GEOTECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF DUNE SANDS IN KUWAIT

Extensive dune sands deposits cover specific areas of Kuwait and the A rabian Peninsula. Dune sands are often an environment hazard during st rong winds and sand storms particularly in the summer months. The basi c geotechnical properties of these deposits are examined by laboratory tests for four sites in Kuwait. The tests included classification tes ts, compaction characteristics, permeability, compressibility, and she ar strength. The results are presented and discussed as a first step t oward a better utilization or improvement of these soils for local con struction purposes.