Shear Strength Characteristics of Coastal Soil Treated with Sodium Silicate

Abstract

In recent times, rapid developments near coastal areas are gaining attraction and attention from industry players. This necessitates further understanding of soil behavior found in these areas. Soil stabilization can further enhance the physical and engineering characteristics of soils used for development purposes. For this study, a series of laboratory tests were conducted to determine the potential of Sodium Silicate (TX-85), a liquid-type chemical soil stabilizer, to improve the properties of coastal soil obtained in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The soil samples were subjected to a series of laboratory tests, which includes the pH and Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS). The dosages of Sodium Silicate mixed with the soil were 4, 5, and 7% by soil sample weight, with curing intervals of 3 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours, respectively. The optimal dosage of Sodium Silicate observed in this study is 4%, at 48 hours curing period. This combination of stabilizer dosage and curing period produced the highest strength increment, where the UCS value increased by 90.3%, from 262.1 kPa to 498.8 kPa.