Paper submitted to session:

Oral presentation

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

The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, in Central Luzon on Based on the test results, field density test
12 to 15 of June 1991 resulted in the deposition of large conducted shows that all sample passed the required
amount of volcanic ash over its surrounding area percent of compaction of not less than 95% of the
including rivers in Tarlac, Pampanga, and Zambales. laboratory maximum dry unit weight of lahar.
Many structures were destroyed and buried by the large Lahar has lower bulk unit weight than the typical
volume of ash mixed with water or also known as soil used as embankment material, it has a higher % of
Lahar. Abundant Lahar deposits can be utilized as absorption and moisture content but lower specific
alternative to commonly used soil and sand in the gravity making it a lightweight material. In addition
construction works. lahar passed the gradation required by DPWH wherein
In this study, the researchers conducted laboratory all sample had a percent finer of less than 15% at sieve
and field tests based on DPWH Blue Book. No. 200.
The test ASTM D698 was used to identify the The percent of compaction based on field density
compaction properties of the sample in the laboratory test exceeds the minimum requirement based on the
before using it in the field. laboratory Standard Proctor Test.
Lahar samples passed the specifications from the
Table 4. Laboratory Standard Proctor Test DPWH blue book based on its gradation and based on
Trial Number 1 2 3 4 its compaction property in the field.
Water Content, % 5.0 7.0 9.0 14.5
REFERENCES
Dry Density, kg/m3 1550 1575 1630 1620
Ganiron Jr. and Ganiron Sr. et. al. (2007). Utilization and End-
Users Acceptability of Compressed Lahar Sediment Block as
Wall Panel for Low-Cost Housing. Auckland City, New
Zealand. College of Architecture, Qassim University,
Buraidah City, KSA, 2007.

Zheming Zhu et. al.(2002). Analysis of Mine Backfill Behavior

and Stability. Department of Mining, Metals and Materials
Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.

Loreto G. Aguila (2004). The compressive strength, flexure

strength abrasion resistance of concrete paving blocks made
Figure 4: Relationship of Dry Density and Moisture Content of lahar added with shredde plastic waste. Philippine Journal
of Industrial Education & Technology.
Table 1 and Figure 1 shows the test results for the
laboratory Standard Proctor Test. Based on test results, DPWH Standard Specification for Public Works and Highways,
2004 Edition: Volume 2 Highways, Bridges and Airports.
it can be concluded that the maximum dry density and
optimum moisture content of lahar sample are
1630kg/m3 and 9% respectively.