There is increased interest in constructing buildings, dikes, and highways over marginal sites with compressible, fibrous, organic soils such as peat. The purpose of the proposed research is to develop laboratory techniques and theoretical models to characterize the behavior of peat soils under compression. This activity will be focused on developing predictive methodology that can be used in engineering design of embankments and other foundations that must be constructed on peat soils. It is planned to verify the predictive models by field testing. The combination of theoretical modeling, laboratory experiments and field testing should provide reliable guidelines for predicting and design against settlement. The PI is well-qualified to conduct this research. His past accomplishments have demonstrated that he is experienced and knowledgeable in the proposed area of research. An award is recommended.
