Evaluation of Foundation Beds Under Construction of New Road El Zagazig-Sinbillawain district, East Nile Delta- Egypt by Using Sedimentological and Geotechnical Studies.

Abstract

The present paper is concerned with the study of sedimentological, mineralogical and geotechnical characteristics of the shallow facies and the foundation beds as well as their effects on the construction stability on a planned new road which will extend from El Zagazig to Sinbillawain district. It aims also to introduce some alternative solutions for the impact problems of these shallow facies. The present clay layer has an obvious dangerous effect on the constructions or any other establishments. Thirty one sediment samples from 31 boreholes have been collected at a depth from 0 to 20 m to investigate the sedimentology, physical, chemical and engineering properties. The results revealed that the initial water content ranges from 30.84 to 44.71%, the liquid Limit (LL) ranges from 51.33 to 71.36 %, the plastic Limit (PL) ranges from 20.5 to 36.85 %, the shrinkage limit ranges from 11.2 to 20.5 % and the plasticity Index (PI) ranges from 27.78 to 37.17 %. The x-ray diffraction analysis revealed that smectite (montmorillonite) and kaolinite minerals are the main components of the clayey sediments. The chemical tests of the studies samples revealed high concentration of sulfates that can increase the corrosion of the concrete foundations. Also the ultimate bearing capacity values are inferred.