Comparative study of peat properties in Johore Malaysia

Abstract

In its natural condition, peat contains an excessive organic content of more than 75%, which is very challenging for any construction with high water content, random fiber arrangement, and low shear strength. It is necessary to define the properties of peat as preliminary work before any construction is established. Thus, the main objective of this paper was to compare the index properties, including the physical, chemical, and engineering properties of all three types of Johore peat. The method applied to investigate the index properties involved oven-dried, chemical solution, x-ray radiation, and compressive strength. As a result, Johore peat graded the ranges from H3 to H8 in the South-West region, whereas the Fibric recorded high fiber contents compared to other types. All the peat types were poor in strength due to the low clay mineral and high carbon content. The peat was very spongy due to its loose structure, odour, and reddish to dark brown colour produced by an organic component capable of maintaining a high-water capacity and acidity within its body. The Fibric demonstrated a spongy texture compared to Hemic and Sapric, as shown in the Scanning Electron Microscope analysis. Generally, the index properties result for Fibric, Hemic, and Sapric depended on the fiber components contained in the peat, based on its scale, arrangement, and quantity.