Geological and Geotechnical Investigations to Detected Foundation Parameters for Some New Urban Areas, Sohag Governorate, Egypt

The study area is located in Upper Egypt as a part of the Sohag Governorate. In this study, engineering geological properties for soil deposits three new urban areas southwestern Governorate are discussed and evaluated based on field survey boring, geotechnical experiment petrographical examination. studied covered by Quaternary Pliocene composed mainly gravely sand, silty clay, clayey silt rocks. Twenty-three sections, forty-two samples thin sections were studied. depth these ranges between land surface up to 10 meters below underground. tests collected performed determine their physical, mechanical characteristics (grain size distribution, specific gravity, water content, bearing capacity, free swell Atterberg limits). From results, grain analysis proved that, arenaceous sediments (average MZ=1.75Φ) falling medium sand grade. Mineralogical studies X-ray diffraction examination reveal, argillaceous montmorillonite, kaolinite illite. test ranging from 20 130% indicate some clay high expansive. Thus, soils not suitable direct foundation due swelling properties, which have dangerous effect buildings. liquid limit results range 13 72%, values plastic 9.8 32 % while shrinkage 9.3% 25%. liquidity index 0.06 -1.60. semi or solid. consistency 0.65 (very stiff) 2.59 (extremely stiff). effective friction angle (Ф) 33.5° 34.8°. ultimate capacity different angles 1312.2kN/m2 1533kN/m2. So, type foundation.