Geotechnical aspects of loess in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

Loess is a geologically recent deposit, which consists of unconsolidated silt of eolian origin ; it is buff in color and character- ized by lack of stratification, porous and has low bulk density.

This paper aimed to review the distribution and geotechnical properties of loess in Saudi Arabia as the publications about loess in Saudi Arabia are very limited.

The available literatures reported that the loess soils are observed in many parts of the Kingdom where various construction projects were planned.

Loess materials are generally uniform in texture, consisting of 50 % to 90 % silt-size particles exhibiting plasticity.

Porosity is relatively high ; ranging from 50 to 60 %.

These loess deposits subside and form earth fissures by the process of hydro- compaction upon wetting in some remote areas.

The process of wetting can be either natural through storms or man-made through agricultural or civil activities.