Azm S Al-Homoud | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (original) (raw)

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Papers by Azm S Al-Homoud

Research paper thumbnail of Landslide hazard of slopes of sewage treatment plant lagoons constructed in colluvium deposits

Natural Hazards, Jul 1, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of Mitigative Design for Colluvial Slope Instability, Wadi Es-Sir Sewage Treatment Plant, Jordan

Environmental & Engineering Geoscience, Sep 1, 1995

Lagoons were constructed within colluvial deposits in an area of 140,000 m2 as part of Wadi Es-Si... more Lagoons were constructed within colluvial deposits in an area of 140,000 m2 as part of Wadi Es-Sir Sewage Treatment Plant Project in Jordan. The site has been excavated into steps and risers to construct the lagoons. A major noncircular slope failure occurred in October 1993 on the upper slope of the middle lagoon, resulting in an interruption of construction. Field and laboratory investigations were conducted to identify various geomorphologic zones, stratigraphy and geotechnical properties of all materials encountered at the site. Slope stability back analysis of failed slope was carried out using the 2-D limiting equilibrium Simplified Janbu method. Also, stability analysis was carried out for existing and improved conditions for all lagoons. Dry, partially saturated and fully saturated conditions were considered in the analysis. Pseudostatic stability analysis of the slopes was carried out considering a horizontal bedrock Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) value of 0.2 g, evaluated at the site using a line source probabilistic seismic hazard assessment model incorporated in the computer program FRISK (McGuire, 1978). The study showed that the failure occurred through colluvial material due to the removal of a large amount of such materials near the toe of the slope during construction of the lagoon. The location of the slip surface was between 8 to 12 m in depth. Effective residual shear strength parameters along the failure plane were found to be: angle of friction (ϕ′) = 17°, and cohesion (c′) = 0.05 kg/cm2. Stability conditions for slopes at all lagoon sites were found to be unacceptable. Recommended measures to stabilize the slopes include replacing (partially or fully) the existing colluvial materials with free-drained rockfill to reach acceptable factors of safety under design conditions. These measures were implemented at the site.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison between fe prediction and results from dynamic centrifuge tests on tilting gravity walls

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of Probabilistic assessment of seismic hazard of dam sites in Jordan

Natural Hazards, Mar 1, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of A comparative study of slope stability methods and mitigative design of a highway embankment landslide with a potential for deep seated sliding

Engineering Geology, Aug 1, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Probabilistic Seismogenic Ground Motion Hazard Assessment of Karak City in Jordan

Environmental & Engineering Geoscience, Jun 1, 1995

Updated seismic hazard maps have been prepared based on a probabilistic approach for Jordan in ge... more Updated seismic hazard maps have been prepared based on a probabilistic approach for Jordan in general and for Karak City specifically using the line source model. A new earthquake catalogue covering the period from 1 a.d. to 1992 a.d. is used, which includes all events that occurred in Jordan and adjacent areas, covering an area between latitudes 27.0°–35.5° and longitude 32.0°–39.0°E. Ten seismic sources were identified in the assessment of the seismic hazard maps. These are the Aqaba Gulf fault, Wadi Araba fault, Dead Sea fault, Northern fault, Southeast Mediterranean fault, Farah and Carmel fault, Wadi Sirhan fault, Karak-Fayha fault, Suez Gulf fault, and Cyprus zone fault. The peak ground acceleration (PGA) is selected as a measure of the ground motion severity. A suitable attenuation equation (Esteva, 1974) reported in the literature is selected for PGA computations. The computations are carried out using the FRISK computer program. The seismic maps corresponding to a 90 percent probability of not being exceeded are presented for a lifetime of structures for 50,100 and 200 years.

Research paper thumbnail of A study towards implementation of a standalone environmental monitoring device

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Discussions and Closure: Cyclic Swelling Behavior of Clays

Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Aug 1, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Scenarios of Seismic Risk in the United Arab Emirates, an Approximate Estimate

Natural Hazards, Jul 1, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Cyclic Swelling Behavior of Clays

Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, Jul 1, 1995

This paper investigates the effect of cyclic wetting and drying on the expansive characteristics ... more This paper investigates the effect of cyclic wetting and drying on the expansive characteristics of clays. For this purpose, six expansive soils were obtained from various locations in Irbid (a city in northern Jordan). After each cycle, the swell potential and swell pressure were ...

Research paper thumbnail of Swelling-shrinkage behavior of natural expansive clays

Applied Clay Science, Dec 1, 1996

Research paper thumbnail of Hydrochemical assessment of a deep Jordanian aquifer

Environmental geology, Apr 16, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Experience of Vibrocompaction in Calcareous Sand of UAE

Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, Jun 1, 2006

The study is concerned with the influence of various factors on vibro compaction in calcareous so... more The study is concerned with the influence of various factors on vibro compaction in calcareous soils, This include effect of carbonate content, and influence of pore water pressures in sand, settlements during vibrocompaction, vibroaccelerations during sand column installation compared to earthquake accelerations and finally the liquefaction design based on average CPT parameters. Previous experiences with calcareous sands and literature review confirm the necessity to apply a correlation factor for calcareous material to the raw cone penetration resistance CPT values obtained in the field. Because of the very fragile grains of the Dubai calcareous sands the penetration resistance will be influenced by crushing and grinding. To accommodate for effect of calcareous sands on measured CPT values, a best fit correlations formula called here “correlation factor” is developed. A parametric dynamic triaxial liquefaction testing programme has been executed on representative samples with loose and dense zones. Representative testing parameters for field conditions and earthquake design accelerations have been applied indicating that ground improvement is necessary. It was observed during the dynamic triaxial tests that the whole soil mass consisting of dense columns and looser zones in between behaves jointly, and therefore compaction control using an average-CPT approach is possible.

Research paper thumbnail of Marine Stone Columns to Prevent Earthquake Induced Soil Liquefaction

Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, Jun 1, 2006

With ports and other near shore structures expanding, and regions previously not considered prone... more With ports and other near shore structures expanding, and regions previously not considered prone to earthquakes being re-classified after recent earthquake events, ground improvement by stone columns is increasingly considered to improve loose or soft in situ soils. The Dry Bottom Feed Stone Column construction technique can be used under water if a double-lock stone delivery system is attached to the vibroprobe. The use of pneumatic stone transport from the barge into the vibroprobe receiver tank makes it possible to reach large water and treatment depths. Digital recording of all relevant operation parameters provides a very high level of quality assurance, including a diameter-over-depth profile for each stone column. An introduction to earthquake-resistant design of stone columns and guidelines for specifying Marine Stone Columns are given.

Research paper thumbnail of Laboratory assessment of swelling pressure of expansive soils

Applied Clay Science, Feb 1, 1995

Several methods have been suggested for the determination of swelling pressure of expansive soils... more Several methods have been suggested for the determination of swelling pressure of expansive soils. The two most commonly used methods are the zero swell test and the swell-consolidation test. This paper introduces two relatively new techniques termed the “restrained swell ...

Research paper thumbnail of An approximate estimate of the earthquake risk in the United Arab Emirates

EGS - AGU - EUG Joint Assembly, Apr 1, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of seismic hazard, local site effect, liquefaction potential, and dynamic performance of a world example of an embankment dam characterized by very complex and unique foundations conditions: Karameh dam in the Jordan Valley

Bulletin of the International Association of Engineering Geology, Oct 1, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of Geologic problems related to dam sites in Jordan and their solutions

Engineering Geology, Jun 1, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of Seismic Hazard Assessment of United Arab Emirates and Its Surroundings

Journal of Earthquake Engineering, Nov 1, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Closure to “Cyclic Swelling Behavior of Clays” by A. S. Al-Homoud, A. A. Basma, A. I. Husein Malkawi, and M. A. Al Bashabsheh

Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Landslide hazard of slopes of sewage treatment plant lagoons constructed in colluvium deposits

Natural Hazards, Jul 1, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of Mitigative Design for Colluvial Slope Instability, Wadi Es-Sir Sewage Treatment Plant, Jordan

Environmental & Engineering Geoscience, Sep 1, 1995

Lagoons were constructed within colluvial deposits in an area of 140,000 m2 as part of Wadi Es-Si... more Lagoons were constructed within colluvial deposits in an area of 140,000 m2 as part of Wadi Es-Sir Sewage Treatment Plant Project in Jordan. The site has been excavated into steps and risers to construct the lagoons. A major noncircular slope failure occurred in October 1993 on the upper slope of the middle lagoon, resulting in an interruption of construction. Field and laboratory investigations were conducted to identify various geomorphologic zones, stratigraphy and geotechnical properties of all materials encountered at the site. Slope stability back analysis of failed slope was carried out using the 2-D limiting equilibrium Simplified Janbu method. Also, stability analysis was carried out for existing and improved conditions for all lagoons. Dry, partially saturated and fully saturated conditions were considered in the analysis. Pseudostatic stability analysis of the slopes was carried out considering a horizontal bedrock Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) value of 0.2 g, evaluated at the site using a line source probabilistic seismic hazard assessment model incorporated in the computer program FRISK (McGuire, 1978). The study showed that the failure occurred through colluvial material due to the removal of a large amount of such materials near the toe of the slope during construction of the lagoon. The location of the slip surface was between 8 to 12 m in depth. Effective residual shear strength parameters along the failure plane were found to be: angle of friction (ϕ′) = 17°, and cohesion (c′) = 0.05 kg/cm2. Stability conditions for slopes at all lagoon sites were found to be unacceptable. Recommended measures to stabilize the slopes include replacing (partially or fully) the existing colluvial materials with free-drained rockfill to reach acceptable factors of safety under design conditions. These measures were implemented at the site.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison between fe prediction and results from dynamic centrifuge tests on tilting gravity walls

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of Probabilistic assessment of seismic hazard of dam sites in Jordan

Natural Hazards, Mar 1, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of A comparative study of slope stability methods and mitigative design of a highway embankment landslide with a potential for deep seated sliding

Engineering Geology, Aug 1, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Probabilistic Seismogenic Ground Motion Hazard Assessment of Karak City in Jordan

Environmental & Engineering Geoscience, Jun 1, 1995

Updated seismic hazard maps have been prepared based on a probabilistic approach for Jordan in ge... more Updated seismic hazard maps have been prepared based on a probabilistic approach for Jordan in general and for Karak City specifically using the line source model. A new earthquake catalogue covering the period from 1 a.d. to 1992 a.d. is used, which includes all events that occurred in Jordan and adjacent areas, covering an area between latitudes 27.0°–35.5° and longitude 32.0°–39.0°E. Ten seismic sources were identified in the assessment of the seismic hazard maps. These are the Aqaba Gulf fault, Wadi Araba fault, Dead Sea fault, Northern fault, Southeast Mediterranean fault, Farah and Carmel fault, Wadi Sirhan fault, Karak-Fayha fault, Suez Gulf fault, and Cyprus zone fault. The peak ground acceleration (PGA) is selected as a measure of the ground motion severity. A suitable attenuation equation (Esteva, 1974) reported in the literature is selected for PGA computations. The computations are carried out using the FRISK computer program. The seismic maps corresponding to a 90 percent probability of not being exceeded are presented for a lifetime of structures for 50,100 and 200 years.

Research paper thumbnail of A study towards implementation of a standalone environmental monitoring device

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2005

Research paper thumbnail of Discussions and Closure: Cyclic Swelling Behavior of Clays

Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Aug 1, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Scenarios of Seismic Risk in the United Arab Emirates, an Approximate Estimate

Natural Hazards, Jul 1, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Cyclic Swelling Behavior of Clays

Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, Jul 1, 1995

This paper investigates the effect of cyclic wetting and drying on the expansive characteristics ... more This paper investigates the effect of cyclic wetting and drying on the expansive characteristics of clays. For this purpose, six expansive soils were obtained from various locations in Irbid (a city in northern Jordan). After each cycle, the swell potential and swell pressure were ...

Research paper thumbnail of Swelling-shrinkage behavior of natural expansive clays

Applied Clay Science, Dec 1, 1996

Research paper thumbnail of Hydrochemical assessment of a deep Jordanian aquifer

Environmental geology, Apr 16, 1997

Research paper thumbnail of Experience of Vibrocompaction in Calcareous Sand of UAE

Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, Jun 1, 2006

The study is concerned with the influence of various factors on vibro compaction in calcareous so... more The study is concerned with the influence of various factors on vibro compaction in calcareous soils, This include effect of carbonate content, and influence of pore water pressures in sand, settlements during vibrocompaction, vibroaccelerations during sand column installation compared to earthquake accelerations and finally the liquefaction design based on average CPT parameters. Previous experiences with calcareous sands and literature review confirm the necessity to apply a correlation factor for calcareous material to the raw cone penetration resistance CPT values obtained in the field. Because of the very fragile grains of the Dubai calcareous sands the penetration resistance will be influenced by crushing and grinding. To accommodate for effect of calcareous sands on measured CPT values, a best fit correlations formula called here “correlation factor” is developed. A parametric dynamic triaxial liquefaction testing programme has been executed on representative samples with loose and dense zones. Representative testing parameters for field conditions and earthquake design accelerations have been applied indicating that ground improvement is necessary. It was observed during the dynamic triaxial tests that the whole soil mass consisting of dense columns and looser zones in between behaves jointly, and therefore compaction control using an average-CPT approach is possible.

Research paper thumbnail of Marine Stone Columns to Prevent Earthquake Induced Soil Liquefaction

Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, Jun 1, 2006

With ports and other near shore structures expanding, and regions previously not considered prone... more With ports and other near shore structures expanding, and regions previously not considered prone to earthquakes being re-classified after recent earthquake events, ground improvement by stone columns is increasingly considered to improve loose or soft in situ soils. The Dry Bottom Feed Stone Column construction technique can be used under water if a double-lock stone delivery system is attached to the vibroprobe. The use of pneumatic stone transport from the barge into the vibroprobe receiver tank makes it possible to reach large water and treatment depths. Digital recording of all relevant operation parameters provides a very high level of quality assurance, including a diameter-over-depth profile for each stone column. An introduction to earthquake-resistant design of stone columns and guidelines for specifying Marine Stone Columns are given.

Research paper thumbnail of Laboratory assessment of swelling pressure of expansive soils

Applied Clay Science, Feb 1, 1995

Several methods have been suggested for the determination of swelling pressure of expansive soils... more Several methods have been suggested for the determination of swelling pressure of expansive soils. The two most commonly used methods are the zero swell test and the swell-consolidation test. This paper introduces two relatively new techniques termed the “restrained swell ...

Research paper thumbnail of An approximate estimate of the earthquake risk in the United Arab Emirates

EGS - AGU - EUG Joint Assembly, Apr 1, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of seismic hazard, local site effect, liquefaction potential, and dynamic performance of a world example of an embankment dam characterized by very complex and unique foundations conditions: Karameh dam in the Jordan Valley

Bulletin of the International Association of Engineering Geology, Oct 1, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of Geologic problems related to dam sites in Jordan and their solutions

Engineering Geology, Jun 1, 1995

Research paper thumbnail of Seismic Hazard Assessment of United Arab Emirates and Its Surroundings

Journal of Earthquake Engineering, Nov 1, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Closure to “Cyclic Swelling Behavior of Clays” by A. S. Al-Homoud, A. A. Basma, A. I. Husein Malkawi, and M. A. Al Bashabsheh

Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 1997