CONSTRUCTION PROBLEMS OF ENGINEERING STRUCTURES FOUNDED ON EXPANSIVE SOILS AND ROCKS IN NORTHERN OMAN

Construction problems due to expansive soils and rocks are evident in Al-Khod (northern Oman). The geological and climatic conditions in nor thern Oman favoured the formation of smectite clay minerals in certain materials which are causing ground heave problems. The paper describe s the fundamental aspects covering the geological background, site inv estigation, laboratory soil test results, mineralogy and damage. A det ailed description of the damage which occurred to various elements of certain structures is provided. Distress to a typical residential hous e, a store house and an asphalt road is investigated in detail. The wi dth of the cracks developed in these structures varies from hairline t o very severe (of the order of 150 mm). Finally, based on the case stu dy investigation, a number of remedial measures to eliminate or minimi ze ground heave problems are outlined. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.