Hanifi CANAKCI | University of Gaziantep (original) (raw)

Papers by Hanifi CANAKCI

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, May 1, 2011

The present study aimed to discuss the applicability of biotechnologies in geotechnical engineeri... more The present study aimed to discuss the applicability of biotechnologies in geotechnical engineering. For this purpose, a laboratory investigation was performed to investigate the effect of introducing a biomaterial, xanthan gum, on the behaviour of a sand using a direct shear testing apparatus. The factors addressed included the xanthan gum content and time of curing. The experimental data showed that the shear strength of the sand increased as the biological material content increased beyond 1% xanthan gum content. Increases in maximum shear stress of around 14–166% occurred in specimens with 3% xanthan gum content, and around 93–288% occurred in specimens with 5% xanthan gum content. A decrease in maximum shear stress of around of 7–60% occurred in specimens with 1% xanthan gum content. Within the range of parameters covered by the investigation, the principal factors governing the rate of this increase/decrease in maximum shear stress was the xanthan gum content. The impact of curing time was not significant. This report is intended to serve as an additional discussion and comments on the significance of collaboration between biologists and geotechnical engineers.

Construction and Building Materials, Jun 1, 2019

The results showed that SCC with replacement of 2% and 4% NS and maximum amount of GF achieved th... more The results showed that SCC with replacement of 2% and 4% NS and maximum amount of GF achieved the lower rate of workability enhancement. The SCC mixtures generated with the exclusion of NS were categorized as SF2. The mixtures generated with 2% and 4% of NS content when the GF volume fraction was at 1% and 0.7% respectively, altered the categorization from SF2 to SF1. It was observed that an elevation of the NS content from 0% to 4% and the GF volume fraction from 0% to 1.5% resulted in a rise in both the slump flow and V-funnel flow times. The L-box height ratio was above 0.8 for all the SCC mixtures. According to the results from a rheometer test, an elevation in the GF volume fraction from 0% to 1.5% led to a rise in the torque values of SCC.

European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering, 2017

Peat is found in many countries throughout the world where it can be generally seen in thick laye... more Peat is found in many countries throughout the world where it can be generally seen in thick layers in limited areas. Peat is an extreme form of soft soil and is considered problematic due to the low shear strength and large compressibility. This project presents laboratory finding on the compressibility and shear strength characteristics of fibrous peat with sand column. The peat used in the study is classified as fibrous peat and H 1-H 4 in Von Post scale. Its liquid limit is 119%. In all tests, the peat used for the tests passing 2 mm and remain on .15 mm. The rounded sand used for making sand column is poorly graded passing from 2 mm sieve size and retaining on 1 mm sieve size. The tests conducted to investigate effect of area ratio of sand column on shear strength and compressibility of the peat. Three different area ratios were used for both compressibility and shear strength tests. Consolidation test results showed that when the area ratio increases compressibility characteristic of the peat improved. Shear strength of the organic soil was also affected from the sand column.

Applied Radiation and Isotopes

Journal of Building Engineering

Geomechanics and Engineering, Jun 1, 2017

Sixty four tests were performed in a steel tank to investigate the axial responses of piles drive... more Sixty four tests were performed in a steel tank to investigate the axial responses of piles driven into organic soil prepared at two different densities using a drop hammer. Four different pile materials were used: wood, steel, smooth concrete, and rough concrete, with different length to diameter ratios. The results of the load tests showed that the shaft load capacity of rough concrete piles continuously increased with pile settlement. In contrast, the others pile types reached the ultimate shaft resistance at a settlement equal to about 10% of the pile diameter. The ratios of base to shaft capacities of the piles were found to vary with the length to diameter ratio, surface roughness, and the density of the organic soil. The ultimate unit shaft resistance of the rough concrete pile was always greater than that of other piles irrespective of soil condition and pile length. However, the ultimate base resistance of all piles was approximately close to each other.

Geotechnical Engineering and Sustainable Construction, 2022

Construction and Building Materials, 2022

In this research, a mechanochemically activated geopolymer (MG) grout is adopted to activate slag... more In this research, a mechanochemically activated geopolymer (MG) grout is adopted to activate slag, fly ash, sodium hydroxide, and sodium silicate by dry grinding in a ball mill for 2 h, after which water is the only additive required to initiate the geopolymerization reaction. A conventionally activated geopolymer (CG) grout was also evaluated for comparison purposes. Twenty-four different slag and fly ash mixtures have been prepared at different slag/fly ash ratios (0S100F, 50S50F, 75S25F, and 100S0F) at three different molarities of sodium hydroxide (1.25, 2.5, and 3.75) to assess the behavior of both MG grout and CG grout. A series of tests were examined, such as rheological characteristics, setting time, bleeding, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results showed that the mechanochemical activation technique reduced the rheological characteristics and fresh properties (setting time and bleeding) of geopolymer grout compared to the conventional activation process. Considering mechanical properties, both UCS and UPV of MG grout were higher than that of CG grout. Furthermore, slag content and sodium hydroxide concentration significantly affected the rheological, fresh, and mechanical properties of all geopolymer grouts regardless of the activation method. Both the rheological characteristics and mechanical properties were increased considerably with the increase in molar concentration and slag content. Whereas the bleeding capacity and setting time dramatically reduced with the increase of molar concentration and slag content.

Abstract– This study focused on the process of bacterial calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation ... more Abstract– This study focused on the process of bacterial calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation (BCCP) in organic soil. Two samples, organic soil and sand, in glass boxes having dimensions 6×6×2 cm were immersed in bacterial medium (Bacillus pasteurii, urea, and CaCl2) for 4 days. During the treatment period, the samples were treated with urea medium and CaCl2 every 6 h. Changes in pH values were monitored at different time intervals. At the end of the treatment period, the amount of CaCO3 was determined with a calcimeter test. The test results showed that the pH values fluctuated between 9 and 9.4 during the treatment period. This range of pH values indicates that the treatment medium is appropriate for BCCP. The amount of precipitated CaCO3 in the organic soil sample increased about 8% compared with the untreated sample. Calcium carbonate precipitation in sand is found to be higher than the organic soil. The results were supported by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis an...

Afyon Kocatepe University Journal of Sciences and Engineering, 2016

Compression index is one of the most important properties of soils widely used for estimation of ... more Compression index is one of the most important properties of soils widely used for estimation of settlement during design of foundations. In particular, for routine test requirements, limited laboratory facilities and preliminary evaluations, various equations are available in the literature to simply estimate the compression index using some soil index properties. However, applicability of these equations is often limited for the interested site due to their establishment from different databases. Thus, it is more realistic way to employ the correlations developed using local data of region, provided that data is available. In this viewpoint, this paper aims to develop correlations for the compression index dependent upon the soil index parameters of natural moisture content, liquid limit and initial void ratio for fine-grained soil of Baghdad city. From the developed correlations, it is obtained that the best estimations of compression index is correlated by liquid limit as single variable, and by liquid limit and initial void ratio as double variable. It is clear that use of the developed correlations is more suitable specifically for Baghdad region for preliminary evaluations of foundation settlement.

Transportation Infrastructure Geotechnology, 2019

The performance of multi-helix plate piles under pull-out load in organic soils is tested through... more The performance of multi-helix plate piles under pull-out load in organic soils is tested through an experimental investigation on helical piles. On the basis of experimental tests, this study presents the feasibility of multi-helix pile behavior installed in organic soil. Tests were carried out on two different densities of organic soil. The helix piles were made of 16-mm-diameter mild steel shafts to which mild steel plates of 50 mm for both diameter and pitch were welded. Tests were performed on single-, double-, triple-, and quadruple-helix cylindrical screw piles with helix spacing to diameter ratios varying from 0.1 to 0.5. A set of tests was also performed to evaluate efficiency. The results of the tests are used to illustrate the difference in ultimate capacity for the different geometry anchors. The results showed that the helical pile behavior depends essentially on pile geometric characteristics and soil density. According to the achievements, pull-out load capacity of helical piles depends on spacing ratio (S/D) and number of plates.

Construction and Building Materials, 2017

h i g h l i g h t s The setting times of the mixture pastes increase with glass powder. The bulk ... more h i g h l i g h t s The setting times of the mixture pastes increase with glass powder. The bulk densities of soilcrete samples do not significantly change with the glass powder. The UCS and UPV increase with decreasing water content as well as increasing curing time. 3% replacement of glass powder is more favorable for the strength enhancement. g r a p h i c a l a b s t r a c t The UCS performances of soilcrete samples.

Procedia Engineering, 2016

The paper presents the results of series of direct shear tests made on recycled waste expanded po... more The paper presents the results of series of direct shear tests made on recycled waste expanded polystyrene foams (EPS). Waste EPS were thermally modified in an oven at 130 o C through 15 minutes and crushed into aggregate size before tested. Heat treatment of the EPS increased its density from 15 kg/m 3 to nearly 200 kg/m 3. Shear strength behavior of modified EPS were investigated in loose and dense states under three different normal stresses. The test results showed that shear strength behavior of modified EPS is similar to that of sand. Internal friction angle of modified waste EPS in the dense state is higher than of loose state.

Procedia Engineering, 2016

This study was carried out with an intention to observe any sign of improvement of clayey soil du... more This study was carried out with an intention to observe any sign of improvement of clayey soil due to addition of waste soda lime glass powder (WSLGP). Waste soda lime glasses were crushed and sieved through #200 (75 μm) sieve and mixed with clay in 3, 6, 9, and 12% in dry weight of the clay. Strength and consistency test were carried out on mixed samples after curing. The test results indicated that the addition of WSLGP into clay has a significant effect on the strength and consistency properties of the clay.

In this study, effect of water content, density, and sand content on shear strength parameters of... more In this study, effect of water content, density, and sand content on shear strength parameters of organic soil were investigated. For this purpose, three sets of tests were carried out in the laboratory. In the first set, water content of the samples was changed at same density. In the second set, water content was kept constant but density was changed. In the third set different percent of sand by weight was mixed with organic soil. Direct shear test was used in all tests. Test results showed that water content, density, and sand content effects shear strength of organic soil.

In this study, effect of different sand content on compaction properties of organic soil was inve... more In this study, effect of different sand content on compaction properties of organic soil was investigated. Organic soil used in the study was taken from Sakarya region, Turkey. Compaction test was carried out with standard 2.5 kg hammer. Five different sand content was used that are 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%. Test results showed that sand content has an important effect on both dry density and optimum moisture content. When the sand content incresed in the organic soil optimum moisture content reduced and the maximum dry density increased.

Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 2014

In this study, the effect of sand content on compaction, shear strength, and compressibility of f... more In this study, the effect of sand content on compaction, shear strength, and compressibility of fibrous peat was investigated. The sand used for the study is rounded and poorly graded passing 2-mm sieve and retaining on 1mm sieve. Samples were prepared by adding 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 % sand by weight, respectively. Standard Proctor tests were carried out for each mixture to determine the optimum moisture content and maximum dry densities of the samples. Shear strength and consolidation tests were performed on five different mixtures that were prepared at their optimum moisture content and maximum dry densities. Tests results showed that the amount of sand content has a significant effect on compaction, shear strength, and compressibility parameters of fibrous peat.

Background: Radiation shielding properties is an important for a material wish can be used the ph... more Background: Radiation shielding properties is an important for a material wish can be used the photon attenuation coefficients of clay produced using different rate of boron have been measured for the purpose of radioactive waste disposal. Materials and Methods: The measurement has been performed using gamma spectrometer contains NaI (Tl) detector at the photon energies of 662, 1173 and 1332 keV. The mean free path and transmission rate of the samples were also obtained. Results: From the measurement of linear attenuation coefficients it was found that using boron in the clay increased the linear attenuation coefficients. Conclusion: It can be concluded from this work that the boron is effective to shield radiation and it can be used for storing of nuclear waste.

Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 2012

ABSTRACT The paper presents the results of the study which influence the use of recycled waste ex... more ABSTRACT The paper presents the results of the study which influence the use of recycled waste expanded polystyrene foams (EPS), as a lightweight material used with river sand. In this study, thermally modified waste EPS have been used. The waste EPS were put in an oven at 130 °C through 15 min to obtain modified expanded polystyrene (MEPS). The influences of MEPS on compaction properties such as maximum dry density and optimum moisture content were investigated. For this purpose, five series of compaction tests were carried out. MEPS were added to river sand at 5, 10, 15, and 20 % by weight. The test results showed that addition of 20 % MEPS in sand reduces the density of mixture almost 50 %. MEPS can be an alternative light weight fill material for geotechnical applications.

Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, May 1, 2011

The present study aimed to discuss the applicability of biotechnologies in geotechnical engineeri... more The present study aimed to discuss the applicability of biotechnologies in geotechnical engineering. For this purpose, a laboratory investigation was performed to investigate the effect of introducing a biomaterial, xanthan gum, on the behaviour of a sand using a direct shear testing apparatus. The factors addressed included the xanthan gum content and time of curing. The experimental data showed that the shear strength of the sand increased as the biological material content increased beyond 1% xanthan gum content. Increases in maximum shear stress of around 14–166% occurred in specimens with 3% xanthan gum content, and around 93–288% occurred in specimens with 5% xanthan gum content. A decrease in maximum shear stress of around of 7–60% occurred in specimens with 1% xanthan gum content. Within the range of parameters covered by the investigation, the principal factors governing the rate of this increase/decrease in maximum shear stress was the xanthan gum content. The impact of curing time was not significant. This report is intended to serve as an additional discussion and comments on the significance of collaboration between biologists and geotechnical engineers.

Construction and Building Materials, Jun 1, 2019

The results showed that SCC with replacement of 2% and 4% NS and maximum amount of GF achieved th... more The results showed that SCC with replacement of 2% and 4% NS and maximum amount of GF achieved the lower rate of workability enhancement. The SCC mixtures generated with the exclusion of NS were categorized as SF2. The mixtures generated with 2% and 4% of NS content when the GF volume fraction was at 1% and 0.7% respectively, altered the categorization from SF2 to SF1. It was observed that an elevation of the NS content from 0% to 4% and the GF volume fraction from 0% to 1.5% resulted in a rise in both the slump flow and V-funnel flow times. The L-box height ratio was above 0.8 for all the SCC mixtures. According to the results from a rheometer test, an elevation in the GF volume fraction from 0% to 1.5% led to a rise in the torque values of SCC.

European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering, 2017

Peat is found in many countries throughout the world where it can be generally seen in thick laye... more Peat is found in many countries throughout the world where it can be generally seen in thick layers in limited areas. Peat is an extreme form of soft soil and is considered problematic due to the low shear strength and large compressibility. This project presents laboratory finding on the compressibility and shear strength characteristics of fibrous peat with sand column. The peat used in the study is classified as fibrous peat and H 1-H 4 in Von Post scale. Its liquid limit is 119%. In all tests, the peat used for the tests passing 2 mm and remain on .15 mm. The rounded sand used for making sand column is poorly graded passing from 2 mm sieve size and retaining on 1 mm sieve size. The tests conducted to investigate effect of area ratio of sand column on shear strength and compressibility of the peat. Three different area ratios were used for both compressibility and shear strength tests. Consolidation test results showed that when the area ratio increases compressibility characteristic of the peat improved. Shear strength of the organic soil was also affected from the sand column.

Applied Radiation and Isotopes

Journal of Building Engineering

Geomechanics and Engineering, Jun 1, 2017

Sixty four tests were performed in a steel tank to investigate the axial responses of piles drive... more Sixty four tests were performed in a steel tank to investigate the axial responses of piles driven into organic soil prepared at two different densities using a drop hammer. Four different pile materials were used: wood, steel, smooth concrete, and rough concrete, with different length to diameter ratios. The results of the load tests showed that the shaft load capacity of rough concrete piles continuously increased with pile settlement. In contrast, the others pile types reached the ultimate shaft resistance at a settlement equal to about 10% of the pile diameter. The ratios of base to shaft capacities of the piles were found to vary with the length to diameter ratio, surface roughness, and the density of the organic soil. The ultimate unit shaft resistance of the rough concrete pile was always greater than that of other piles irrespective of soil condition and pile length. However, the ultimate base resistance of all piles was approximately close to each other.

Geotechnical Engineering and Sustainable Construction, 2022

Construction and Building Materials, 2022

In this research, a mechanochemically activated geopolymer (MG) grout is adopted to activate slag... more In this research, a mechanochemically activated geopolymer (MG) grout is adopted to activate slag, fly ash, sodium hydroxide, and sodium silicate by dry grinding in a ball mill for 2 h, after which water is the only additive required to initiate the geopolymerization reaction. A conventionally activated geopolymer (CG) grout was also evaluated for comparison purposes. Twenty-four different slag and fly ash mixtures have been prepared at different slag/fly ash ratios (0S100F, 50S50F, 75S25F, and 100S0F) at three different molarities of sodium hydroxide (1.25, 2.5, and 3.75) to assess the behavior of both MG grout and CG grout. A series of tests were examined, such as rheological characteristics, setting time, bleeding, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results showed that the mechanochemical activation technique reduced the rheological characteristics and fresh properties (setting time and bleeding) of geopolymer grout compared to the conventional activation process. Considering mechanical properties, both UCS and UPV of MG grout were higher than that of CG grout. Furthermore, slag content and sodium hydroxide concentration significantly affected the rheological, fresh, and mechanical properties of all geopolymer grouts regardless of the activation method. Both the rheological characteristics and mechanical properties were increased considerably with the increase in molar concentration and slag content. Whereas the bleeding capacity and setting time dramatically reduced with the increase of molar concentration and slag content.

Abstract– This study focused on the process of bacterial calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation ... more Abstract– This study focused on the process of bacterial calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation (BCCP) in organic soil. Two samples, organic soil and sand, in glass boxes having dimensions 6×6×2 cm were immersed in bacterial medium (Bacillus pasteurii, urea, and CaCl2) for 4 days. During the treatment period, the samples were treated with urea medium and CaCl2 every 6 h. Changes in pH values were monitored at different time intervals. At the end of the treatment period, the amount of CaCO3 was determined with a calcimeter test. The test results showed that the pH values fluctuated between 9 and 9.4 during the treatment period. This range of pH values indicates that the treatment medium is appropriate for BCCP. The amount of precipitated CaCO3 in the organic soil sample increased about 8% compared with the untreated sample. Calcium carbonate precipitation in sand is found to be higher than the organic soil. The results were supported by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis an...

Afyon Kocatepe University Journal of Sciences and Engineering, 2016

Compression index is one of the most important properties of soils widely used for estimation of ... more Compression index is one of the most important properties of soils widely used for estimation of settlement during design of foundations. In particular, for routine test requirements, limited laboratory facilities and preliminary evaluations, various equations are available in the literature to simply estimate the compression index using some soil index properties. However, applicability of these equations is often limited for the interested site due to their establishment from different databases. Thus, it is more realistic way to employ the correlations developed using local data of region, provided that data is available. In this viewpoint, this paper aims to develop correlations for the compression index dependent upon the soil index parameters of natural moisture content, liquid limit and initial void ratio for fine-grained soil of Baghdad city. From the developed correlations, it is obtained that the best estimations of compression index is correlated by liquid limit as single variable, and by liquid limit and initial void ratio as double variable. It is clear that use of the developed correlations is more suitable specifically for Baghdad region for preliminary evaluations of foundation settlement.

Transportation Infrastructure Geotechnology, 2019

The performance of multi-helix plate piles under pull-out load in organic soils is tested through... more The performance of multi-helix plate piles under pull-out load in organic soils is tested through an experimental investigation on helical piles. On the basis of experimental tests, this study presents the feasibility of multi-helix pile behavior installed in organic soil. Tests were carried out on two different densities of organic soil. The helix piles were made of 16-mm-diameter mild steel shafts to which mild steel plates of 50 mm for both diameter and pitch were welded. Tests were performed on single-, double-, triple-, and quadruple-helix cylindrical screw piles with helix spacing to diameter ratios varying from 0.1 to 0.5. A set of tests was also performed to evaluate efficiency. The results of the tests are used to illustrate the difference in ultimate capacity for the different geometry anchors. The results showed that the helical pile behavior depends essentially on pile geometric characteristics and soil density. According to the achievements, pull-out load capacity of helical piles depends on spacing ratio (S/D) and number of plates.

Construction and Building Materials, 2017

h i g h l i g h t s The setting times of the mixture pastes increase with glass powder. The bulk ... more h i g h l i g h t s The setting times of the mixture pastes increase with glass powder. The bulk densities of soilcrete samples do not significantly change with the glass powder. The UCS and UPV increase with decreasing water content as well as increasing curing time. 3% replacement of glass powder is more favorable for the strength enhancement. g r a p h i c a l a b s t r a c t The UCS performances of soilcrete samples.

Procedia Engineering, 2016

The paper presents the results of series of direct shear tests made on recycled waste expanded po... more The paper presents the results of series of direct shear tests made on recycled waste expanded polystyrene foams (EPS). Waste EPS were thermally modified in an oven at 130 o C through 15 minutes and crushed into aggregate size before tested. Heat treatment of the EPS increased its density from 15 kg/m 3 to nearly 200 kg/m 3. Shear strength behavior of modified EPS were investigated in loose and dense states under three different normal stresses. The test results showed that shear strength behavior of modified EPS is similar to that of sand. Internal friction angle of modified waste EPS in the dense state is higher than of loose state.

Procedia Engineering, 2016

This study was carried out with an intention to observe any sign of improvement of clayey soil du... more This study was carried out with an intention to observe any sign of improvement of clayey soil due to addition of waste soda lime glass powder (WSLGP). Waste soda lime glasses were crushed and sieved through #200 (75 μm) sieve and mixed with clay in 3, 6, 9, and 12% in dry weight of the clay. Strength and consistency test were carried out on mixed samples after curing. The test results indicated that the addition of WSLGP into clay has a significant effect on the strength and consistency properties of the clay.

In this study, effect of water content, density, and sand content on shear strength parameters of... more In this study, effect of water content, density, and sand content on shear strength parameters of organic soil were investigated. For this purpose, three sets of tests were carried out in the laboratory. In the first set, water content of the samples was changed at same density. In the second set, water content was kept constant but density was changed. In the third set different percent of sand by weight was mixed with organic soil. Direct shear test was used in all tests. Test results showed that water content, density, and sand content effects shear strength of organic soil.

In this study, effect of different sand content on compaction properties of organic soil was inve... more In this study, effect of different sand content on compaction properties of organic soil was investigated. Organic soil used in the study was taken from Sakarya region, Turkey. Compaction test was carried out with standard 2.5 kg hammer. Five different sand content was used that are 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%. Test results showed that sand content has an important effect on both dry density and optimum moisture content. When the sand content incresed in the organic soil optimum moisture content reduced and the maximum dry density increased.

Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 2014

In this study, the effect of sand content on compaction, shear strength, and compressibility of f... more In this study, the effect of sand content on compaction, shear strength, and compressibility of fibrous peat was investigated. The sand used for the study is rounded and poorly graded passing 2-mm sieve and retaining on 1mm sieve. Samples were prepared by adding 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 % sand by weight, respectively. Standard Proctor tests were carried out for each mixture to determine the optimum moisture content and maximum dry densities of the samples. Shear strength and consolidation tests were performed on five different mixtures that were prepared at their optimum moisture content and maximum dry densities. Tests results showed that the amount of sand content has a significant effect on compaction, shear strength, and compressibility parameters of fibrous peat.

Background: Radiation shielding properties is an important for a material wish can be used the ph... more Background: Radiation shielding properties is an important for a material wish can be used the photon attenuation coefficients of clay produced using different rate of boron have been measured for the purpose of radioactive waste disposal. Materials and Methods: The measurement has been performed using gamma spectrometer contains NaI (Tl) detector at the photon energies of 662, 1173 and 1332 keV. The mean free path and transmission rate of the samples were also obtained. Results: From the measurement of linear attenuation coefficients it was found that using boron in the clay increased the linear attenuation coefficients. Conclusion: It can be concluded from this work that the boron is effective to shield radiation and it can be used for storing of nuclear waste.

Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 2012

ABSTRACT The paper presents the results of the study which influence the use of recycled waste ex... more ABSTRACT The paper presents the results of the study which influence the use of recycled waste expanded polystyrene foams (EPS), as a lightweight material used with river sand. In this study, thermally modified waste EPS have been used. The waste EPS were put in an oven at 130 °C through 15 min to obtain modified expanded polystyrene (MEPS). The influences of MEPS on compaction properties such as maximum dry density and optimum moisture content were investigated. For this purpose, five series of compaction tests were carried out. MEPS were added to river sand at 5, 10, 15, and 20 % by weight. The test results showed that addition of 20 % MEPS in sand reduces the density of mixture almost 50 %. MEPS can be an alternative light weight fill material for geotechnical applications.