Improved of Mechanical Characteristics of Gargar Mud by Mineral Additives

Abstract

The operational dams in Algeria lose 32 million m3 of water storage capacity each year, and fifteen of these dams are threatened by siltation. This investigation forms a component of a management strategy for dredged silt in the Gargar Dam, the third-largest dam in Algeria with considerable sedimentation. This paper comprises two main axes: a detailed experimental study based on the studied dam mud's physico-chemical, rheological, and mechanical analysis. The second part is based on the study of the valorization of Gargar mud to be acceptable for use in road civil engineering. In order to obtain this goal, the Gargar mud was treated with lime (0-6%), sand (20%), and natural pozzolana (20%). Test results show that the properties of Gargar mud are significantly improved after treatment, and the soil becomes more friable and more resistant; it can therefore be used as a foundation layer in road civil engineering.