No abstract

An integrated approach is carried out in a proposed engineering site at Wadi Habib, Egypt. The study aimed to characterize the geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological environment evaluate their suitability for civil engineering constructions. The present study reveals that the area is mainly covered by the Eocene carbonate rocks uncomfortably overlain, in some areas, by the Oligocene gravels. The Pliocene mudstone and the Pleistocene/recent fine clastic deposits are recorded in the subdued ground. The surface and subsurface fractures around Wadi Habib area are mainly represented by high angle normal faults trending NNW- SSE, NW-SE, WNW-ESE and ENE-WSW. The morphometric analysis reveals that Wadi Habib is generally of seventh order, sinuous course, elongated, untainous and hilly, course topographic texture and high resistance and low permeable floor. A total of 32 seismic refraction profiles were conducted in two directions N 35° W and N 55° E. Three geoseismic layers of different lithological, compressional and shear velocities and elastic properties are achieved. The geotechnical parameters involving kinetic elastic moduli, soil material competence parameters and the bearing capacity are estimated and hence indicated the characteristics of the foundation materials for civil engineering constructions in the investigated site. Also, 30 VES’es are implemented and interpreted to test the geological and hydrogeological conditions. Subsurface geoelectrical layers are delineated and verified. The proposed site is characterized by a relatively low to moderate seismicity. The geotechnical parameters of geoseismic layers and the hydrogeological probable troublesome (cavities, fractures, faults) for building structure and soil suitability for foundation purposes are concluded