STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT OF KAOLIN CLAY STABILISED WITH PALM OIL FUEL ASH (POFA) AND CALCINED EGGSHELL (CES) BINDER

Authors

  • Tuan Noor Hasanah Tuan Ismail Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
  • Amir Redzuan Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
  • Akmal Daniel Nurhakim Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
  • Nik Normunira Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
  • Mudzaffar Syah Civil Engineering Technology and Chemical Engineering Technology, Laboratory Management Office, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
  • Riffat Civil Engineering and Building Construction, Unitec Institute of Technology Auckland, New Zealand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11113/jurnalteknologi.v88.24970

Abstract

In geotechnical engineering, the structures built over soft soil pose significant challenges owing to their low strength, high compressibility, and tendency to undergo excessive settlement and structural failure; therefore, soil stabilisation is required to improve the poor properties of the soil. Using by-products in soil stabilisation has been extensively studied as an alternative and sustainable soil binder to replace cement due to its efficiency in enhancing soil performance.  This research takes the opportunity to investigate the potential of various locally available by-products, which are palm oil fly ash (POFA) and calcined eggshell (CES), as a sustainable binder for soil stabilisation. The influence of different proportions and dosages of POFA:CES mixtures over curing times on the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) was evaluated for the above purpose. The changes in chemical composition and microstructure of unstabilised and stabilised soil were also investigated to determine the underlying stabilisation mechanisms through X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and X-ray fluorescence (SEM-EDX). The findings indicated that the maximum strength development within 7 days was achieved with 50:50 proportion of POFA:CES at 25% dosage; it met the minimal strength requirements for road subgrade (0.4MPa). It was also found that soil strength significantly increased with rising POFA:CES dosage over time. This research highlights the potential of POFA:CES binders to enhance soil performance and promote sustainable construction practices, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 9 by promoting innovative, resilient infrastructure.

Author Biography

  • Tuan Noor Hasanah Tuan Ismail, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
    Department of Civil Engineering Technology

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Published

2026-04-30

Issue

Section

Science and Engineering