Shear Strength Prediction of Compacted Soils with Varying Added Organic Matter Contents

ABSTRACT THE shear strength of compacted soils is affected by many factors including soil density, overburden pressure, moisture content, energy applied for compaction and soil type. Measurements were made of the shear strength of three soil textures, varying in organic matter contents and subjected to three levels of compaction energy. Soil compaction increased the shear strength of the soils irrespective of moisture content, while organic matter incorporation decreased their shear strength. Based on the liquid limit, the pressure applied for compaction and the water content, a method for predicting the shear strength of soils was developed. The estimated shear strength using the model was in good agreement with the measured values.