Stabilization of Baiji Sand Dunes by Petroleum Residues

Abstract

This research is concerned with the use of petroleum residues to stabilize Baiji sand dunes. The purpose of this research is to study the stabilizing effect of these residues irrespective of their possible toxicity to plant and environment. Two petroleum mixtures were prepared in different mulching rates to test their efficiency in stabilizing sand dunes. Those mixtures were added to the dune samples with variable mulching rates, mixtures temperatures and initial water contents. Mechanical stability was estimated from percent of dry aggregates greater than 0.84 mm and percent of aggregates less than 0.42 mm. The mixtures of petroleum residues used in this study were found to be effective in forming large amounts of nonerodible aggregates greater than 0.84 mm and reducing the erodible aggregates less than 0.42 mm. treated samples also showed a good stability against breakdown under repeated sieving and the effect of cyclic freezing and thawing on the mean weight diameter factor MWD. The results of repeated sieving test RST showed that petroleum mixtures create a stable crust preventing the bare sand dunes from erosion.