Geotechnical study on the utilization of Pleistocene Sands in Sohag Basin (Upper Egypt) as a construction raw material

Abstract

The Pleistocene Sands (Armant and Qena formations, Sohag Basin, Upper Egypt) had been evaluated texturally, minerologically and geotechnically as a construction raw material throughout intensive laboratory examinations. These Sands (fine aggregates) are classified into well-graded sands (SW). Texturally, the Pleistocene Sands are consisting mainly of equi-dimensional angular quartz grains. Rock fragments and feldspars are present with minor amounts. Few mineral grains (dolomite and gypsum) were recorded within the sands of Armant Formation. Whereas, few grains of basement rock fragments were identified in Qena Formation. Armant Formation has a higher content of TDS (total dissolved salts), sulfates, calcium carbonates and chlorides than Qena Formation. Additionally, Armant Formation has active chemically mineral grains (dolomite and gypsum). So, Armant Formation sand samples will be reacted harmfully when used as concrete, mortar and sandy bricks due to alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and alkali-carbonate reaction (ACR) that will be happened on long run of time. The absence of shrinkage in length and collapse failure modes indicates the absence of bleeding and segregation with the fresh mixtures (concrete, mortar and sandy bricks) before stiffness state.