IMPROVEMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SABKHA SOIL OF SAUDI ARABIA: A REVIEW

Abstract

Sabkha is an inferior and indigenous type of soil which forms widely in the Arabian Gulf and in many parts of Saudi Arabia, especially in the coastal areas. Several studies over the last 25 years have been conducted to develop a better understanding and characterization of Sabkha soil and to improve its strength and durability. Different studies from different perspectives, different geographical locations, and particular types were discussed with specific treatment for its improvement. The main purpose of this study is to conclude Saudi Arabian Sabkha Soil characteristics, its associated problems, and to recapitulate the current technologies and practices for the improvement of it. The relative advantages and some of the drawbacks of currently available techniques have also been discussed. Scope and future development regarding this field have also been summarized. Preloading technique was found to be effective for stabilization and consolidation of Sabkha soil over longer period of time. Another study revealed characterizing Saudi Arabian Sabkha soil using seismic refraction technique. Other comparative research was studied which focused on the improvement of Sabkha soil for road construction using geotextile and cement additives. The results suggest that both of the techniques have similar effect on the improvement of subgrade but the geotextile application is more economical as compared to others. Geotextile (grade A-400) with greater strength and thickness exhibits higher load carrying capability which leads to less deformation settlement on the subgrade.