Abstract

This article describes a laboratory study on strengthening peat with cement and polypropylene fibers. The study involved mixing peat with different amounts of cement, with or without fibers; compacting at their respective optimum moisture content and curing them in air for 1, 28 or 90 days. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests were performed (unsoaked and soaked samples) to evaluate the mechanical behavior of the stabilized peat. Cement and fibers can be effectively used to improve the strength of peat at its optimum moisture content. Further, since CBR is used in the design of pavement, it was observed that peat with cement and fibers can be used as the base course in the pavement construction. It appears that the fibers prevent the formation and the development of the cracks upon loading and thus increasing the strength of the samples.

Key words: Peat, stabilization, cement, fiber, optimum moisture content, unconfined compressive strength, California bearing ratio.