Abstract
This research paper is concerned with studying and evaluating the geoengineering characteristics and potential risks of the area under study with a view to safe urban expansion using GIS techniques. Different geotechnical laboratory tests such Atterberg limits, free swelling test, swell potential and pressure tests, chemical analysis, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and rock quality designation (RQD) were performed on 28 boreholes (95 samples). Furthermore, X-ray diffraction was used to examine clay minerals. The results indicate that the UCS values range from 47 to 72.2 kg/cm2 and RQD from 21 to 45%. The free swell ratio ranges from 110 to 120%, and the plasticity index from 34 to 37%. In addition, GIS techniques have been utilized to produce the distribution layers of different geotechnical characteristics, then integrated to produce a geospatial urban model for delineating and defining safe and dangerous urban zones. This model is classified into four classes: low, moderate, high and very high hazard. Low and moderate hazards were detected in the major portion of the survey area. These portions are suitable for foundations at shallow depths. However, high to very high hazards were detected in the southeast portion of the study area. The reason for these areas is caused by the existence of heavily fractured limestone and highly swelling clay layers. This model would aid in the creation and discovery of the best areas of shallow base in the region under consideration.
Highlights
In recent times, Egypt has witnessed a fast-growing population of over 90 million people
The geoengineering investigation described in this article indicated the presence of several engineering problems confronting Mokattam civil engineers
According to the Egyptian Code, these problems are distinguished by badly fractured limestone and the presence of clay layers with substantial swelling, the value of which exceeds 100% and has an adverse influence over the building
Summary
Egypt has witnessed a fast-growing population of over 90 million people. These numbers are below about 5% of Egypt’s territory. To stay up with the rapid increase in population, in recent years, the Egyptian government has encouraged the development of projects in the desert zones outside the Delta and Nile Valley. Industrial zones and tourist villages have been established in the last 2 decades. Utmost of these regions have not been rigorously investigated in determining their suitability for these developments or even for determining geological hazards. There is a dire need to assess these
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