No abstract

Soil collapse remains a major issue affecting structural foundations, particularly in arid and semi-arid zones where humidification is a key factor contributing to the collapse. Much research has been devoted to identifying treatment methods which enhance the stability and load-bearing capacity of this type of soil. This paper investigates the potential advantages of the addition of milled glass fibers (Fg ). Soil samples were prepared at different compaction energies and various water contents, then treated with different percentages of milled glass fiber, before being submitted to the simple consolidation odometer test. The results obtained in this study showed that soil samples treated with an optimal dosage of 6% of milled glass fibers compacted at 60 blows and humidified at 6% of moisture content. This represents an improvement in the stability of the soil, reducing the collapse potential (Cp) from 11.95% to 1.62%. This treatment method produces soil which can be classified as a moderate risk foundation soil according to the Jennings and Knight evaluation metrics (1975). Keywords: collapsible soils, arid zones, fiberglass, odometer test.

Most developing countries have hot climate, ordinary jobsites characterized by reduced of human resources, equipment and infrastructures. The objective of this article is to make an experimental study of the influence of the hot climate such as that of Algeria, on the different properties of concrete in the fresh state, such as excessive water evaporation from the concrete surface, increased demand for water, increased slump loss corresponding to additional water on job-site, higher plastic shrinkage cracking and difficulty in controlling air content. At the hardened state, we could mention a reduction of strength at 28 days, decreased durability resulting from cracking at long-term period. To show the problems linked to concreting under these conditions and to present the appropriate solutions concrete or mortar can withstand the conditions in which it is implemented. Thus, negative effects caused principally by hot weather concreting motivated the choice of the such study. The research experimental work conditions in which the cementitious matrix was kept concerned two different environments, namely hot and dry climate conditions (t = 40°, h = 0%) alike the climate of the region of M'sila., and that of a medium with a hot and humid environment (t = 40°, h = 100%). The output of the investigation demonstrated the crucial role of the cure method in hot regions. The comparison of results for a reference concrete kept in air without any curing measures with two curing types simulating hot weather environment of the region M’sila was undertaken. These obtained outcome results were discussed based on the influence of climatic conditions to conclude procedures for hot weather concreting and suitable cure methods.

The present study is to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of the prepared sand mortars, mainly based on the local Oued Souf sand region south of Algeria, this in accordance with standard sand grading. The principal aim of the research is to replace the restricted fine part between (0.08and 0.16 mm) which is of the order 15% and to substitute it with additions active slag (S) and inert glass powder(GP) with dosages of 5, 10 and 15 % and maintain the rest of the granular fractions of the sand studied fixed. Thus, to see and analyze the influence of these additions on the physical properties and in regards the mechanical performances of confected prepared sand mortars. The results showed the advantageous effect of replacing the said prepared sand with two additions (slag and glass powder) on physical, mechanical properties mortars based on this local sand by improving the performance of these cement products, especially at an optimal percentage of 10%.