Evaluation of the Mechanical Characteristics of Unsaturated Multiphase Crude Oil Polluted Clayey Sand

Oil leakage to the soils from facilities related to the oil industry can cause destructive environmental pollution effects. Additionally, oil contamination may also alter the mechanical characteristics of geomaterials such as shear strength behaviour which is requisite for assessment of numerous engineering problems. The objective of this study was to characterize relative changes in shear strength parameters of sand in saturated and unsaturated states. The samples were prepared by mixing the soils with crude oil in the amount of 0, 2 and 6% by dry weight. Unsaturated Direct shear tests were performed under initial matrix suction of 30kPa on specimens by using a novel unsaturated direct shear apparatus. The results indicate an increase in the shear strength of oil contaminated specimens.

Keywords:

Sand , Unsaturated state , oil contamination , Direct Shear Test