Maassoumeh Barghchi

Review of soft soils stabilization by grouting and injection methods with different chemical binders

Soil stabilization has become one of the useful solutions to treat the soft soils to achieve the required engineering properties and specification so that structures can be placed safely without undergoing large settlements. Soil stabilization by admixture was developed in Japan during 1970s and 1980s. The treated soil has greater strength, reduced compressibility and lower hydraulic conductivity than the original soil. The use of admixture such as lime, cement, oils and bitumen is one of oldest and most widespread method for improving soil. When mixed with soil, it forms a material called soil-cement. The original technique known internationally as the deep mixing method (DMM) was developed simultaneously in Sweden and Japan in the mid-1970s. It is an in-situ soil treatment technology whereby the soil is blended with cementitious and/or other materials. Jet grouting is suitable to be used as the injection method for the DMM. It utilizes a fluid jet (air, water and/or grout) to erode and mix the in-situ soft or loose soils with grout. The grouting method is one of the ground improvement methods suitable for the soft soil. Chemical stabilization is the effective method to improve the soil properties by mixing additives to soils. Usually the additives are cement, lime, fly ash and bituminous material. The chemicals usually used are sodium silicate, acrylamide, N-methylolacrylamide, polyurethane epoxy resins, aminoplasts, phenoplasts, lignosulfonates, among others. The choice of a particular chemical for soil stabilization will depend upon many factors like, purpose, soil strength desired, toxicity, rheology among others.

Sports facilities development: A case study of Malaysia

Sports and sports facilities development have improved rapidly over the past decade in Malaysia. Further, globalisation and dramatic growth of urbanisation highlight the importance of sport and sports facilities in cities. There is also currently tremendous interest in sports and a wave of sports investment. This research aims to investigate the development of the existing sports facilities in Malaysia. It is based on quantitative research via postal questionnaire survey. The research reveals new trend of sports investment and sports facilities construction started in the mid 1990s. Image transformation through hosting event and contribute to local communities through creating sports culture have been the centre point of sports investment, which is in line with the National Sports Policy in Malaysia. The findings recommend further research to review and provide specific guidelines and principles for sports facilities in Malaysia to improve future development following the global trend.

Urban farming: Utilisation of infrastructure or utility reserved lands

Urban farming is referred to farming or agricultural activities within an urban area, generally practiced for income-earning or food-producing purposes. It contributes to food security, food safety, better environmental quality and greenery for a nation especially the urban area. Due to the high land value in urban area, infrastructure or utility reserved lands were seen to be necessary to be identified with the suitability for farming purpose. This paper is dealing with the study on suitability of urban farming in the reserved lands from the perspective of planners, urban farmers, and officers from land offices and land owners. Besides, the related laws and statutory plans were also been studied. As a result from the study, the reserved lands were identified to be suitable for agricultural activities such as for vegetables and ornamental plants production. However, the proper planning should be carried out under the Malaysian development plan system. Recommendations were identified at the end of the study.