HYPER-SALINE SOLUTION OF QARUN LAKE (MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE) TO CONTROL DUST FROM UNPAVED ROADS AT FAYOUM, EGYPT

Magnesium chloride Mgcl2 is a naturally occurring material and is extracted from salt-water in Qarun lake at the Egyptian salts and minerals Co. in Fayoum, Egypt such as those found in seawater. Magnesium chloride can be adapted and designed to provide highest efficiency depending on prevailing dust conditions, anticipated traffic, and type of soil in Fayoum roads. Dilution can also be varied to obtain the greatest possible economy and minimize environmental impact. This soil may be best treated with a Magnesium chloride. The paper includes discussion on the extent of unpaved roads, the consequences of dust, categorization of road additives, and a way to dust control. The effect of Mgcl2 on the physical and mechanical properties of soils was evaluated in the laboratory. First, the physical and chemical properties of the soil sample were determined. Next, the swell percentage, California bearing ratio and indirect tensile strength tests were performed at different curing times on samples with and without the additive by compressing the sample to achieve particular compaction characteristics. The results show that dispersive and expansive clay soils can be effectively improved using an additive solution.