Gypsiferous Soils and Gypsum Beds

Hayder A Al-Bahadily*
Department of Geology, Iraq Geological Survey (GEOSURV), Iraq
*Corresponding Author: Hayder A Al-Bahadily, Department of Geology, Iraq Geological Survey (GEOSURV), Iraq.

Published: May 31, 2024

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Abstract  

Civil Engineers encounter serious problems when dealing with structures (buildings, roads, dams, etc.) built on gypsiferous soil or near-surface gypsum beds. However, gypsum (CaS0₄.2H₂O) in soil with small quantities is beneficial for plants, due to its soluble properties in the water. So it has two impacts on our lives; negative and positive. This article sheds some light on the economic impact of soil with high gypsum content. Such soil is distributed worldwide and some examples from Iraq are presented afterwards.

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