Use of Reservoir Sediments to Improve Engineering Properties of Dune Sand in Oman

Abstract

Managing sediments dredged from reservoirs of recharge dams is an environmental issue, however, these sediments can be an abundant and economical source of fine-grained fill soil. This experimental investigation quantifies the geotechnical properties of a reservoir sediment used to improve engineering properties of a poorly graded dune sand in Oman. The binary mixes were prepared with different percentages (5, 10, 20, 50, 75, 90, 95%) of sediment with sand. Laboratory tests such as gradation, consistency limits, compaction, and unconfined compression tests were performed to measure the engineering characteristics of the binary mixtures. The results showed that the maximum dry density increases up to a sediment content of 50% and then decreases with further increase in the sediment content. The optimum water content increases with the increase in sediment content from 17% for pure sand to 22.5% for pure sediment. The optimum moisture content shows a good correlation with the plastic limit of the binary mixture of sand and sediment. The unconfined compressive strength substantially increases with sediment content up to 75% and then decreases with further increase in the sediment content. The binary mixture of sand sediment is sensitive to moisture, however, the order of strength stability against moisture is dune sand mixed with 75, 50, and 20% sediments. The addition of sediment to dune sand improved the uniformity coefficient to some extent with an increase in the maximum and minimum void ratios as well. The elemental analysis of the sediment confirms that the material is non-contaminated and can be employed in geotechnical engineering applications as a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution.

Challenges and Construction Applications of Solid Waste Management in Middle East Arab Countries

“…Along with piling up tons of garbage, landfills also generate toxic gases (methane, carbon dioxide, etc.) and are prone to spontaneous fires [34]. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health showed that solid waste can cause many diseases unless it is handled properly, including respiratory and skin diseases, in addition to cancer, and it is a quick way to transmit various types of viral and bacterial infections such as hepatitis C [35].…”

Utilization of Fine Soil as Potential Source for Core of Rock-Fill Dam

“…There are many practices and studies in geotechnical engineering to further the development of the engineering properties of dune sand. Qureshi et al [8] reported in their research that the sediment content of 50 percent added to sand has improved the dry unit weight and optimum moisture content. Moreover, the addition of wadi sediment to the sand (poorly graded) is increased the maximum and minimum void ratios.…”

“…The unconfined compressive strength increases with sediment contentment up to 75% and then decreases with the increase in sediment content. Also, to further develop the dune sand properties there were different added substances have been utilized; such as the use of marble waste [9], biopolymer and fibres [10], sediments [8], cement and dust [11], and fly ash [12].…”

Sustainability of Heavily Loaded Raft Foundations on Granular Soils of Arabian Peninsula with Soft Clay Layer

“…Recent studies in Oman reported the sustainable ground improvement techniques for the development of infrastructure on the loose dune sand. Most of the studies include mixing additives to improve the mechanical performance such as cement kiln dust [12], biopolymer [13,14], reservoir sediments [15], and marble waste [16,17]. In some cases, skirt foundations are studied on the loose desert sand [18,19].…”