Characteristics of Dredged Soils for Land Reclamation in Kuwait

摘要

The dredging and reclamation works for a major project in the city of Kuwait involved the dredging of an approach channel approximately 1300m long and 200m width leading to the proposed marina location. The dredged materials of approximately 700,000 m~3 were used for the reclamation of a 16 hectare coastal strip for future construction purposes. As dredging started, the production rates were considerably lower than anticipated as a result of the presence of a thicker than expected surface caprock layer in the outer area of the approach channel. The dredger suffered major damage to the ladder and all dredging works were temporarily halted pending the mobilization of an alternative unit. A new marine soil investigation was carried out to provide more information about the thickness and strength of the caprock in the dredge area. This paper presents the properties and behavior of the offshore deposits in the dredged area, and examines the reasons for the problems encountered. The quality control measures taken, with regard to the composition and strength of the hydraulic fill material are presented and discussed.