Unconfined Compression Behaviour of Cement Treated Phayao Lakebed Sedimentary Soil Admixed with Corn Husk Fibre

Abstract

Research on the use of waste materials to develop engineering properties is recently popular in the construction industry. This research outcome can reduce construction costs and increase the value of waste materials, as well as provide a positive benefit to the environment. Phayao Lake sedimentary soil and corn husks are the waste materials in Phayao province. Due to limited storage and disposal of materials, it leads to a significant environmental problem. This research aims to study the unconfined compressive strength of Phayao Lake sedimentary soil mixed with cement and corn fibre. The experiments are performed based on the unconfined compression test. The specimens are tested at the cement content of 7%, fibre content of 1.0% by dry weight soil at curing time of 7 days, which vary the fibre length of 10, 20 and 40 mm, respectively. From the results, it is found that the addition of fibres changes the brittleness behaviour of cement treated sedimentary soil to the ductile behaviour, and also reduces strength drop after the peak. Finally, this research can define the optimum ratio and length of corn fibre for engineering application.