4.10 kN CBR value compare to 1.64 kN CBR value of untreated soil, 2.5 times stronger than untreated soil. Results of CBR tests demonstrated that inclusion of DBSLW strips in soil with optimum amounts and size improved strength and deformation behavior of soils substantially. The proposed technique could be used to advantage in road construction, industrial yards, and building structure.