In arid areas, the physical weathering is considered the main effect on formation of soil layers. Arar’s city is the
main city of Northern Border Region (NBR) at the north part of Saudi Arabia (KSA). In general, many Wadis and Sha’ibs
are surrounded Arar’s city. According to the urban development of Arar’s city, the knowledge about underlying soil
properties is strongly required. Wadis and Sha’ibs deposit were formed as a result of the water flow and wind movement in
the surrounding arid areas. The top deposits of Wadis and Sha’ibs are mature deposits. Sieve analysis tests were carried out
on soil deposit samples of many deposit locations around Arar’s city. The results show that the natural soil deposits are
classified intosilty sand (SM) as unified soil classification system (USCS). Also, the average contents of coarse and fine
grains are 70% and 30% respectively. Comparing of course grains distribution of the studied areas, it was found that the
average content of coarse and fine grains changes from 65% to 75% and from 35% to 25% respectively, while, the average
content of gravel is ranged from 10% to 20%. The discussion of results indicated that the soil depositin Wadis and Sha’ibs
around Arar’s city is suitable as a structure soil and it is not suitable as a cementing material product. |
