Physico-Chemical and Shrinkage Properties of Highly Organic Soil Treated with Non-traditional Additives

The changes in the shrinkage and physicochemical properties of untreated and treated organic soil using several chemical additives were investigated. In order to evaluate the effect of each chemical solution on the peaty soil environment different experiments namely; shrinkage limit, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), pH test, and water content were undertaken. The results of the laboratory experiments are further proved and interpreted using the X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy tests. The result unveils the structure of the treated soil significantly changed depending upon the used additive type and concentrations. The rate of shrinkage largely decreased when sodium silicate additives are used. In addition, it was observed that UCS value increased up to 500% and water content reduced up to 50% in comparison with untreated samples, depend on the amount of used non-traditional additives. The SEM micrographs of the sample before and after treatment validate the results obtained and analyzed from experiments.