TITLE:
Physico-Chemical and Mechanical Characterization of Dam Sediments in Burkina Faso for Application in Road Geotechnics: Case of Three Hydraulically Connected Sites
AUTHORS:
Arba Achyle Télesphore Ouedraogo, Wendpagnangdé Ismaël Eric Kabore, Kevin Namoulniara, Salifou Ouedraogo, Bétaboalé Naon
KEYWORDS:
Physico-Chemical and Mechanical Properties, Dam Sediments, Alternative Materials, Road Geotechnics
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.16 No.7,
July
13,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study falls within the framework of promoting alternative materials in road geotechnics. Its objective is to characterize dam sediments, identified as alternative materials in terms of their physico-chemical and mechanical properties, for road applications. To this end, a sample collection campaign was conducted at three hydraulically connected sites in the city of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The results of the analyses show varying physico-chemical characteristics depending on the sampling points. The sediments generally consist of clay, sand, and silt in their particle size distribution, with a small and variable gravel fraction depending on the excavation points. The maximum diameter reaches 25 mm in excavation pits A7 and C4 of the stream and dam No. 2, respectively. In these sites, the sediments are “non-plastic or slightly plastic”, with a pH ranging from acidic to alkaline. From a mechanical standpoint, the excavation pits from the stream (A5, A7) and dam No. 1 and 2 (B4 and C4) show favorable bearing capacity at 98% compaction (I.CBR ≥ 25), for use both as a subgrade layer and as a foundation layer of pavement. Their low linear swelling reflects the insensitivity of the constituent layers of these excavation pits to water. Those with an I.CBR between 5 and 15 (A3, A9, A1, A2, A4, A6, B1, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, C1, C5, C6, and C9) are suitable only for subgrade layers, with any necessary correction of the fine fraction before implementation, according to CEBTP recommendations. Similarly, excavation pits A8, B2, B3, C2 and C3 (I.CBR