Investigation of Soil Erosion Resistance Along Adama-Iteya Road Section (Case Study)
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Date
2016-03
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Various studies have shown that the physical and chemical properties of soil are major
cause of soil erosion and the formation of erosion gully.
This study was intended to investigate erosion resistance of the soil and cause of
erosion gully along the Adama–Iteya road section. The assessment was achieved by
conducting different physical and chemical laboratory tests on collected soil samples
along the study area.
The test results of the soil along the study area shows that, it is highly susceptible to
water erosion. Grain size of the soil in the study area is uniform and poor graded fine
sand and silty soil. These soils are small in size compared to sands and do not bind
together like clays and are subject to the most erosion.
The test result indicates that the soils along the study area are non plastic. The non plastic
and cohensionless properties of the soil in the area is account for the formation of gully
erosion. The maximum dry density values of the soil are generally low and it indicate
that the natural deposits are loose and account for the high void ratio and the high void
ratio of the soil will generate high flow velocities, high seepage pressure and account
high internal erosion potential.
The chemical test results of the soil samples along the study area shows it has contain
relatively high percent sodium concentration and it will be easily eroded.
An integrated approach including watershed management strategies, Construction of
ditches (concrete or masonry) at appropriate locations and filling the gully with high
plastic reddish clay soil, and a long term re-vegetation strategy are recommended for
mitigation and controlling soil erosion and gulling in the study area
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Geotechnical Engineering