THE IMPACT OF CONTAMINANTS ON THE SHEAR STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF SANDY SOILS

This study investigates the impact of various contaminants on the shear strength properties of sandy soils, a critical aspect for geotechnical engineering applications such as foundation design, slope stability, and retaining structures. Sandy soils are widely used in construction, and their mechanical behavior can be significantly altered by the presence of pollutants, including heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and organic compounds, which can infiltrate the soil through industrial spills, agricultural runoff, or waste disposal. The research explores how these contaminants modify the inter-particle forces, pore fluid characteristics, and overall fabric of sandy soils, leading to changes in parameters such as cohesion, angle of internal friction, and stiffness. Experimental methods, including direct shear tests and triaxial compression tests, are employed to quantify the reduction or alteration in shear strength under controlled contamination scenarios. The findings aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the geotechnical risks associated with contaminated sandy sites and to inform the development of appropriate remediation strategies and design considerations for civil engineering projects in such environments.