Initial Investigation on Improving the Physicomechanical Properties of Clayey Sand Using Clay Brick Dust

Umme Saima Nur; Norhidayu binti Kasim; Wan Nur Aifa Wan Azahar

doi:10.31436/iiumej.v26i3.3821

Authors

Umme Saima Nur International Islamic University Malaysia https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7667-3228
Norhidayu binti Kasim International Islamic University Malaysia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3314-2913
Wan Nur Aifa Wan Azahar International Islamic University Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31436/iiumej.v26i3.3821

Keywords:

clayey sand, Soil stabilization, Clay brick dust, Geotechnical Properties, California bearing ratio, Compaction Characteristics

Abstract

Clayey sand is commonly considered unsuitable for construction due to its high compressibility, low shear strength, and susceptibility to erosion and settlement. The research focuses on enhancing the physical and mechanical properties of the soil by incorporating clay brick dust (CBD) at varying proportions of 15, 20, and 25% by weight. A comprehensive laboratory testing was conducted, including particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, moisture content, Standard Proctor compaction, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR). These tests were used to assess the physical and mechanical behaviour of both untreated and treated soils. The results indicate that the inclusion of CBD significantly improves the soil's strength, as reflected by increased CBR values. However, higher percentages of CBD lead to reductions in moisture content and maximum dry density. The study concluded that the optimum percentage of CBD mixture was found to be 20% by weight, offering the best balance between improved strength and acceptable compaction properties. This study concludes that CBD is a viable and sustainable material for stabilizing clayey sand, making it more suitable for geotechnical and construction applications.

ABSTRAK: Pasir berlempung kebiasaannya tidak sesuai bagi tujuan pembinaan disebabkan oleh kemampatannya yang tinggi, kekuatan ricih yang rendah, serta kerentanan terhadap hakisan dan pemendapan. Kajian ini memfokuskan kepada penambahbaikan sifat fizikal dan mekanikal tanah dengan campuran serbuk bata tanah liat (CBD) pada kadar berbeza iaitu 15%, 20% dan 25% mengikut berat. Ujian makmal menyeluruh telah dijalankan merangkumi taburan saiz zarah, had-had Atterberg, kandungan lembapan, pemadatan Proktor piawai, dan ujian Nisbah Galas California (CBR). Ujian-ujian ini digunakan bagi menilai sifat fizikal dan mekanikal tanah sebelum dan selepas rawatan. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa penambahan CBD secara signifikan meningkatkan kekuatan tanah, seperti yang dibuktikan melalui peningkatan nilai CBR. Walau bagaimanapun, peratusan CBD yang lebih tinggi mengakibatkan pengurangan kandungan lembapan dan ketumpatan kering maksimum. Kajian ini merumuskan bahawa campuran optimum CBD adalah pada 20% berat, yang memberikan keseimbangan terbaik antara peningkatan kekuatan dan sifat pemadatan terbaik. Kajian ini membuktikan bahawa CBD merupakan bahan berdaya guna dan mampan bagi menstabilkan pasir berlempung, sekaligus menjadikannya lebih sesuai untuk aplikasi geoteknik dan pembinaan.

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