Abstract
In this research, a geotechnical assessment was conducted for clay of the Gercus Formation to determine its suitability for embankment dams. The selected area is located in the north of Iraq. Six samples were collected from two sites in Dokan (Sulaimaniyah) and Haibat Sultan mountain (Koysinjaq), three samples each. Various geotechnical (physical, mechanical and chemical) tests were conducted based on standard specifications.
 The results of the grain size test of clay samples showed their conformity with Zone C curves and their suitability for the construction of embankment dams, according to the Iraqi standard for roads and bridges. The results of the plasticity limits test showed that the soil is made of fine, low plasticity silt (ML), and low plasticity clay (CL), according to the unified standard soil classification. The water content and plasticity limit tests (liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index) demonstrated that these clays are conformable with the limits of the Iraqi standards. The results of the modified compaction test found a maximum dry density value of 1.962 g/cm3 with an optimum moisture content of 11.5%. The results of the permeability index (K) revealed low permeability according to the Das classification and, therefore, showed the suitability of the samples as raw filling materials in the construction of dams. Chemical tests (sulfate content, organic materials content, total dissolved salts, gypsum content, and pH value) showed compatibility with the requirements for the use in dams construction under the Iraqi standard (SoRB/ R5).
Highlights
A great expansion of building projects has been recently observed in Iraq, including urban expansion and large projects such as building dams
Embankment dams are among the most prevalent types of dams in the world because of their advantages, which include the use of local natural raw materials, the ease to design and construction, and the use of few devices and equipment in the construction [1]
The study area is located within two locations in Sulaymaniyah governorate; the first location is the Dokan District, located southwest of Dokan Dam and the second site is the Haibat Sultan mountain, located southeast of the city of Koysinjaq, about 40 km from the city of Dokan (Figure-1)
Summary
A great expansion of building projects has been recently observed in Iraq, including urban expansion and large projects such as building dams Raw materials, such as mud rocks, along with proper assessing of their suitability for the construction of dams, have become necessary. Building materials, such as those found in the study area, are worthy to investigate, given their availability in large quantities, the ease of investment, the proximity of the formation to transportation routes, and ease of access to the material. The second series of tests included the compaction, specific gravity, permeability, direct shear, and triaxial tests These tests provide data to be used for the design of embankments and to specify how the materials must be placed during construction [5]. The chemical tests included gypsum ratio, total soluble salts, and organic matter content
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