This investigation focuses on the physical, chemical, and geotechnical properties of the soil at the Ashur (3) Residential Complex in southern Babil Governorate, along the Hilla–Najaf road (32∘25′32.2″N, 44∘24′50.6″E). The study is based on site surveys and geotechnical investigations conducted to assess the soil characteristics of the project area. These soil properties are important for identifying the geological and engineering conditions of the site and for providing reliable data to guide structural and foundation design. A comprehensive investigation of the area was carried out, including the drilling of four boreholes with depths ranging from 15 to 17 m at different locations within the property. The evaluation was based on field data and laboratory tests performed on disturbed, split-spoon, and undisturbed soil samples collected from the site. Field and laboratory testing indicated that the site soil is predominantly silty clay with a small quantity of sand up to a depth of approximately 13.5 m. The soil was classified as high-plasticity clay, low-plasticity clay, high-plasticity silt, and low-plasticity silt, depending on depth and soil composition. At a depth of about 13.5 m, the soil changes from fine-grained deposits to medium-density sandy soil. Chemical analyses were performed on both soil and groundwater samples. The results show that the groundwater is slightly alkaline and has moderate to high salt content. Sulfate content in the soil ranged from 0.35% to 1.42%, while sulfate content in groundwater ranged from 641 to 732 ppm. Gypsum content ranged from 0.58% to 2.67%, while organic matter content was approximately 0.037%. The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) results showed that the N-value varied between 8 and 48. The groundwater table was observed at shallow depths, ranging from 0.10 to 0.25 m below the natural ground surface. Grain-size distribution analysis revealed clay content ranging from 3% to 71%, silt content from 20% to 43%, and sand content from 4% to 72%. Additional tests showed that the Liquid Limit (LL) ranged from 41% to 64%, the Plastic Limit (PL) from 11% to 29%, and the Plasticity Index (PI) from 13% to 43%. Soil activity index values below 0.6 indicate that the soil is inactive. The Static Method gave bearing-capacity values between 1.8 and 6.1 tons/m2, whereas the Dynamic Method gave values between 4 and 16.4 tons/m2, depending on depth. The results show that the soil at the project location requires geotechnical treatment or careful foundation design to ensure the stability and long-term safety of the residential complex.
This investigation focuses on the physical, chemical, and geotechnical properties of the soil at the Ashur (3) Residential Complex in southern Babil Governorate, along the Hilla–Najaf road (32∘25′32.2″N, 44∘24′50.6″E). The study is based on site surveys and geotechnical investigations conducted to assess the soil characteristics of the project area. These soil properties are important for identifying the geological and engineering conditions of the site and for providing reliable data to guide structural and foundation design. A comprehensive investigation of the area was carried out, including the drilling of four boreholes with depths ranging from 15 to 17 m at different locations within the property. The evaluation was based on field data and laboratory tests performed on disturbed, split-spoon, and undisturbed soil samples collected from the site. Field and laboratory testing indicated that the site soil is predominantly silty clay with a small quantity of sand up to a depth of approximately 13.5 m. The soil was classified as high-plasticity clay, low-plasticity clay, high-plasticity silt, and low-plasticity silt, depending on depth and soil composition. At a depth of about 13.5 m, the soil changes from fine-grained deposits to medium-density sandy soil. Chemical analyses were performed on both soil and groundwater samples. The results show that the groundwater is slightly alkaline and has moderate to high salt content. Sulfate content in the soil ranged from 0.35% to 1.42%, while sulfate content in groundwater ranged from 641 to 732 ppm. Gypsum content ranged from 0.58% to 2.67%, while organic matter content was approximately 0.037%. The Standard Penetration Test (SPT) results showed that the N-value varied between 8 and 48. The groundwater table was observed at shallow depths, ranging from 0.10 to 0.25 m below the natural ground surface. Grain-size distribution analysis revealed clay content ranging from 3% to 71%, silt content from 20% to 43%, and sand content from 4% to 72%. Additional tests showed that the Liquid Limit (LL) ranged from 41% to 64%, the Plastic Limit (PL) from 11% to 29%, and the Plasticity Index (PI) from 13% to 43%. Soil activity index values below 0.6 indicate that the soil is inactive. The Static Method gave bearing-capacity values between 1.8 and 6.1 tons/m2, whereas the Dynamic Method gave values between 4 and 16.4 tons/m2, depending on depth. The results show that the soil at the project location requires geotechnical treatment or careful foundation design to ensure the stability and long-term safety of the residential complex.
