Evaluation of the bearing capacity of compacted desert sands

This study evaluates the bearing capacity of compacted desert sands using building codes, standard penetration test and bearing capacity equation. Soils were brought from Fahud, Lekhwair, Marmul, Mukhaizna and Yibal sites in Oman. The soils were subjected to grain size distribution; specific gravity; standard Proctor compaction; direct shear; and California Bearing Ratio (CBR). The results showed that the soils were poorly-graded sand with gravel. The friction angle ranges from 30 to 50°, while the cohesion ranges from 8 to 93 kN/m². The CBR has a range from 1 to 100%. The bearing capacity for the soils determined by the bearing capacity equation generally agrees with the other methods.