The investigation of the effect of gypsum on foundation design

Abstract

In East and Middle Anatolia, where several heavy industrial plants are planned to be constructed, vast areas are covered by gypsiferous layers. In this investigation, geotechnical properties of the gypsum layer, encountered at the Sivas IVth Iron and Steel Complex Site, are investigated and an attempt is made to propose solutions to some of the geotechnical problems anticipated at the site. In the research several physical, chemical and engineering properties of gypsum, the changes caused by the environmental conditions on its mechanical behaviour and crystal structure, its stress-strain-time behaviour and effect on foundation concrete are investigated and recommendations on the precautions to be taken are presented.