Sand Dune Stabilization by Hydrated Lime

Abstract

Formation and movement of sand dunes could be considered the most important problems thatsafer and destroy agricultural lands, domestic and industrial buildings. These dunes finally forma desertification state. The hard climate as high temperature and reduction in rainfall are themain factors affecting on this formation. This practical study is a trial to solve this problemthrough addition and covering the dunes by local material. Hydrated lime was used in this work,the lime was mixed with water in different ratios and covered a hills of sand. Three ratios of limewere selected to cover three sand hills with diameter 100 cm and height 50cm. The thickness ofthe lime layer is 6cm and covered all the hill. The hills were lifted for a year under the naturalcircumstances of sun shine, winds, rainfall and temperature. Results indicated that the hills werefixed and no sand were blown from dunes. Furthermore, some natural plants have been grownover them.