Geotechnical Properties Evaluation of Selected Reservoir Sediments in Samarra Barrage and Wind dam, Iraq

A study evaluating the geotechnical properties of sediments from Samarra Barrage and Wind Dam reservoirs in Iraq reveals that these soils exhibit overconsolidation characteristics, with normal consolidation pressures, compression indices, and swelling indices indicative of stable, low-plasticity silt deposits. The sediments, primarily composed of quartz, calcite, dolomite, gypsum, albite, and clay minerals (montmorillonite, chlorite, illite, kaolinite), display alkaline pH and low organic matter content (<0.5%), while total dissolved solids remain below 0.5%. Mechanical properties, including cohesion and internal friction angles, fall within typical ranges for silt soils. The research highlights regional variations in plasticity (low at Samarra Barrage, medium at Wind Dam) and moisture content, influenced by seasonal conditions. This analysis provides critical insights into the sediment composition and behavior, relevant for geotechnical assessments in Mesopotamian plain reservoirs.

Qader, M. S., Al-Hadad, K. A., & Abed, M. F. (2022). Geotechnical Properties Evaluation of Selected Reservoir Sediments in Samarra Barrage and Wind dam, Iraq. The Iraqi Geological Journal, 138–148. https://doi.org/10.46717/igj.55.2f.9ms-2022-12-24