The role of geotechnical centrifuge modelling in economical and sustainable development of artificial islands and land reclamation using calcareous sands in the Middle East

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4. The role of geotechnical centrifuge modelling in economical and sustainable development of artificial islands and land reclamation using calcareous sands in the Middle East

The construction of artificial islands and land reclamation projects has been pivotal for the economic and sustainable development of the Middle East. These developments have predominantly utilized calcareous sands from offshore borrow sources as reclamation fill. Calcareous sands, primarily composed of marine biogenic materials, present unique geotechnical challenges due to their distinct physical and mechanical properties. Geotechnical centrifuge testing plays a crucial role in understanding and mitigating these challenges by replicating field stress conditions at a reduced scale, providing invaluable data for the design and implementation of such projects. This paper explores the role and contributions of geotechnical centrifuge testing to the economical and sustainable development of artificial islands and land reclamation using calcareous sands. The methodology involves detailed experimental procedures conducted in a centrifuge facility, simulating the behaviour of calcareous sands under various loading conditions. Centrifuge testing facilitates the development of correlations between relative density (D_r) and static cone tip resistance (q_c) at varying stress conditions (q_c-D_r-_v) specific to calcareous sand offering an alternative to the practice of using silica-based correlations with adjustment factors. These correlations enable geotechnical engineers to better predict the compaction and densification efforts required to achieve settlement, bearing capacity, and liquefaction criteria, leading to optimized design parameters that ensure both economic efficiency and sustainability. The results underscore the importance of tailored geotechnical solutions that address the specificities of calcareous sands, thereby reducing construction risks and enhancing the longevity of the reclaimed land.

4th Asia-Pacific Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ACPMG2024)

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