An overview of he mechanical behaviour of peats and organic soils and some appropriate construction techniques

Abstract

The behaviour of peats and organic soils is usually approached with the concepts and methods developed for inorganic clays. However, important anomalies exist, and these are given emphasis in the present overview of the mechanical behaviour of these soils. Subject headings include index properties and general characteristics, classification issues, variability of deposits of peat and organic soils, one-dimensional behaviour and shear strength. The formation of peats and the history of dealing with peat in the Netherlands are described. The latter is shown to have parallels with the present situation in South-East Asia. Some established and promising new techniques for construction on peats and organic soils are described.