Browse > Article
http://dx.doi.org/10.12989/gae.2019.19.5.393

Geotechnical characteristics and empirical geo-engineering relations of the South Pars Zone marls, Iran  

Azarafza, Mohammad (Department of Geology, University of Isfahan)
Ghazifard, Akbar (Department of Geology, University of Isfahan)
Akgun, Haluk (Geotechnical Unit, Department of Geological Engineering, Middle East Technical University (METU))
Asghari-Kaljahi, Ebrahim (Department of Earth Sciences, University of Tabriz)
Publication Information
Geomechanics and Engineering / v.19, no.5, 2019 , pp. 393-405 More about this Journal
Abstract
This paper evaluates the geotechnical and geo-engineering properties of the South Pars Zone (SPZ) marls in Assalouyeh, Iran. These marly beds mostly belong to the Aghajari and Mishan formations which entail the gray, cream, black, green, dark red and pink types. Marls can be observed as rock (soft rock) or soil. Marlstone outcrops show a relatively rapid change to soils in the presence of weathering. To geotechnically characterise the marls, field and laboratory experiments such as particle-size distribution, hydrometer, Atterberg limits, uniaxial compression, laboratory direct-shear, durability and carbonate content tests have been performed on soil and rock samples to investigate the physico-mechanical properties and behaviour of the SPZ marls in order to establish empirical relations between the geo-engineering features of the marls. Based on the experiments conducted on marly soils, the USCS classes of the marls is CL to CH which has a LL ranging from 32 to 57% and PL ranging from 18 to 27%. Mineralogical analyses of the samples revealed that the major clay minerals of the marls belong to the smectite or illite groups with low to moderate swelling activities. The geomechanical investigations revealed that the SPZ marls are classified as argillaceous lime, calcareous marl and marlstone (based on the carbonate content) which show variations in the geomechanical properties (i.e., with a cohesion ranging from 97 to 320 kPa and a friction angle ranging from 16 to 35 degrees). The results of the durability tests revealed that the degradation potential showed a wide variation from none to fully disintegrated. According to the results of the experiments, the studied marls have been classified as calcareous marl, marlstone and argillaceous lime due to the variations in the carbonate and clay contents. The results have shown that an increase in the carbonate content leads to a decrease in the degradation potential and an increase in the density and strength parameters such as durability and compressive strength. A comparison of the empirical relationships obtained from the regression analyses with similar studies revealed that the results obtained herein are reasonably reliable.
Keywords
Assalouyeh; marl; physio-mechanical properties; carbonate content; South Pars Zone;
Citations & Related Records
Times Cited By KSCI : 6  (Citation Analysis)
연도 인용수 순위
1 ASTM D3744 (2011), Standard Test Method for Aggregate Durability Index, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
2 ASTM D422 (2006), Standard Test Methods for Particle Size Analysis of Soils, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
3 ASTM D4318 (2005), Standard Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
4 ASTM D4373 (2014), Standard Test Method for Rapid Calcium Carbonate Content of Soils, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
5 ASTM D5607 (2002), Performing Laboratory Direct Shear Strength Tests of Rock Specimens under Constant Normal Force, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
6 ASTM D7012 (2014), Standard Test Methods for Compressive Strength and Elastic Moduli of Intact Rock Core Specimens under Varying States of Stress and Temperatures, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
7 Atalar, C. and Das, B.M. (2004), "Plasticity characteristics of the soils of the Camlibel landslide", Proceedings of the 10th Turkish Congress on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Istanbul, Turkey, August.
8 Atalar, C. and Das, B.M. (2009), "Geotechnical properties of Nicosia soils, Cyprus", Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on New Developments in Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Nicosia, North Cyprus, Turkey, May.
9 Athmania, D., Benaissa, A., Hammadi, A. and Bouassida, M. (2010), "Clay and marl formation susceptibility in Mila province, Algeria", Geotech. Geol. Eng., 28(6), 805-813. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-010-9341-5.   DOI
10 Ayalew, L., Moeller, D. and Reik, G. (2009), "Geotechnical aspects and stability of road cuts in the Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia", Geotech. Geol. Eng., 27, 713-728. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-009-9270-3   DOI
11 Azarafza, M., Akgun, H. and Asghari-Kaljahi, E. (2017a), "Assessment of rock slope stability by slope mass rating (SMR): A case study for the gas flare site in Assalouyeh, South of Iran", Geomech. Eng., 13(4), 571-584. https://doi.org/10.12989/gae.2017.13.4.571.   DOI
12 Azarafza, M., Asghari-Kaljahi, E. and Akgun, H. (2017b), "Assessment of discontinuous rock slope stability with block theory and numerical modeling: a case study for the South Pars Gas Complex, Assalouyeh, Iran", Environ. Earth Sci., 76(11), 397. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-017-6711-9.   DOI
13 Azarafza, M., Asghari-Kaljahi, E. and Moshrefy-Far, M.R. (2015), "Dynamic stability analysis of jointed rock slopes under earthquake condition (Case study: Gas Flare Site of phase 7 in South Pars Gas Complex-Assalouyeh)", J. Iran. Assoc. Eng. Geol., 8(1-2), 67-78.
14 Azarafza, M., Ghazifard, A. and Asghari-Kaljahi, E. (2018a), "Effect of clay minerals on geotechnical properties of finegrained alluviums of South Pars Special Zone (Assalouyeh)", Proceedings of the 36th National and the 3rd International Geosciences Congress, Tehran, Iran, February (in Persian).
15 Azarafza, M., Ghazifard, A. and Asghari-Kaljahi, E. (2018b), "Earthquake hazard assessment in Assalouyeh area based on NGA seismicity model", J. Nat. Environ. Hazard, 7(18), 131-147 (in Persian).
16 Draper, N.R. and Smith, H. (1998), Applied Regression Analysis, 3rd Edition, Wiley, New Jersey, U.S.A.
17 Fookes, P.G. and Higginbottom, I.E. (1980), "Some problems of construction aggregates in desert areas, with particular reference to the Arabian Peninsula: Occurrence and special characteristics", Proc. Inst. Civ. Eng., 68(1), 39-67. https://doi.org/10.1680/iicep.1980.2504.
18 El-Amrani Paaza, N., Lamas, F., Irigaray, C. and Chacon, J. (1998), "Engineering geological characterization of Neogene marls in the Southeastern Granada Basin (Granada, Spain)", Eng. Geol., 50(1-2), 165-175. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-7952(98)00008-8.   DOI
19 El-Amrani Paaza, N., Lamas, F., Irigaray, C., Chacon, J. and Oteo, C. (2000), "The residual shear strength of Neogene marly soils in the Granada and Guadix basins, southeastern Spain", Bull. Eng. Geol. Environ., 58, 99-105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s100640050003.   DOI
20 El-Howayek, A., Santagata, M., Bobet, A. and Siddiki, N.Z. (2015), "Engineering properties of marls", Joint Transportation Research Program Publication No. FHWA/IN/JTRP-2015/11, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.A.
21 Fox, J. (2015), Applied Regression Analysis and Generalized Linear Models, 3rd Edition, SAGE Publications, California, U.S.A.
22 Geological Survey of Iran (2009a), Assalouyeh 1:250,000 Geological Map, Geological Survey of Iran Press, Tehran, Iran.
23 Geological Survey of Iran (2009b), Assalouyeh Geological Survey: Stratigraphy and Paleontology Report, Geological Survey of Iran press, Tehran, Iran.
24 Hooshmand, A., Aminfar, M.H., Asghari, E. and Ahmadi, H. (2012), "Mechanical and physical characterization of Tabriz Marls, Iran", Geotech. Geol. Eng., 30, 219-232. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-011-9464-3.   DOI
25 Google Earth, (2018), Satellite images of Assalouyeh region of Iran; Google Inc., Google Plex, California, U.S.A. https://www.google.com/earth.
26 Gronbech, G.L., Nielsen, B.N., Ibsen, L.B. and Stockmarr, P. (2015), "Geotechnical properties of Sovind Marl - a plastic Eocene clay", Can. Geotech. J., 52(4), 469-478. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2014-0066.   DOI
27 Holtz, R.D. and Kovacs, W.D. (1981), An Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering, Prentice Hall Inc, New Jersey, U.S.A.
28 Jalali-Milani, S., Asghari-Kaljahi, E., Barzegari, G. and Hajialilue-Bonab, M. (2017), "Consolidation deformation of Baghmisheh marls of Tabriz, Iran", Geomech. Eng., 12(4), 561-577. https://doi.org/10.12989/gae.2017.12.4.561.   DOI
29 Hunt, R.E. (2006), Geotechnical Investigation Methods: A Field Guide for Geotechnical Engineers, CRC Press, Florida, U.S.A.
30 Ioanna, I., Dimitrios, R., Theodora, P. and Paris, T. (2009), "Geotechnical and mineralogical properties of weak rocks from Central Greece", Cent. Eur. J. Geosci., 1(4), 431-442.   DOI
31 Jung, C., Bobet, A. and Zia Siddiki, N. (2011), "Simple method to identify marl soils", Trans. Res. Rec. J. Transport. Res. Board, 2232(1), 76-84. https://doi.org/10.3141%2F2232-08.   DOI
32 Mebarki, M., Kareche, T., Derfouf F.E.M., Taibi, S. and Aboubekr, N. (2019), "Hydromechanical behavior of a natural swelling soil of Boumagueur region (east of Algeria)", Geomech. Eng., 17(1), 69-79. https://doi.org/10.12989/gae.2019.17.1.069.   DOI
33 Lamas, F., Irigaray, C. and Chacon, J. (2002), "Geotechnical characterization of carbonate marls for the construction of impermeable dam cores", Eng. Geol., 66(3-4), 283-294. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-7952(02)00048-0.   DOI
34 Lamas, F., Irigaray, C. and Chacon, J. (2005), "Selection of the most appropriate method to determine the carbonate content for engineering purposes", Eng. Geol., 81(1), 32-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2005.07.005.   DOI
35 Lei, H., Feng, S. and Jiang, Y. (2018), "Geotechnical characteristics and consolidation properties of Tianjin marine clay", Geomech. Eng., 16(2), 125-140. https://doi.org/10.12989/gae.2018.16.2.125.   DOI
36 Mohamed, A.M.O. (2000), "The role of clay minerals in marly soils on its stability", Eng. Geol., 57(3-4), 193-203. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-7952(00)00029-6.   DOI
37 Seed, H.B., Woodward, R.J. and Lundgren, R. (1962), "Prediction of swelling potential for compacted clays", J. Soil Mech. Found. Div., 88(SM3), 53-87.   DOI
38 Ouhadi, V.R. and Yong, R.N. (2003), "The role of clay fraction of marly soils on their post stabilization failure", Eng. Geol., 70, 365-375. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-7952(03)00104-2.   DOI
39 Pettijohn, F.J. (1983), Sedimentary Rock, (3rd Edition), Harpercollins, New York, U.S.A.
40 Seber, G.A.F. and Lee, A.J. (2003), Linear Regression Analysis, (2nd Edition), Wiley, New Jersey, U.S.A.
41 Ouhadi, V.R. (1997), "The role of marl components and ettringite on the stability of stabilized marl", Ph.D. Dissertation, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
42 Skempton, A.W. (1953), "The colloidal activity of clays", Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Zurich, Switzerland, August.
43 Terzaghi, K. and Peck, R.B. (1967), Soil Mechanics in Engineering Practice, (2nd Edition), Wiley, New Jersey, U.S.A.
44 Yilmaz, I. (2006), "Indirect estimation of the swelling percent and a new classification of soils depending on liquid limit and cation exchange capacity", Eng. Geol.., 85(3-4), 295-301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2006.02.005.   DOI
45 Yong, R.N., Ouhadi, V.R. and Mohamed, A.M.O. (1996), "Physicochemical evaluation of failure of stabilized marl soil", Proceedings of the 49th Canadian Geotechnical Conference Frontiers in Geotechnology, Ottawa, Canada, September.
46 Das, B.M. (2008), Advanced Soil Mechanics, (3rd Edition), Taylor & Francis, Didcot, England, U.K.
47 Akili, W. (2008), "Laboratory tests on two remolded carbonate soils from the Arabian Gulf Shore", Proceedings of the GeoCongress 2008, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A., March.
48 Acar, A., Dincer, I. and Necdet, M. (2007), "Geotechnical characteristics of the clayey soils and rocks of the North Lefkosa, Nicosia, Cyprus", Bull. Eng. Geol. Environ., 66(4), 473-481. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-007-0090-5.   DOI
49 Aghanabati, A. (2004), Geology of Iran, Geological Survey of Iran press, Tehran, Iran.
50 Akili, W. (1981), "Some properties of remoulded carbonate soils", Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Stockholm, Sweden, June.
51 Alber, M. and Heiland, J. (2001), "Investigation of a limestone pillar failure: part 1; Geology, laboratory testing and numerical modelling", Rock Mech. Rock Eng., 34(3), 167-186. https://doi.org/10.1007/s006030170007.   DOI
52 Angin, Z. and Ikizler, S.B. (2018), "Assessment of swelling pressure of stabilized bentonite", Geomech. Eng., 15(6), 1219-1225. https://doi.org/10.12989/gae.2018.15.6.1219.   DOI
53 Asghari-Kaljahi, E., Barzegari, G. and Jalali-Milani, G. (2019), "Assessment of the swelling potential of Baghmisheh marls in Tabriz, Iran", Geomech. Eng., 18(3), 267-275. https://doi.org/10.12989/gae.2019.18.3.267.   DOI
54 ASTM C830 (2016), Standard Test Methods for Apparent Porosity, Liquid Absorption, Apparent Specific Gravity, and Bulk Density of Refractory Shapes by Vacuum Pressure, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
55 ASTM D1140 (2017), Standard Test Methods for Amount of Material in Soil Finer than No. 200 (75 micrometer) Sieve, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
56 ASTM D2166 (2016), Standard Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
57 ASTM D3080 (2011), Standard Test Method for Direct Shear Test of Soils under Consolidated Drained Conditions, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.