This study aims to understand the influence of organic matter on the mechanical characteristics of Abu Al-Khaseeb soil from Basrah Governorate. The study uses Scanning Electron Microscopy as a supporting technique to gain a better understanding of the resulting changes in soil microstructure. In response to the rapid urbanization of the region, combined with the shift from agricultural to residential land use, organic material was affixed to the soil sample at different weight percentages (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%). The results of Atterberg’s limits and unconfined compression strength tests showed that the geotechnical strength of the soil decreased as the level of organic matter present in the soil increased, and the soil became more compressible. Formation of a more open and non-uniform pore structure in the soil with enlarged micro-spaces was also observed. The influence of the level of organic matter in the soil on the mechanical and geotechnical characteristics of the soil was clearly illustrated in the results obtained from the tests. Based on these results, it can be stated that the level of organic matter in the soil cannot be neglected in all civil engineering practices and urban development. Considerable levels of organic matter in the soil can result in major reductions in the geotechnical effectiveness of clay soil.
Groundwater is vital for drinking and irrigation needs worldwide, emphasizing its major role in sustainable development. Monitoring groundwater quality is critical, particularly in rural areas, where it serves as a key resource, to avoid the potential health and economic repercussions of water contamination. The wells of the Mamozin watershed, located southeast of Duhok City, are an essential groundwater resource for the local population, providing both drinking and irrigation fulfillment. Therefore, this research focuses on a geochemical assessment of groundwater suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes in the fourteen wells of the Mamozin watershed during the spring season (May 2025). Various indicators were used to assess the groundwater suitability. For drinking suitability, the potential of hydrogen (pH), total dissolved solids, total hardness, and water quality index indicators were used. The values for these parameters were given as pH (7.1-7.5), total dissolved solids (346.01-713.39 mg/L), total hardness (215.45-459.31 mg/L as CaCO₃), and water quality index (30.58-61.42). For irrigation suitability, the sodium adsorption ratio, sodium soluble content (Na%), residual sodium carbonate, permeability index, and Wilcox classification 1955, were used. The results were given as sodium adsorption ratio (0.03 to 0.48), Na% (1.30 to 10.59%), residual sodium carbonate (-3.17 to -0.90 meq/L), permeability index (34.24 to 43.46%), and Wilcox classification was found to be (excellent to permissible water). According to all these indicators, it has been determined that the groundwater in the study area meets the necessary standards for both drinking and irrigation purposes. The chemical analysis indicated that the cation orders were as Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ while the anion arrangements were as HCO₃⁻ > SO₄²⁻ > NO₃⁻ > Cl⁻. However, the groundwater was classified as the Ca–Mg–HCO₃ type of freshly recharged groundwater, which influenced by rock-water interactions. The statistical analysis, on the other hand, indicated that the natural geological factors (90.389%) is significantly influenced the groundwater geochemistry in the study area through rock-water interactions.
The Tigris River in central Iraq is closely associated with the tectonic activity. This paper combines gravity and magnetic data to explore the river path related faults. The magnetic data was processed by reduction-to-the-pole algorithm to emphasize structural edges and tectonic lineaments, and a total horizontal derivative filter. Gravity data were processed in a similar way to detect lateral density contrasts and shallow subsurface structures. The results identified four main faults. Local displacements of the river channel due to a transverse fault (Fault 1) affect the deviation of the Tigris River in Salah Al-Din city, penetrate the basement, and cause a sharp eastward shift in the river’s direction. Fault 2 is a basement fault with north-south strikes and crosses Fault 3. Fault number three runs east–west, and its location coincides with a fault previously identified in the literature as the Kut fault. This fault has a significant impact on the river’s eastward course. It intersects with fault number two in the southern part. This fault was identified using gravity and magnetic data, indicating its extension within the sedimentary cover and basement rocks. Fault number four runs parallel to fault number three, and together the two faults form two parallel strike faults that cause movement of the rock mass within the Tigris River’s course in that region. Results of the study indicate that there is a direct relationship between the sharp and significant changes in the course of Tigris River in Salah al Din and Wasit Governorates with the subsurface tectonic structure, especially faults. Combined with gravity data, magnetic data has been a valuable aid in identifying regional and local faults that influence the course of the river.
Disposal slope stability is a significant matter in open-pit coal mines. Mechanical compaction of disposal materials made of sand-clay mixtures is essential for regulating slope stability and total disposal capacity. This study investigates the effect of mechanical compaction using a 20-ton vibratory compactor on the compaction characteristics and dry density of disposal material. Field investigation was conducted at disposal Block K and Block G of an open-pit coal mine in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, where the materials consist of sandstone-claystone mixtures derived from the Warukin Formation. A large sampling tube (13.3 cm diameter) was used to collect undisturbed samples at depths of up to 1.5 m along multiple disposal lanes that were mechanically compacted. For validation, the measured density values were then compared to California Bearing Ratio estimates derived from Dynamic Cone Penetrometer tests. Field test results with a 2 m lift dumping layer indicate that additional compaction using a 20-ton compactor applied over 40 passes significantly increased dry density value of the disposal material. At a depth of 0.3 m, dry density increased from 1.56 g/cm³ to 1.90 g/cm³ in Block K and from 1.23 g/cm³ to 1.69 g/cm³ in Block G.
This study was conducted based on the initial exploratory modeling method to determine the suitability of clays for the manufacture of yellow and red clay bricks in the Zurbatiyah sub-district of Badra district, Wasit Governorate. laboratory brick samples produced from the local deposits. The clays in this area belong to the Injana Formation deposits (Upper Miocene), which are a sandy and silty clay deposit. After bringing the raw materials from the field were dried, crushed, and ground to the required size, and 8–10% of distilled water was added during the sample-forming process by the semi-dry pressing method. The laboratory samples produced were fired according to two firing programs at 850 and 950°C. During the firing, cracks appeared in the initial samples due to their low silica content. Therefore, they were treated by adding 10% salt-free sand. After laboratory tests, the treated samples proved suitable for the manufacture of red bricks when fired at 850°C and suitable for the manufacture of yellow bricks when fired at 950°C. After completing the manufacturing process, A series of mechanical and physical tests were performed on the laboratory-produced brick samples, and the obtained results were subsequently evaluated in accordance with the requirements of Iraqi Standard Specification No. 25 (1993).of the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control for the manufacture of bricks It was found to be within the required specifications.
