A Study of the Properties of Beach Sand Accumulations on the Coast East of Wadi Kaam, Zliten City, and a Comparison with the Libyan Standard Specifications for Construction Materials

Abstract

The area east of Wadi Kaam in the city of Zliten is considered one of the most significant sources of wind-driven marine sand in western Libya. Large quantities of sand are generated from various sections of the coastline and are deposited as mobile and accumulated dunes at multiple locations along the coast. This area hosts major human activities, including the coastal highway, agricultural activities, and industrial facilities. Consequently, these moving sands constitute a persistent source of numerous problems despite their importance as a valuable raw material for construction purposes. The primary objectives of this study were to employ specialized scientific techniques to enhance the understanding of the physical and chemical characteristics of mobile beach sands and to propose suitable solutions to the problems associated with their movement and accumulation. Five sampling sites were selected along the coastline, extending from the mouth of Wadi Kaam to Zliten Marina. These included Kaam Beach, Al-Qazzahiya Beach, Al-Hashm Beach, the Sand Dunes Site, the area west of the Desalination Plant, and the Zliten Marine Club. Three sampling points were established at each site as sources of beach sand samples. Additional samples were collected from inland sand accumulations in the form of dunes located away from the shoreline. The collected samples were analyzed to determine their key physical properties, including bulk density, particle density, porosity, and grain-size distribution. In addition, several chemical properties were examined, including pH, electrical conductivity, chloride, sulfate, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and organic matter content. The study results revealed significant differences in the physical and chemical properties of beach sand samples compared with those obtained from dunes, mainly due to the leaching effects of rainfall. The findings further indicated that these sands are suitable for use in construction activities, including the production of cement blocks and concrete casting.