Physical and Mechanical Study of Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) based Geopolymer as a Stabilizer for Soft Soil

Construction of structures on soft soil is a challenging task and considered as one of the biggest concerns in geotechnical engineering. Binders that are environmentally friendly such as fly ash based geopolymer have been explored widely. In this study, the agro-waste material, Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) was used to produce an environmentally friendly geopolymer binder to be used in soft soil stabilization. POFA was used in three ratios; 10%, 20% and 30% of dry weight of soil to produce geopolymer. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was used as an alkali activator at 12 molarity along with sodium silicate (Na2SiO3). Physical properties of soil (Atterberg Limits, Plasticity Index, and Linear Shrinkage Limit) and compaction assessment; before and after mixing with the geopolymer binder were investigated. The studied soil was classified as an inorganic high plasticity silt (MH), according to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). From compaction results; optimum moisture content (OMC) values showed a decreased pattern from 24.7% to 17.5%; and maximum dry density (MDD) increased from 1.37 Mg/m3 to 1.73 Mg/m3 for geopolymer with POFA ranging from 0% to 30% of the dry weight of soil, respectively. The optimum dosage of POFA based geopolymer was found to be 30% according to all tests mentioned. These properties suggest the potential use of the agro-waste based geopolymer binder to stabilize the soft soil.

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Strength Development and Microstructural Behavior of Soils Stabilized with Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA)-Based Geopolymer

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11083572 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 3572

Author(s):

Isam Adnan Khasib ◽

Nik Norsyahariati Nik Daud ◽

Noor Azline Mohd Nasir

Keyword(s):

Palm Oil ◽

Soil Stabilization ◽

Soft Soil ◽

Microstructural Analysis ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Strength Development ◽

Palm Oil Fuel Ash ◽

Direct Shear Tests ◽

Fuel Ash ◽

Oil Fuel

Using geopolymer in soil stabilization has gained much attention recently due to its efficiency in improving soil properties and being environmentally friendly at the same time. This research aims to investigate the effect of palm oil fuel ash (POFA)-based geopolymer on soft soil stabilization. The mechanical and microstructural performance of two types of clay soil treated with geopolymer produce from POFA material was the focus of this study. In this respect, a series of unconfined compression and direct shear tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical properties of soils treated with POFA-based geopolymer. Furthermore, the microstructural changes in the treated samples were analyzed using field emission electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). In accordance with the results, it was indicated that the shear strength of both soils soared by increasing the dosage of POFA-based geopolymer. Geopolymer with 40% POFA of the dry weight of soils yielded the highest UCS value at both curing periods, 7 and 28 days. Furthermore, the microstructural analysis revealed material modifications (N-A-S-H gel formation) related to strength enhancement. These results suggest the potentiality of using a POFA-based geopolymer binder to stabilize soft soil.

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Improving the Early Properties of Treated Soft Kaolin Clay with Palm Oil Fuel Ash and Gypsum

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su131910910 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (19) ◽

pp. 10910

Author(s):

Abdulmajeed Al-hokabi ◽

Muzamir Hasan ◽

Mugahed Amran ◽

Roman Fediuk ◽

Nikolai Ivanovich Vatin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Palm Oil ◽

Soft Soil ◽

Green Technology ◽

Kaolin Clay ◽

Dry Density ◽

World Population ◽

Maximum Dry Density ◽

Palm Oil Fuel Ash ◽

Fuel Ash ◽

Oil Fuel

Soft soil problems and increased production of fuel waste have emerged due to world population growth. These two problems are prompting engineers to introduce new methods of using waste fuel to stabilize the soil. Previous research has shown clear sustained improvements in soil properties using palm oil fuel ash (POFA) when mixed with a calcium-based binder such as NaCl, lime or cement. The use of such a stabilizing agent can reduce the economic problems associated with reducing the cost of waste disposal and create a sustainable ecological system. It is an alternative method of replacing part of the soil to ensure a balance between economic growth and ecological privilege, leading to the achievement of green technology goals. However, this research is aimed at improving the properties of processed soft kaolin clay with a combination of POFA and gypsum. The physical and mechanical properties of all samples were tested. The results showed a decrease in the specific gravity with the addition of POFA and an increase with gypsum alone, as well as a decrease with a mixture of POFA and gypsum and a decrease in the soil plasticity index due to a better increase in the plasticity limit compared to the liquid limit. This is considered a sign of improved geotechnical properties and reduced linear shrinkage. It was also shown that the treated clay showed an increase in the optimal water content and a drop in the maximum dry density. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that the initial properties of the processed soft kaolin clay with the addition of POFA can be significantly improved.

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Stabilisation of soft soil using palm oil fuel ash and palm oil fibre

Journal of Physics Conference Series ◽

10.1088/1742-6596/1349/1/012109 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 1349 ◽

pp. 012109

Author(s):

S Y Lim ◽

M S Shakri

Keyword(s):

Palm Oil ◽

Soft Soil ◽

Palm Oil Fuel Ash ◽

Fuel Ash ◽

Oil Fuel

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Strength and Microstructure of Palm Oil Fuel Ash–Fly Ash–Soft Soil Geopolymer Masonry Units

Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering ◽

10.1061/(asce)mt.1943-5533.0002809 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (8) ◽

pp. 04019164 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Patimapon Sukmak ◽

Kittipong Kunchariyakun ◽

Gampanart Sukmak ◽

Suksun Horpibulsuk ◽

Sippakarn Kassawat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fly Ash ◽

Palm Oil ◽

Soft Soil ◽

Palm Oil Fuel Ash ◽

Fuel Ash ◽

Oil Fuel ◽

Masonry Units

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Palm oil fuel ash-soft soil geopolymer for subgrade applications: strength and microstructural evaluation

Road Materials and Pavement Design ◽

10.1080/14680629.2017.1375967 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 110-131 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Patimapon Sukmak ◽

Gampanart Sukmak ◽

Suksun Horpibulsuk ◽

Monthian Setkit ◽

Sippakarn Kassawat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Palm Oil ◽

Soft Soil ◽

Palm Oil Fuel Ash ◽

Fuel Ash ◽

Microstructural Evaluation ◽

Oil Fuel

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Stabilisation of soft soil using binary blending of high calcium fly ash and palm oil fuel ash

Applied Clay Science ◽

10.1016/j.clay.2017.11.030 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 152 ◽

pp. 323-332 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Hassnen Jafer ◽

William Atherton ◽

Monower Sadique ◽

Felicite Ruddock ◽

Edward Loffill

Keyword(s):

Fly Ash ◽

Palm Oil ◽

Soft Soil ◽

Palm Oil Fuel Ash ◽

High Calcium ◽

High Calcium Fly Ash ◽

Fuel Ash ◽

Oil Fuel

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Preliminary Investigation of Thermal Behavior of Lightweight Foamed Concrete Incorporating Palm Oil Fuel Ash and Eggshell Powder

Periodica Polytechnica Civil Engineering ◽

10.3311/ppci.16498 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ashfaque Ahmed Jhatial ◽

Wan Inn Goh ◽

Samiullah Sohu ◽

Sajjad Ali Mangi ◽

Aamir Khan Mastoi

Keyword(s):

Palm Oil ◽

Control Sample ◽

Supplementary Cementitious Materials ◽

Dry Density ◽

Palm Oil Fuel Ash ◽

Thermal Insulating ◽

Structural Applications ◽

Fuel Ash ◽

Foamed Concrete ◽

Oil Fuel

This study was performed to investigate the thermal and mechanical properties of foamed concrete when supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are utilized. Sustainable foamed concrete of 1800 kg/m3 dry density was prepared by incorporating Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) ranging from 30 % to 35 % and Eggshell Powder (ESP) from 5 % to 15 % as SCMs. It was found that the combined utilization of POFA and ESP in the foamed concrete produced favorable results by reducing the thermal conductivity up to 42.68 % compared to the control sample, thus enhanced thermal insulating property of foamed concrete. This study confirmed that recycling and reusing of POFA and ESP are possible in foamed concrete which could be used for non-structural applications where thermal insulating is required.

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Thermomechanical evaluation of sustainable foamed concrete incorporating palm oil fuel ash and eggshell powder

Journal of Engineering Research ◽

10.36909/jer.v9i3a.8290 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3A) ◽

Author(s):

Ashfaque Ahmed Jhatial ◽

◽

Wan Inn Goh ◽

Noridah Mohamad ◽

Kim Hung Mo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Thermal Conductivity ◽

Palm Oil ◽

Supplementary Cementitious Materials ◽

Dry Density ◽

Palm Oil Fuel Ash ◽

Exterior Surface ◽

Fuel Ash ◽

Foamed Concrete ◽

Oil Fuel ◽

Mechanical Strengths

Increased usage of concrete contributes to urban thermal discomfort due to the Urban Heat Island effect. At the same time, the corresponding increased consumption of cement also causes a significant rise in carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emissions. This experimental work aims at evaluating the thermal and mechanical performance of 1800 kg/m3 dry density green sustainable foamed concrete (GFC) incorporating agroindustrial waste such as Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) and Eggshell Powder (ESP) as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). The POFA content varied from 15 to 35%, with increments of 5%, while being supplemented with 5% ESP. To evaluate the performance of the developed GFC, the flowability, mechanical strengths (compressive and splitting tensile strengths), and thermal performances (thermal conductivity and surface temperature) were investigated. Incorporation of 15-25% of POFA supplemented with 5% ESP as partial cement replacement materials resulted in enhanced mechanical strengths. Although usage of POFA can reduce the thermal conductivity, the POFA content must be limited to 15–25% to prevent excessive heat absorption by the exterior surface of the concrete. Overall, the optimum use of 15% POFA in a combination of 5% ESP is desirable to produce an eco-friendly sustainable foamed concrete.

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Effect of Palm Oil Fuel Ash on the Strength and Ammonium By-Product Removal of Biocemented Sandy Soil

Materials Science Forum ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/msf.1030.103 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1030 ◽

pp. 103-109

Author(s):

Abubakar Sadiq Muhammed ◽

Khairul Anuar Kassim ◽

Muttaqa Uba Zango ◽

Kamarudin Ahmad ◽

Jodin Makinda

Keyword(s):

Removal Efficiency ◽

Palm Oil ◽

Ground Improvement ◽

Dry Weight ◽

Palm Oil Fuel Ash ◽

Soil Matrix ◽

Ammonium Removal ◽

Urease Enzyme ◽

Fuel Ash ◽

Oil Fuel

Enzyme induced calcite precipitation (EICP) or biocementation has rapidly evolved in the last decade as an environmentally friendly ground improvement technique. In EICP, plant-derived urease enzyme is used to trigger the hydrolysis of urea in the presence of calcium ions to produce calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitate within the soil matrix. Despite the advancement in soil improvement technology via biocementation, there are still concerns about the fate of the ammonium produced as one of the by-products. Therefore, this study performed an experimental investigation to ascertain that using palm oil fuel ash (POFA) might reduce the amount of ammonia produced as a result of biocementation. The soil was mixed with POFA at different percentages (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5%) by dry weight of the soil. The effectiveness of the treatment process was evaluated by conducting the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and the ammonium removal efficiency. Results show that the strength and ammonium removal efficiency of the biocemented soil decreased and increased, respectively, with an increase in the percentage of POFA. The highest UCS of 161 kPa was obtained at 3% POFA content, while the lowest concentration of ammonium of 0.71 mg/L was at 5% POFA content.

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