Geotechnical Properties of Soils in Abu Al-Khasib City, Southern Iraq

To investigate some geotechnical characteristics of the soils in a chosen area Abu Al-Khasib city, Basrah Governorate, southern Iraq, nine boreholes that range depth from 10 to 32 meters were drilled. Based on results standard penetration tests and particle size analysis Quaternary deposits, which extend vertically meters, are divided into 8 layers with varying bearing capacities depending their consistency compactness. These Medium stiff brown lean clay, soft very gray medium denes silty sand, sand , hard clay-silt-sand mixture dense sand. The first layer's capacity is 140 kN/m2, so it considered as moderately adequate support isolated, strip,or raft shallow foundations various light buildings study region, soil improvement techniques, especially mechanical methods, required. Different types deep such piles well for heavy constructions must be extended depths 27 30 represents 7th 8th high (640-760, 1100 kN/m2 respectively) area. Inorganic clays low plasticity most common classification samples. highly compressible have expansion degree taken account when constructing minimize damage buildings. percentages sulphates, total dissolved salts, organic content, gypsum content minimal ineffective, whereas carbonates chlorides affect safety foundations. In site, groundwater around 0.5 m deep.