In the heart of Indonesia, a critical infrastructure project is underway, and the lessons learned could reshape how we approach large-scale construction in challenging soil conditions. The Pekanbaru-Padang Toll Road, a vital artery connecting key economic hubs, is facing geotechnical hurdles that have sparked innovative solutions and rigorous analysis. At the forefront of this research is Muhammad Sultan Mubaraq Saragih from Universitas Medan Area, whose work is shedding light on the complexities of ground settlement in soft soils.
The construction of toll roads often encounters geotechnical issues, particularly settlement and soil bearing capacity. These challenges are exacerbated by the soft soil characteristics prevalent in the region. “Each toll road is designed with specific loads and elevations, which sometimes cannot be supported by the consolidation of the existing soil,” explains Saragih. To address this, soil improvement methods such as replacement and preloading are commonly employed to enhance the shear strength of soft soils.
Saragih’s research, published in the Andalasian International Journal of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology (translated as the Andalasian International Journal of Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology), delves into the simulation of ground settlement using Plaxis 2D modeling. The study compares the consolidation settlement obtained from the model with very fine mesh type and field settlement plate data. The findings reveal a significant discrepancy: the consolidation time using Plaxis 2D modeling is 149 days, while the settlement time from the settlement plate data is 39 days. The consolidation settlement from the Plaxis 2D model is 0.056 meters, compared to 0.416 meters from the settlement plate data, resulting in a percentage difference of 86.53%.
The substantial difference between the field data and the Plaxis 2D analysis results highlights the challenges in accurately predicting ground settlement. “The significant difference is due to the lack of data available for each soil layer,” notes Saragih. This underscores the need for more comprehensive data collection and refined modeling techniques to improve the accuracy of geotechnical predictions.
The implications of this research extend beyond the Pekanbaru-Padang Toll Road project. As infrastructure development continues to expand, particularly in regions with challenging soil conditions, the insights gained from this study could shape future practices. “Understanding the discrepancies between modeled and actual settlement data is crucial for optimizing soil improvement methods and ensuring the stability of large-scale construction projects,” Saragih emphasizes.
For the energy sector, which often involves the construction of pipelines, power plants, and other critical infrastructure, the findings are particularly relevant. Accurate prediction of ground settlement is essential for minimizing risks and ensuring the long-term stability of these projects. By refining modeling techniques and enhancing data collection, the industry can achieve more reliable and cost-effective solutions.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the work of researchers like Muhammad Sultan Mubaraq Saragih serves as a beacon of innovation and progress. Their efforts not only address immediate challenges but also pave the way for future advancements, ensuring that infrastructure projects are built on a solid foundation.