In the heart of Indonesia, researchers are turning industrial waste into a powerful tool for stabilizing soft soils, a breakthrough that could revolutionize road construction and energy infrastructure projects. Farah Salsabila Rahma, a civil engineering student at Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur, has been leading a study that explores the use of fly ash and Fosroc Cebex-100 to enhance the mechanical properties of soft soils. Her findings, published in Jurnal Pensil, which translates to ‘Pencil Journal’, offer promising solutions for the construction industry, particularly in the energy sector where stable foundations are crucial.
Soft soils pose significant challenges in infrastructure development, especially in road construction. These soils are prone to shrinkage and swelling, which can lead to structural failures over time. Rahma’s research addresses this issue by investigating the use of fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, and Fosroc Cebex-100, a chemical stabilizer, to improve soil strength and stability.
The study involved mixing fly ash with soft soil at varying percentages—20%, 25%, and 30% by weight—and adding Fosroc Cebex-100 at 0.45% of the fly ash weight. The samples were then subjected to unconfined compression tests and direct shear tests to evaluate changes in their physical and mechanical properties.
The results were striking. “We observed a significant improvement in the unconfined compressive strength and elastic modulus as the fly ash composition increased,” Rahma explained. This means that the treated soils could better support the loads imposed by construction projects, reducing the risk of failures.
The direct shear tests revealed that the optimum fly ash content was 25%, yielding a cohesion value of 34.49 kN/m² and a friction angle of 7.66°. These properties are crucial for ensuring the stability of structures built on soft soils.
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the energy sector. Oil and gas pipelines, power plants, and renewable energy infrastructure often require stable foundations to operate safely and efficiently. By stabilizing soft soils with fly ash and Fosroc Cebex-100, construction companies can reduce costs associated with soil treatment and mitigate the environmental impact of industrial waste.
Rahma’s work not only provides a practical solution for soil stabilization but also highlights the potential for circular economy practices in the construction industry. By repurposing fly ash, which is often disposed of in landfills, construction firms can contribute to sustainability goals while enhancing the performance of their projects.
As the energy sector continues to expand, the demand for stable and reliable infrastructure will only grow. Rahma’s research, published in Jurnal Pensil, offers a glimpse into the future of soil stabilization, where innovative materials and techniques pave the way for more resilient and sustainable construction practices. This study could shape future developments in the field, encouraging further exploration of waste materials and chemical stabilizers to address the challenges posed by soft soils.