Engineering properties of loess in Algeria

Loess in North Africa has been investigated using samples from Algeria. The specific gravity, Atterberg limits, grain size distribution and dry density were determined. The hydro-collapsibility properties, due to wetting under different stress levels were measured in single-oedometer tests. The results of this investigation indicate that the properties of Algerian loess are similar to those of loess from many parts of the world, such as Iowa and Libya; they can be classified as silty loess.