ABSTRACT

The article presents a case study of using marl as the ground base of embankments for construction of roads and sites for oil derricks when developing oil fields in the north of Russia. Based on results of additional engineering and geological surveys at construction sites, as well as clarifying calculations using modern software, it is shown that with account for marl softening in the period of abundant precipitation and groundwater rising, a sharp decrease in deformation characteristics of the base occurs. Ignoring this fact results in inoperability of artificial structures and significantly complicates development of oil fields. Based on studies conducted by the authors in design of ground bases, it is recommended to take marl characteristics according to results of its tests in a softened state. Besides, it is proposed to reinforce the lower part of embankments on weak bases, composed of biogenic soils, with wrapped geotextile. At the top of an embankment over marl, it is recommended to construct an additional base made of a sand and gravel mix with the gravel content not less than 25%, with the obligatory construction of a separating layer of nonwoven geotextile of Dornit type between the embankment soil and the base made of the sand and gravel mix.