Evaluation of Suitability of Red Clay from Selected Areas of Gercus Formation, Sulaimaniyah, North Iraq, for the Construction of Embankment Dams

In this research, a geotechnical assessment was conducted for clay of the Gercus Formation to determine its suitability for embankment dams. The selected area is located in the north of Iraq. Six samples were collected from two sites in Dokan (Sulaimaniyah) and Haibat Sultan mountain (Koysinjaq), three samples each. Various geotechnical (physical, mechanical and chemical) tests were conducted based on standard specifications. The results of the grain size test of clay samples showed their conformity with Zone C curves and their suitability for the construction of embankment dams, according to the Iraqi standard for roads and bridges. The results of the plasticity limits test showed that the soil is made of fine, low plasticity silt (ML), and low plasticity clay (CL), according to the unified standard soil classification. The water content and plasticity limit tests (liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index) demonstrated that these clays are conformable with the limits of the Iraqi standards. The results of the modified compaction test found a maximum dry density value of 1.962 g/cm3 with an optimum moisture content of 11.5%. The results of the permeability index (K) revealed low permeability according to the Das classification and, therefore, showed the suitability of the samples as raw filling materials in the construction of dams. Chemical tests (sulfate content, organic materials content, total dissolved salts, gypsum content, and pH value) showed compatibility with the requirements for the use in dams construction under the Iraqi standard (SoRB/ R5).

Geotechnical and Environmental Assessment of Blast Furnace Slag for Engineering Applications

The increasing demand for building materials in the road industry creates interest for a new source of high-quality aggregates. In order to conserve natural resources, more attention is focused on anthropogenic soils and industrial solid wastes. For the successful application of these types of soil, a series of geotechnical and environmental tests have to be conducted. A potential hazard in the reuse of wastes from thermal degradation in the construction industry, particularly in reinforced concrete (RC) construction, is the migration of heavy metals into the groundwater environment. In this article, a geotechnical assessment of blast furnace slag (BFS) properties is presented. We conducted a series of CBR, and oedometric tests to evaluate the feasibility of BFS application in earth construction. The oedometric test results show acceptable compression characteristics which are in the range of natural aggregates. The CBR shows that this material may be used as a pavement subbase. We also noticed the preconsolidation pressure phenomenon in both Proctor and vibro-compacted soil during the oedometric test. The compression index and recompression index value show that the compression characteristics are close to those of dense sand. Based on the results described in the article, blast furnace slag is a candidate for technological application and can become one of the elements of sustainable development by contributing to a reduction in the negative environmental impact of production and use of building materials.

Correlation between the cracking pattern of historical structure and soil properties: the case of the church in Kożuchów

The paper presents a diagnosis of damage to heritage structures based on the case of the historic church in Kożuchów. The Church of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary dates back to the thirteenth century and is an important sacral building in south-west Poland. Renovation and strengthening works have been conducted in recent years with the goal of structurally stabilizing the heritage building. The paper includes a short history of the building, as well as a review of contemporary diagnostic methods used in heritage buildings with emphasis on the methods used in the diagnosis of the discussed object. Correct diagnosis of the heritage building is the key to selecting an optimal design solution for supporting and strengthening the building structure. Pre-design analysis was based on a geotechnical assessment of ground conditions, identifying cracking patterns of walls and vaults, preparing a digital model using Heritage—Building Information Modeling technology and performing structural analysis. The main cause of cracking of the walls and vaults of the church is related to uneven subsidence and localized stability loss of the building’s foundations, resulting from differentiated soil and water conditions beneath the building. Based on the research and analysis, final conclusions and proposals for strengthening the structure were presented, including jet-grouting columns, tie rods and Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix systems.