Use of barden model for consolidation of Sri Lankan peaty soils

Abstract

Peat is an accumulation of partially decomposed and disintegrated plant remains, which have been fossilized under conditions of incomplete aeration and high water content. Development of peat is a progressive process with the continuous decomposition of plant matter. With time plant fiber may disappear leaving organic soils (organic clay/ organic slit), or organic matter may decompose in to an amorphous form. As the decomposition of plant fiber/vegetation is a time dependent process, different stages of decomposition could exist. Investigation done in low-laying areas of Colombo reveal the existence of 3 different types of peaty soils. 1. Fiber peats 2. Amorphous peat 3. Organic clays mixed with peat.