Author(s)

Hesham A. H. Ismaiel

Geology Department, Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt.

The present work dealt with the estimation of geotechnical parameters and earthquakes factors of poultry feed factory project constructing at an industrial Qift city, Qena, Egypt. The geotechnical parameters were including gradation parameters, shear velocity (Vs), shear parameters (frictional angle and cohesion), and allowable bearing capacity. The earthquakes factors were including soil coefficient (S), limits of constant value for elastic response spectrum (T_B and T_C), and specified value for begin of the constant displacement spectrum (T_D). The present study was interested also in an estimation of design ground acceleration (a_g). To achieve these objectives, five mechanical wash boreholes were conducted at ten meter depth. Fifty disturbed samples were collected. Geotechnical laboratory tests were carried out like grain size analyses, direct shear box, and shear velocity (Vs). Standard penetration test (SPT) as geotechnical field test was conducted. The results showed that the studied soils were classified as well graded and poorly graded sands (SP and SW) according to the unified soil classification system (USCS). The earthquakes factors including S, T_B, T_C, and T_D were 1.80, 0.10, 0.30, and 1.20 respectively. The a_g-value of the studied area was 0.10. According to Egyptian code for vibration and dynamic load foundations, the studied project area was classified as low potential seismic. According to Egyptian code for shallow foundation, the allowable bearing capacity of the studied sands ranging from 1.5 to 3 kg/cm² at shallow foundation width must be not less than one meter. Shallow foundations like isolated footing or structural mat were recommended.

Earthquakes Factors, Standard Penetration Test, Shear Velocity

Ismaiel, H. (2018) Geotechnical Investigations and Estimation of Earthquakes Factors at an Industrial Qift City, Qena, Egypt. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 6, 133-145. doi: 10.4236/gep.2018.612010.