Laboratory test of property improvements for excavated clays in the construction site of flood drainage canal | |
| Author | Natchakarn Sae-ueng |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.GE-23-06 |
| Subject(s) | Clay--Additives--Testing--Thailand--Aytthaya Embankments--Thailand--Ayutthaya |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Geotechnical and Earth Resources Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | In Ayutthaya, Thailand, the central area has been grappling with severe flooding issues. In response, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) initiated the Bang Ban-Bang Sai flood drain project, aiming to improve water flow in the Chao Phraya River and enhance overall water management in the Chao Phraya River. During excavation for the project, a significant amount of clay was unearthed, prompting further investigation by Italian Thai Development (ITD), a construction contractor involved in the project. ITD proposed utilizing the clay for embankment construction; however, upon testing, it was found that the clay did not meet the required project standards. Consequently, a comprehensive research thesis was undertaken to address this issue. The primary objectives of the study were to assess the suitability of the clay for effective backfilling and to develop laboratory protocols to enhance its characteristics. The Ayutthaya clay samples were collected from boreholes 5 and 13 in the flood canal construction project. These samples underwent testing for basic properties, including Atterberg limit, particle size analysis, compaction, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR), to ensure compliance with embankment requirements. Specifically, the criteria included a Liquid Limit (LL) ≤ 50%, Plastic Limit (PL) ≤ 30%, Percent Finer Passing Sieve No. 200 (0.075 mm) ≥ 12%, Maximum Dry Density (MDD) ≥ 1,440 kg/m3, and CBR value > 4%. Results revealed that the clay did not meet the specified embankment criteria. Subsequently, various admixtures, including cement (5%, 7.5%, and 10% by weight), Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) (22.5%, 25%, and 27.5% by weight), and sand (10%, 20%, and 30% by weight), were explored to improve clay quality. However, some admixture combinations still did not meet embankment standards in certain tests. Ultimately, four material combinations emerged as the focal points for further examination: 1. 25.00% Sand + 25.00% RCA, 2. 30.00% Sand + 30.00% RCA, 3. 25.00% Sand + 25.00% RCA + 10.00% Cement, and 4. 30.00% Sand + 30.00% RCA + 10.00% Cement. These selections signify the tangible outcomes of the study, poised to harness clay resources in the ITD project in Ayutthaya for embankment purposes and establish laboratory protocols aimed at clay improvement properties. The implications of these findings extend beyond the confines of academic research, offering practical solutions to societal challenges in infrastructure development and soil management. |
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Geotechnical and Earth Resources Engineering (GTE)/Former name = Geotechnical Engineering (GE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Avirut Puttiwongrak |
| Examination Committee(s) | Chao, Kuo Chieh |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Royal Thai Government Fellowship |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2024 |