Geotechnical study around upper Egypt-red sea road

This study focusing in studying the geotechnical and sedimentological properties of different types of soils. The study is considered the first work on this area. The geotechnical studies included the tests unconfined compressive strength hardness dry density durability California Bearing Ratio (CBR) grain size analysis plasticity and swelling. These tests were supported by sedimentological investigations such as mineralogy geochemistry and petrography. Engineering classification of studied soils was carried out using both (USC) and (AASHTO). The results of petrographical and geotechnical tests which carried out on a different types of sedimentary rocks showed that the hard rocks can be crushed to use as reserve sources of aggregates in the future. Karastification phenomena including caves and terrarosa was observed. Georadar and shallow seismic investigations are suggested to evaluate the occurrence of the caves. Also a bridge must be constructed at cross point of new road with flood stream at Wadi Qena.