A Systematic Literature Review on Basic Properties of Peat Soils in Malaysia

Peat soils have low engineering properties compared to other soft soils with high permeability, high moisture content and high fibre content. It also has low pH, specific gravity, bulk density, bearing capacity, shear strength; and relatively low plasticity. The basic properties of soil are properties that facilitate soil identification and classification for engineering purposes. The purpose of this study is to determine the basic properties of untreated peat soils by conducting a systematic literature review. Peat has three classes namely fibric, hemic, and sapric according to the degree of decomposition and also can be categorized based on fibre content. From the systematic review conducted, Malaysia has all three classes of peat. The basic properties of peat in Malaysia have high water content, high organic content, high fibre content, ash content less than 25%, low pH, low specific gravity, a liquid limit between 136.11 to 309%, and the plastic limit is non-plastic. The plastic limit is difficult to obtain because of the fibre content. Based on the basic properties of peat soil, it can be used as a guide to plan and build structures from the occurrence of failures on buildings to be built below or on the ground surface.