Effect of light hydrocarbons contamination on shear strength of fine sand

Abstract

Shear strength is one of the most important soil properties in geotechnical engineering and design. This property can be affected by several pollution sources such as crude oil. To investigate the effects of oil contamination, fine sand mixed with various amounts of light crude oil, ranging from 0 to 20% by mass were prepared. Direct shear test was conducted to determine the friction angle and cohesion of oil contaminated sand. Results showed that soil cohesion at its highest value of (10.7 kPa) at 1% oil contamination and decreases with as the oil contamination increases. Meanwhile, a slight reduction in the friction angle is observed when oil is added into the fine sand by as much as 20%. In general, the oil contamination is found to decrease the shear strength of fine sand. The results of this study will benefit engineers and decision makers in recycling or re-using of oil contaminated sand for building and construction.