Evaluation and utilization of Kuala Perlis clayey soil as material embankment for roadway

Abstract

Clayey soil is not peculiar to engineering field as these materials are commonly used for construction and problems faces on site are due to the failure of the clay soil itself. Regards to the research, samples of clay soil were obtained randomly around Kuala Perlis. The chosen locations were paddy field, seaside, and swampy area. The clay soil samples were collected and directly prepared for determining the soil property index, dry density of the soil, settlement of the soil, and shear strength. The results obtained from the laboratory test were analyzed and discussed to determine the reliability of the clay soil samples. The data obtained shows variable results based on the location of the samples obtained. A decreased of shear strength could be seen when the amount of moisture content in the clay soil sample increased. Shear strength of seaside sample has a value of 94 kPa which is high compared to other sample from different location. However, paddy field samples gave the value of 52.64 m2/year for coefficient of settlement which the time taken for settlement only about 0.1 year or 1.2 month. For the conclusion, Kuala Perlis clay can be used as materials for roadway embankments based on the results obtained. However the performance of the clay can be improved by treatment before the construction of the embankment in order to improve the clay efficiency.