A geotechnical evaluation of Minia-Maghagha area, Upper Egypt

Abstract EN

-A geotechnical investigation was carried out on the foundation bedrocks of EI Minia-Maghagha area.

eastern side of thc Nile River with objective of preparing an effective landusc map.

This area represents the future urban extension of the crowded population sites on the western side of the Nile River.

The New Minia City is the first new settlement planned and constructed on the southern part of the Minia-Mughagha area .

A surface geological map at a scale of I:250,000 was constructed for this area.

The physical and geotechnical properties of each foundation bedrock were measured and studied in detail.

Th ese measurements include bulk density .

insoluble residue, total dissolved salts.

effective porosity, ill situ strength, unconfined compressive strength and Young's modulus.

The geotechnical studies indicate that the Sarnalut Formation (carbonate foundation bedrock).

which covers 80% of the studied area.

is unsuitable for foundation and construction purposes.

whereas the carbonate rocks of EI Minia , Maghagha , and Oarura Formations are suitable for foundation and construction and as well as building stone blocks .

The unsuitability of the limestones of the Sarnalut Formation is related to their very low strength properties and the presence of cavities, caves and sinkholes.

Samalut Formation is suitable for white cement and chemical industries.