The geotechnical evaluation for touristic development in coastal plain area, Shengjin zone

Abstract

Geology and geotechnics look sometimes not interesting to the structural engineer, untila serious geotechnical hazard or problem is faced. This problem could be a soft soil layerunder the foundation, a high underground water level or perhaps a slope stability situation. Inthese situations analysis has to be performed in order to estimate the hazard and give the most optimal solution.This case study describes a solution for the urbanization of a problematic area according to geotechnical construction that is located south of Shengjin town in north-east of Albania.The area taken into consideration presents high interest for possible investments in touristic resorts because it is located near the seaside. More than 60% of this region consists of softpeat soil with extremely low bearing capacity. On the current conditions (without any soil improvement), it is impossible to use as construction site because the structure would sink inthis soft soil.The solution adopted for this situation consists of soil compacting in medium loose soiland the use of geotextiles for the peat area. Geotextiles in this case are used to prevent the settlement of the basement in the very porous lithological environment such as the peat soils.The presence of a river in the south part is constant flood hazard in rainy days. A specificriver protection must be performed for this reason. Also from field work, geotechnical investigations is found that the underground water table is close to surface area, 0.1-0.2m.For places that will carry big loads such as roads and buildings other specific mean shave to be done. For this reason the use of geogrids is chosen. These plastic materials often reinforced with glass fibres are able to carry considerable tensile load and are used successfully in ground stabilization cases worldwide.