Geotechnical properties of some tidal flat sediments of khor-abdullah coast, southern iraq

Abstract EN

This research involves geotechnical studies for some tidal flat sediments of Khor-Abdulla coast in the southern Basra city.

This area has an important strategic location in future, the Iraqi Government intending to establish large engineering projects such as a big Basrah port.

Sediment samples have been taken at a depth of 1.25 m to study the physical, chemical, and engineering properties of this region’s sediment.

The investigation results reveal that its average high natural moisture was 37.5 %, Liquid Limit LL 45.5 %, Plastic Limit PL 26.5 %, plasticity Index PI 19%.

Hence, these sediments show high clay percentages (85-65%).

It can be classified as Silty Clay sediments with low plasticity.

Engineering tests resulted in average Compression Strength of 206 kN / m2, Max.

Dry density 1.63 g / cm3 while consolidation coefficient 0.15 m2 / year, consolidation index (0.28) with initial consolidation 35.5 Kn / m2, and swelling index 0.071.

These factors indicate aweek sediment with low plasticity.

Chemical tests results reveal high concentrations of sulfates chlorides, and organic matters.

TDS were 30666 mg / l, CaCO3 41 mg / l, sulfate 2987 mg / l, Mg 600 mg / l, Ca 46.6 mg / l, and chlorides 1334.2 mg / l.

while EC 44.5 mmhos / cm, pH 7.7.