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The application of chemical stabilizer in soil stabilization can effectively reduce the negative environmental impact in the construction industry. However, the stabilization of soft clay remains a challenge due to the costly and non-eco-friendly materials such as cement and lime. This research demonstrates the combination of SF and ESA in stabilizing the kaolin soils, based on the basic engineering properties and undrained shear strength (USS). Its effect was studied via the inclusion as cement replacement material in kaolin soil at 2, 4 and 6% (by weight of dry soft kaolin clay soil) of SF and ESA substitutions of 3, 6 and 9% (by weight of dry soft kaolin clay and SF content). The result shows a considerably lower specific gravity (4.9% reduction), reduced plasticity index (PI)(48.4% reduction), decreased maximum dry density (MDD) (5.5% reduction), increased optimum moisture content (OMC)(8.7% increment), and higher USS (68.8%). In conclusion, the combinations of SF and ESA as soil stabilization agents successfully enhance the soil strength of the kaolin opening a route to the low cost and eco-friendly materials in soil stabilization.

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The research focuses on the basic and morphological characteristics to ensure bauxite ore reached the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code) standard before being exported to other countries. The testing procedure, referred to as Geo-spec 3: Model Specification for Soil Testing, was performed to discover the basic parameters of the soil, including pore size distribution, water content, particle density, and morphology qualities. At Bukit Goh, Kuantan, about four (4) samples were chosen, whereas two (2) samples were from the stockpile and two (2) samples were from the Bukit Goh mine. The results illustrated that the mean water content of the soil is 20.64% which is above 10% of the recommended value. The value of Bulk Density is not in the range of 1190 kg/m3 to 1389 kg/m3, which is 2836.25 kg/m3 and the particle size distribution for fine material is greater than 30%, and coarse material is less than 70%. The SEM examination revealed a high concentration of tiny particles in bauxite samples. Bukit Goh bauxite cannot be classified as group C under the IMSBC Code. As a result, the bauxite does not meet the criteria and cannot be shipped.

This study investigates the effectiveness of encapsulated polypropylene (PP) column in enhancing the undrained shear strength of kaolin (soft clay). The usage of PP in treating problematic soil is a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative compared to other materials. The installation of granular column can be done by using vibro-replacement method. Several geotechnical tests to determine the properties of materials were conducted. The shear strength of treated kaolin sample was examined by using Unconfined Compression Test (UCT). There are seven (7) batches of soil sample in total which included a control sample, three (3) batches of 14 mm and three (3) batches of 20 mm diameter PP column. Different diameters of PP column were examined with 60 mm, 80 mm and 100 mm height, respectively with soil sample of 50 mm in diameter and 100 mm in height. The shear strength improvement of kaolin is 33.82%, 46.51%, and 49.88% when implanted with a PP column with a 7.84 area replacement ratio and 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 penetration ratio. The soft soil treated using 16.00 area replacement ratio with 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 penetration ratio has a shear strength increment of 25.22%, 33.39% and 37.59% respectively. In short, the shear strength improvement of the kaolin clay depends on the parameter of the PP column used to reinforce the sample.