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

Authors

  • Muhammad Amir Redzuan Mohamad Shukri Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Kampus Pagoh 84600 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
  • Akmal Daniel Nurhakim Azman Putera Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Kampus Pagoh 84600 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
  • Tuan Noor Hasanah Tuan Ismail ᵃDepartment of Civil Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Kampus Pagoh 84600 Muar, Johor, Malaysia ᵇSustainable Engineering Technology Research Centre (SETechRC), Faculty of Engineering Techology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn, Kampus Pagoh 84600 Muar, Johor, Malaysia
  • Mohd Latiff Ahmad D’lariz Logik (M) Sdn. Bhd, Technology Park, Malaysia Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
  • Mudzaffar Syah Kamarudin Civil Engineering Technology and Chemical Engineering Technology, Laboratory Management Office, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Kampus Pagoh, 84600, Muar, Johor, Malaysia
  • Riffat Shaheed Civil Engineering and Building Construction, Unitec Institute of Technology Auckland, New Zealand

DOI:

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

Keywords:

Soft soil, kaolin clay, soil binder, soil stabilisation, Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA), Calcined Eggshell (CES), microstructure analysis, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS)

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 Fuel Ash (POFA) and Calcined Eggshell (CES), as a sustainable binder for kaolin clay 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 kaolin clay were also investigated to determine the underlying stabilisation mechanisms through X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The findings revealed that the maximum strength development within 7 days was achieved with 50:50 proportion of POFA:CES at 25% dosage. Furthermore, the kaolin clay strength increased significantly with higher POFA:CES dosages and longer curing durations. This research highlights the potential of POFA:CES binders to enhance kaolin clay performance and promote sustainable construction practices, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 9 by promoting emphasises innovative and resilient infrastructure development.

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Published

2026-04-30

Issue

Vol. 88 No. 3: May 2026

Section

Science and Engineering

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