The effect of rice husk ash and lime on soft soil strength with respect to moisture content

Abstract

Soft soil is one of a soil problem’s usually found in paddy field. It may affect the paddy yield, the environmental and economic value. This project aim is to increase the soil strength based on the moisture content of soil by applying the rice husk ash (RHA) and lime mixture on the soil. In this project, different parameters such as soil textural classification, moisture content and soil strength of sample will be carried out. The BS1377 laboratory standard method will be used in this research to determine the soil textural classification type by using a sieve shaker. Moreover, to investigate the moisture content using an oven and soil strength or known as shear stress using the direct shear test (shear box test) methods in the laboratory. It is found that the Treatment C (15% RHA and 4% Lime) has the highest soil strength at 30%, 50% and 70% of soil moisture content than other treatment. The reaction between RHA, lime, water and probably the other minerals present in the soil matrix may have contributed to the observed strength gain. Therefore, it is evident that RHA can help make soil stronger, especially against shear