Advances in understanding and modelling the mechanical behaviour of peat

Contains the papers, general reports, and summaries of the discussions of the workshop, which was divided into three sessions: 1) one-dimensional behaviour; 2) stress-strain and strength behaviour; 3) immediate issues in engineering practice. Themes included: one-dimensional stress-strain-strainrate compression models; creep of peat; K0 measurements; empirical relationships for rapid estimation of settlement due to surface loads; thermal effects on compression; effects of fibre reinforcement on stress-strain relationships; discrete element and finite element modelling of fibrous peat; decomposition and gas formation in polder dikes; special techniques such as friction piles, preloading, and strip drains; long term behaviour of embankments on peat; special laboratory research into biaxial response, pore size distribution, degree of inhomogeneity, and cyclic behaviour.