'Peat' soils in geotechnical engineering are problematic because:
Choose the correct answer
Peat has very high strength (low water content)
Very high compressibility, low strength, high long-term secondary compression — large prolonged settlements make foundation design very difficult
Peat is too hard to excavate
Peat swells excessively on wetting
Correct Answer
B. Very high compressibility, low strength, high long-term secondary compression — large prolonged settlements make foundation design very difficult
Why is this the answer?
Peat: highly organic (> 75% organic content), very high void ratio (e = 5–15), high compressibility (Cc = 1–3), very low shear strength (Su = 5–20 kPa), very high secondary compression (Cα/Cc = 0.05–0.07). Settlement: large, slow, ongoing for decades. Not suitable for direct foundation without treatment. Treatment: (1) Remove and replace; (2) Deep mixing with lime/cement; (3) Pre-loading with wick drains; (4) Avoid (bridge over peat).
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