Analysis of peat soil testing errors based on its characteristics and appropriate recommendation of peat soil testing

Abstract

Peat soils are organic soils formed from decomposed plant parts that spread throughout the world, reaching 423 million hectares. It is well known that peat soils have adverse characteristics for infrastructure development due to their low shear strength and durability. Therefore, a lot of research has been done regarding the improvement of peat soils so that infrastructure development in dominant peat soil locations. However, in conducting the research, many tests were found to be inappropriate based on the characteristics of peat soils, causing doubts about the results of the research. In this paper, a literature study conducted based on books, journals, papers, or previous research to determine the characteristics of peat soils and the types of tests that are suitable for these characteristics. Based on the discussion, the physical properties of peat soil can be tested for ash content, fibre content, organic content, and acidity, while the Atterberg limits cannot be tested. In addition, for testing the mechanical properties of peat soil, the tests that can be carried out are the direct shear test, Rowe cell, and CBR test with notes.