SUITABILITY AND TREATMENT OF OIL PALM SHELLS FOR SOIL REINFORCEMENT IN ROAD SUBGRADES

Improper planning and disposal methods of agricultural biomass, such as Oil Palm Shell (OPS) cause negative impacts to the environment. This thesis evaluates the suitability and sustainability of the OPS reinforced soil layer as a practical approach for soil reinforcement and strength improvement in road subgrade. It identifies suitable pre-treatment methods to decelerate and protect the oil palm shell against biodegradation. This thesis assesses the compaction characteristic of OPS-soil composite and its effects on the soil's load-bearing capacity through laboratory testing equipment. The proposed OPS reinforced layer aids in improving the load-bearing capacity of the subgrade soil layer for pavement construction.