Road Construction on Sabkha Soils

Abstract

Sabkha is an Arabic expression to describe recent coastal sediments with a high salt content and are characterized by very low bearing capacities and a relatively hard crusty surface which is strong when dry and looses its strength upon wetting. It forms heterogeneous and complex soil profiles with poor mechanical properties and appreciable organic. This type of problematic soil causes some engineering problems like differential settlement and failures under loads. The aim of the paper is study and evaluate the Sabkha soil problems, which exist in the East and South - East of Misurata city, where the infrastructure of Misurata Free Zone will be constructed. This paper propose one of the most economical solution for improvementand stabilization of Sabkha soil to increase the bearing capacity for construction roads to connect the projects on this area with the city centre and other villages.