Suitability of Lahar as Backfill Material Based on its Optimum

Moisture Content and Maximum Dry Density

Marlon D. Alpe
College of Engineering, Our Lady of Fatima University, Philippines, marlonalpe@yahoo.com

Oliver Celis
College of Engineering, Our Lady of Fatima University, Philippines, occelis@fatima.edu.ph

Nichols P. Manarang
College of Engineering, Our Lady of Fatima University, Philippines, engr.manarang01@gmail.com

Alfred C. Santos
College of Engineering, Our Lady of Fatima University, Philippines, alfredsantos1325@gmail.com

Keywords: lahar, embankment material, maximum dry density, backfill

ABSTRACT: The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, in Central Luzon on 12 to 15 of June 1991 resulted in the
deposition of large amount of volcanic ash over its surrounding area including rivers in Tarlac, Pampanga,
and Zambales. Many structures were destroyed and buried during that event due to the large volume of ash
mixed with water which is commonly termed as Lahar. After the unfortunate event, construction materials
are needed for the reconstruction and rebuilding of structures destroyed by the eruption. Abundant Lahar
deposits can be utilized as alternative to commonly used soil and sand in the construction works. This the
reason why the researchers came up with this study entitled, “Suitability of Lahar as Embankment Material
based on its Optimum Moisture Content and Maximum Dry Density’. Lahar is known as a pozzolanic which
can be used as supplementary cementitious materials. I is widely used as a materials in the construction
industry. In this study, the researchers conducted laboratory and field tests based on DPWH Blue Book.
Based on test results, the passing rate of compaction properties in the laboratory for embankment exceeds
the 95% of compaction in the field, therefore, it is proven that lahar can be a substitute material for
embankment.
down of Lahar. To protect the residential areas
1. INTRODUCTION and farmlands during heavy rainfall, River
embankments also known as mega-dikes were
The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, in Central Luzon on constructed. These mega-dikes help to contain
12th to 15th of June 1991 was recorded as the Lahar to the channel and avoid it to widespread to
second largest volcanic eruption of 20th Century. the residential areas. Therefore, construction
It resulted in the deposition of 5 to 8 billion cubic materials are needed for the reconstruction and
meters of volcanic ash over its surrounding area rebuilding of structures destroyed by the eruption.
including rivers in Tarlac, Pampanga, and Based on previous studies, researchers thought
Zambales (Kirk and Edward, 1999). These loose that it could not be used as materials in
materials composed of volcanic ash, rocks, and construction because of its properties such as, less
debris were rapidly flown by rain in the form of coarse than sand, its chemical content, and a large
Lahar to the surrounding area of Mt. Pinatubo, amount of silt that can affect the quality of
especially in river areas. It caused the devastation concrete mixture. With this, the researchers came
of low-lying areas and destruction of structures up with an idea doing further studies on Lahar,
along its path. Figure 1 shows the Lahar deposits especially on its properties as backfill or
surrounding Mt. Pinatubo and those affected area, embankment material. Lahar is pozzolanic in
including Pampanga, Zambales, and Tarlac. nature which means it can be used as
Many structures have been destroyed and sunk supplementary cementitious materials. Lahar was
due to the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and rushing being used as construction materials in some
affected areas such as the province of Pampanga,
Tarlac, and Zambales to rebuild and reconstruct
the structures destroyed by Lahar. New roads are
being built over the devastated areas, while old
roads are being elevated to new alignments.
Nowadays, Lahar is a well-known materials
used for construction in Pampanga, Tarlac, and
Zambales. Mega-dikes, serve as protection
against the devastation that can be caused by the
Lahar, have channels where Lahar settle and
deposit. These Lahar deposits were carried by
rainwater where silts were washed from the
volcanic materials making Lahar a washed sand.
With the help of mega-dikes, they can quarry the
Lahar sand deposits in the riverbanks. Now, it is
one of the primary sources of income in those
provinces. Despite the many things that can be
done in Lahar, it is rarely used as embankment
materials because it is a porous lightweight
material where can may undergo large settlements
when utilized as geotechnical structures.
Tarlac
Pampanga
Figure 1. Lahar Deposit surrounds Mt.
Pinatubo
Due to limited research on the geotechnical
properties of lahar and non-existent design
methodologies regarding its use as earth backfill
or embankment, this research will assess the
suitability of Lahar as an embankment material
based on its optimum moisture content and
maximum dry density.
Many methods and laboratory experiments can
be used to check the suitability of Lahar as
embankment materials. One of them is the
determination of compaction properties of soil
namely the Maximum Dry Density and Optimum
Moisture Content by conducting Standard Proctor
test and field density Test. Determination of
compaction properties of soil is common soil
modification method to improve the engineering
properties of soils. The effectiveness of the
compaction is usually measured by soil's
optimum moisture content and maximum dry
density. It is important in the construction projects
such as earth dams, road and railway
embankments, landfill liners and backfills of
retaining structure.
The researchers aimed to determine the
suitability of Lahar as embankment material by
assessing the characteristics of its optimum
moisture content and maximum dry density.
Specifically, the study aimed to:
1. Determine the suitability of Lahar as
embankment material in terms of:
1.1. grain size distribution,
1.2. bulk unit weight,
1.3. specific gravity,
1.4. moisture content.
2. Determine the maximum dry densities in the
laboratory and in the field by conducting the
following tests:
2.1. Standard Proctor Test
2.2. Field Density Test
3. Compare the properties of Lahar to
commonly used embankment material based on
DPWH Blue Book and AASHTO Standard.
The study is considered beneficial to the
provinces having the deposits of Lahar since it
will provide another source of income aside from
quarrying aggregates and sand came from Lahar,
for the construction industry it will give them
knowledge to maximize lahar's potential use as
embankment materials, for Civil Engineers, this
study will help them to get more information
about Lahar properties as embankment materials.
And for the students and researchers, this study
gives them more information and knowledge for
future research related to this study.
This study generally focused on the compaction
properties and characteristics of lahar to improve
its engineering properties. The researchers used
the specified equipment and methods for the
precise and correct result. Grain size distribution,
unit weight, specific gravity, optimum moisture
content and maximum dry density are properties
of Lahar determined based on American Society
for Testing of Materials (ASTM).
The lahar sample used for the study came only
from Bacolor, Pampanga, one of the most affected
area in the province during the Mt. Pinatubo
Eruption.
2. MATERIALS AND METHODS
2.1 Lahar
Lahar is a mudflow or debris flow of volcanic
materials like pulverize rocks, minerals, and
volcanic glass down the slope of volcano or river
valleys. The flowing Lahar from the Mt. Pinatubo
caused the deposition of Lahar in its surrounding
provinces and to river ares. Lahar is a lightweight
material that can easily mobilized by water. It is
an effective construction material because of its
mineral content which is almost same in concrete.
The Figure 2 below shows the Lahar coming
from the Mt. Pinatubo during its eruption in 1991.
2.2. Embankment or Backfill Materials
Embankment or Backfill Materials is the
construction materials that usually consist of soil,
but may also include aggregates, rocks, and
crashed materials. It is a bank of earth or stone
built to prevent a river flooding on area and to
carry a road over an area of low ground.
Embankment refers to a volume of backfill
materials that is placed and compacted for the
purpose of raising the level of the road above the
level of the existing ground surface. Different
types of soil may be suitable for use in the
construction industry of an embankment or
backfill materials ranging from sand and gravel.
Certain types of soil are not suitable material as
embankment or backfill materials in construction
industry such as saturated clays and highly
organic soils. The types of soils that are used as
embankment or backfill materials are the soil that
are capable for being well compacted and should
be well graded.
Normally, the coarser fill materials are placed at
or near the bottom or base of the embankment in
order to provide a firm foundation for the
embankment and also to facilitate drainage and
prevent saturation. The top portion of an
embankment usually is constructed of relatively
high-quality, well-compacted sub-grade material
that is capable of supporting the overlying
pavement layers and imposed wheel loading
without deflection or undesirable movement. The
fill material used throughout the remainder of the
embankment must be capable of meeting
applicable specification quality requirements and
be capable of being placed and compacted at or
close to its maximum achievable density. The
material is spread in relatively thin layers of 150
mm (6 in) to 200 mm (8 in) and each layer is
compacted by rolling over it with heavy
compaction equipment.
According to the blue book of Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the
suitable materials for embankment are soil of such
gradation that all particles will pass a sieve with
75 mm (3 inches) square opening and not more
than 15 mass percent will pass the 0.075 mm (No.
200) sieve. Any soil containing organic materials,
such as roots, grass, and sewerage including
organic soils like peat and muck, and soil with
very low natural density, 800 kg/m3 or lower are
unsuitable materials for embankment. While on
the American Association of State Highways and
Transportation Official (AASHTO) Standard, a
soil good as subgrade and embankment materials
are well graded soil such as A-1, A-2 and A-3
group classification of soil of AASHTO Soil
Classification System. For further understanding
see the table shown below:
Figure 2. Lahar from Mt. Pinatubo
2.3. Research Design
An experimental method of research was used in
this study to determine the effectiveness of Lahar
as an embankment or backfill material. In an
experimental method, one or more variables in the
experiment were manipulated, and controlled and
measured any changes in other variables. In this
experiment, the properties of Lahar were the
dependent variables and the Lahar was the
independent variables.
2.4. Experimental Design
The experimental study from its preliminary
testing of materials, computations up to the testing
of experimental specimens were performed and
conducted at the material testing laboratory of the
Department of Public Works and Highways
Region III (DPWH Region III) Pampanga 1st
District, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
The tests used in this experiment were based on
procedures and standards of the American Society
for Testing of Materials (ASTM). These are some
of the properties of Lahar were determined with
their following testing methods:
2.5. Flow of the Experimental Study
The Lahar to be used as backfill material will be
determined its properties by doing laboratory test.
Different test will be done to determine the
Gradation, Unit weight, Specific gravity,
Moisture Content, and Maximum Dry Density.
2.6. Optimum Moisture Content (OMC)
Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) is a kind of
test for soil where you can determine the water
content of the soil and how wet or dry the soil
sample is. It is usually determined in laboratory
and in site. This is the percentage of a soil in
which the soil can be compacted to its density and
used as a specification for compacting
embankments. It is important to reach the right
moisture content of soil to remain its solidity
because a change in moisture content can
significantly alter the properties of soil.
2.7. Maximum Dry Density (MDD)
Maximum Dry Density (MDD) is the maximum
value obtained by the compaction curve using the
specified compactive effort. This MDD is get
using Proctor Compaction Test where you can
determine the optimal moisture content at which
a given soil type will become denser and achieve
its maximum dry density of the soil.
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
3.1. Physical properties of Lahar in terms of:
3.1.1. Grain Size Distribution
Test method ASTM C136 was used to determine
the particle size distribution of Lahar by sieving.
The results were used to determine compliance of
the particle size distribution with applicable
specification requirements.
Figure 3. Particle Size Distribution Chart
Figure 3 shows that the particle distributions of
the three samples. Based on the laboratory result,
the PSD curve shows a well graded type of soil
and in addition the passing percentage at sieve
No. 200 were all less than 15%, accordingly it all
passed the specification set by DPH blue Book for
embankment material.
3.1.2. Bulk Density
The test ASTM D29 was used to determine the
unit weight of a material using dial indicator.
Table 1. Bulk Density of Lahar
Sample Unit Weight Average Density
1 1420 kg/m3
2 1418 kg/m3 1420.67 kg/m3
3 1424 kg/m3
Based on Table 1, it can be seen that the bulk
density of the three sample ranges from 1418 to
1424 kg/m3 and an average bulk density of
1420.67kg/m3. This values were all lower than the
typical range of bulk unit of soil used as
embankment with values ranging from 1720 –
2120 kg/m3. This indicated that Lahar is
lightweight compared to commonly used
embankment material due to its porous volcanic Trial Number 1 2 3 4
nature. Water Content,
5.0 7.0 9.0 14.5
3.1.3. Specific Gravity %
Dry Density,
The test ASTM D854 was used to identify the 1550 1575 1630 1620
kg/m3
specific gravity and absorption of a material using
Pycnometer.

Table 2. Absorption and Specific Gravity of Lahar

Average Bulk Average
Absorption,
Sample Abroption, Specific Specific
%
% Gravity Gravity
1 1.00 % 2.37
2 1.23 % 1.08 2.34 2.36
3 1.01 % 2.33

The table 3 shows that the average absorption

percentage of Lahar is 1.08% which indicated Figure 4. Relationship of Dry Density and
high absorption property and porous nature and Moisture Content
the average specific gravity is 2.36 which is lower
than the typical specific gravity of soil of 2.7. This Table 4 shows the test results for the laboratory
signifies and confirms Lahar as a lightweight Standard Proctor Test. Based on test results, it can
material. be concluded that the maximum dry density and
optimum moisture content of lahar sample are
3.1.4. Moisture Content 1630kg/m3 and 9% respectively. Figure 4, shows
the graph of maximum dry density against
The test ASTM D2216 used to determine the optimum moisture content.
moisture content of a material by drying in oven.
3.2.2. Field Density Test
Table 3. Moisture Content
Average The test method ASTM D1556 was used to
Moisture
Sample Moisture
Content determine if the compaction properties in the field
Content
can meet at least 95% compaction in the
1 3.33 % laboratory.
2 3.01 % 3.29
Table 5. Lahar Field Density Test
3 3.54 %
Left Right
Location of Test Hole Center
The table 4 shows that the average moisture Side Side
content of Lahar is 3.29% which also confirm its Wet Unit Weight, kg/m3 1773 1770 1832
high absorption capacity.
3
Dry Unit Weight, kg/m 1612 1639 1650
3.2. Maximum Dry Densities and Optimum Compaction, % 96 97 98
Moisture Content in the Laboratory and in the
Required Compaction, % 95 95 95
Field:
Remarks/
3.2.1Standard Proctor Test (Laboratory Test) passed passed passed
Recommendation

The test ASTM D698 was used to identify the

compaction properties of the sample in the Based on the above Table 5, field density test
laboratory before using it in the field. conducted at the center, left and right side of the
Table 4. Laboratory Standard Proctor Test subject area shows that all sample passed the
required % of compaction of not less than 95% of
the laboratory maximum dry unit weight of lahar.
4. CONCLUSION
Based on the findings from the experiments
conducted, the following conclusions were
drawn:
Lahar has lower bulk unit weight than the
typical soil used as embankment material, it has a
higher % of absorption and moisture content but
lower specific gravity making it a lightweight
material. In addition lahar passed the gradation
required by DPWH wherein all sample had a
percent finer of less than 15% at sieve No. 200.
The percent of compaction based on field
density test exceeds the minimum requirement
based on the laboratory Standard Proctor Test.
Lahar samples passed the specifications from
the DPWH blue book based on its gradation and
based on its compaction property in the field.
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http://www.pavementinteractive.org/theoretical-maximum-
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Zheming Zhu et. al.(2002). Analysis of Mine Backfill Behavior
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Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.

5. REFERENCES

ASTM C136: Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates,

January 2018. <https://www.astm.org/Standards/C136.htm>.
ASTM D698 (Standard): Moisture - Density Relations of Soil
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(305 mm) Drop, Viewed January 2018,
http://apps.itd.idaho.gov/apps/manuals/QA/Archive/files/2013J
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df.
ASTM D1556: DENSITY AND UNIT WEIGHT OF SOIL IN
PLACE BY SAND-CONE METHOD, Viewed January 2018,
http://www.geocomp.com/GeoTesting/Details/61.
ASTM D29: Measuring Bulk Density Values of Powders and
Other Bulk Solids, Viewed January 2018,
https://www.astm.org/Standards/D29.html.
ASTM D854: Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Water
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https://www.astm.org/Standards/D854.
ASTM D2216: Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture)
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https://www.astm.org/Standards/D2216.htm.
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