Physical and mechanical properties of calcareous soils: A review

Calcareous soil is widely distributed throughout tropical areas. Due to its unique sedimentary environment and soil behaviors, severe engineering problems and disasters have occurred in many regions. To understand the differences in the mechanical properties of calcareous soils in different regions, material composition, physical and mechanical properties of calcareous soils, including specific gravity and void ratio, compression properties, shear properties, and strength properties, were analyzed. The relationship between the sedimentary environment, material composition, and mechanical properties of calcareous soil was examined based upon the results. Results show that the calcareous soil in the South China Sea has a high calcium carbonate content, large particle size, high compressibility, and low bearing capacity, while sand from the Kish Island in the Persian Gulf and Agami sand from Egypt have low compressibility and high bearing capacity. In the South China Sea, Calcareous soil is more difficult to crush than those from the Hormuz Island and Bushehr Port in the Persian Gulf, Dog’s Bay in Ireland, and Quiou in France. Overall, calcareous soils from various locations exhibit significant differences in properties based upon their physical traits. It is suggested that the influence of sedimentary environment and geological conditions should be considered in engineering constructions.