Experimental Investigation of Square Footing Resting on Gypseous Soils Contaminated by Kerosene

Abstract

This study investigated the behavior of square footing (Length = 100 mm) constructed over a gypseous soil contaminated with four percentages of kerosene (5, 10, 15, and 20%) and several thicknesses of the contaminated soil (0.5B, B, and 1.5B) was taken from Tikrit University in Salah Al-Deen governorate from the depth of (1.5-2) m under natural ground level. The tests revealed that the soil is high gypsum content (62%). The main loading tests of the gypseous soil were carried out [field density (dry) and field density (with soaking)] which are a reference for comparison with the contaminated gypseous soil loading tests. The results that are represented by the relationship between pressure and settlement show that the gypseous soil has a good resistance reached to (385 kN/m2) when compacted to field density before soaking. For the contaminated gypseous soil tests, the bearing capacity does not improve as the bearing capacity is reduced by 50% or more compared to the non-contaminated gypseous soil, as for the settlement there is a slight improvement. As for the soaked gypseous soils, it was showing an improvement in bearing capacity and an improvement in the settlement of footing.