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Geotechnical Characterization of the Marchica Lagoon Site (Nador, Northeastern Morocco) and Detection of Potential Problems

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Abstract

In this paper, a geotechnical characterization of the superficial formations surrounding the Marchica lagoon (Nador, NE of Morocco) is presented. Five zones that have similar geotechnical characteristics are identified, and for each zone, a geotechnical model has been built from the results of in situ and laboratory geotechnical tests. The barrier zone is the only zone with an abundance of sand that can reach major depths (> 30 m), the Bou-Areg and Arekman zone is constituted by silty clays that can reach 30 m. The Atalayoun zone is geotechnically, the unfavorable zone, the plasticity of the clay deposit, which can reach a thickness of 8.5 m, is relatively high, and with a density of 990 kg/m3. This type of soil can create serious geotechnical problems. The latter zone is an area with an abundance of volcanic rock. Based on geotechnical characterization and modeling, a geotechnical database has been created to build thematic maps using GIS software to facilitate the interpretation of results. Several geotechnical problems have been detected through conventional and non-conventional methods in the different delimited zones, such as the low bearing capacity of the soil, settlement, and liquefaction. These results constitute an essential tool for preliminary geotechnical studies in this area. In addition, the model obtained in this work will be helpful for the optimization of geotechnical investigation campaigns. Therefore, this paper will be useful for the facilitation of decision-making by the authorities responsible for the development and urban planning in this area. Furthermore, the final product of this study can also be used as a methodological reference to approach the treatment of geotechnical problems in lagoons and coastal areas.

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Acknowledgements

A part of this research was carried out with a mobility grant from the University of Granada (Spain) in the framework of the Erasmus + program. The authors are also very grateful to the Marchica Lagoon Development Agency and the Moroccan Public Testing and Investigation Laboratory (LPEE) for providing the geotechnical information used in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Applied Geosciences, Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohamed 1th University, BV Mohamed VI BP 717, 60000, Oujda, Morocco

    Abdellah Azougay, Halima Rezqi, Mostafa Oujidi & Aboubakr Chaaraoui

  2. Civil Engineering Department, Granada University, ETS de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos. Campus de Fuentenueva. C/Severo Ochoa s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain

    Rachid El Hamdouni

  3. School of Applied Sciences, Mohamed 1th University, BV Mohamed VI BP 669, 60000, Oujda, Morocco

    Mimoun Chourak

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  1. Abdellah Azougay
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Correspondence to Abdellah Azougay.

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Azougay, A., El Hamdouni, R., Rezqi, H. et al. Geotechnical Characterization of the Marchica Lagoon Site (Nador, Northeastern Morocco) and Detection of Potential Problems. Indian Geotech J 50, 1006–1023 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40098-020-00439-x

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