Geotechnical Evaluation and Characterization of Soils from Tobruk City

Abstract

The spatial variability of soil properties plays a critical role in determining the suitability of sites for construction and infrastructure development. This study presents a comprehensive geotechnical characterization of surface soils collected from ten representative locations across Tobruk City, Libya, to evaluate their engineering suitability. Field sampling and laboratory testing were conducted to determine key geotechnical parameters, including natural moisture content, particle-size distribution, consistency limits, and compaction characteristics. The results indicate that the investigated soils are predominantly sandy, exhibiting low plasticity and negligible clay content. Most samples demonstrated favorable compaction behavior, reflecting satisfactory engineering performance for construction applications. The findings suggest that the soils of Tobruk City are generally suitable for construction, particularly in the Al-Karama and Al-Rasheed areas. Nevertheless, locations characterized by lower densities or greater moisture sensitivity may require appropriate ground improvement measures prior to development. Further investigations, including shear strength testing and seasonal monitoring of soil behavior, are recommended to support safe and sustainable infrastructure development in the region.