Abstract
The aim of the current study is to determine the geotechnical properties of the investigated claystones /clayey soils in Koya area, Iraqi Kurdistan Region. This paper deals with the evaluating of the physical, mechanical and index properties of claystones. The study based on the field reconnaissance for twenty-five claystones samples were collected from five outcrops location within Fat'ha Formation. The results obtained from the laboratory tests revealed that the averages of specific gravity, porosity, void ratio, water absorption, natural water content and uniaxial compressive strength values of claystones are (1.5, 4.45%,4.5, 0.3, 3%, 65 MPa) respectively. Whereas the results of the index geotechnical characterization of clayey soils revealed that the averages values of liquid limit, plastic limit, plastic index, flow index, toughness index, liquidity index, consistency index, swelling potential, activity index, and expansive potential are (25.2, 15.0, 10.2, 0.2, 0.5, -1.2, 2.2, 0.62, 0.31, low or non-expansive) respectively. Among the index properties, the clayey soils are suitable for foundation and building materials industry. Furthermore, the regression coefficients of their correlation (R²) obtained from the analysis show that there are strong relationships between the physical and mechanical properties of claystones. Concluding remark is that geotechnical properties of examined natural claystones satisfy the relevant regulation to be used for construction purposes.
Highlights
Geotechnical properties and behavior of the rocks such as calystones are important due to their importance as constructing materials to develop countries (Maala et al, 2001)
The following conclusions can be drawn from this research: 1) The Fat'ha Formation in the study area consists mainly of pale reddish-brown clay, light gray marlstone with white color of gypsum and regularly bedded rock masses of claystone
Liquid limit with plasticity index defines information about the types of clay, classification of the grained clayey soil can be obtained from plasticity chart, which could be attributed to medium plasticity inorganic clayey nature (CL), which permits them to be shaped or molded when mixed with water
Summary
Geotechnical properties and behavior of the rocks such as calystones are important due to their importance as constructing materials to develop countries (Maala et al, 2001). These materials have great economic value as main raw materials for the construction, crushed rock aggregate, glass, chemical, and ceramics industries (Amavilah, 1995). There are many researchers deal with the assessment of geotechnical properties of claystones and clayey soils in Iraq, but there are no study deals with prediction of these properties to be used as raw materials for construction and building purposes in Koya City.
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