Microstructural, geochemical and geomechanical properties of caliche deposits from the Adana Basin, Turkey

Abstract

The 1998 Ceyhan (Adana, Turkey) earthquake caused major damage to construction on caliche formations. Caliche (a heterogenous secondary calcium carbonate deposit formed in arid and semi-arid regions) is widespread in the Adana area. The paper distinguishes three types of caliche: massive, containing vegetation remains and containing gravel. The porosity, water absorption and unconfined compressive strength of these three groups of caliche were determined. The compressive strengths are low compared to caliches in other areas - an important consideration as Adana is the fourth largest city in Turkey. © Springer-Verlag 2008.