Engineering College Organizes Scientific Symposium on Modern Methods for Treating Collapsible Soil
The College of Engineering at the University of Samarra organized a specialized scientific symposium titled “Modern Methods for Treating Collapsible Soil”.
The event was held in collaboration with the Geotechnical Scientific Society, the Department of Construction and Projects at the University of Baghdad, and the Holy Military Shrine (Al-Askariyah) in Samarra. It took place on the morning of Thursday, December 4, 2025, in Al-Mu’tasim Hall within the university campus.
The organizers of the symposium aimed to introduce the nature and problems of collapsible soils in the city of Samarra and to demonstrate effective materials for increasing their bearing capacity under high loads. A key focus was highlighting the geotechnical problems afflicting the historical Islamic landmarks built upon these soils, with the goal of finding optimal treatment solutions to ensure their sustainability and longevity.
The symposium’s topics included a presentation of advanced studies on Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) and Enzyme Induced Calcite Precipitation (EICP), which are considered innovative methods for soil improvement in geotechnical applications.
Discussions also covered the geotechnical challenges of unsaturated collapsible soils and reviewed innovative waste treatment solutions, such as the reuse of face masks (PPE) to enhance the mechanical properties of gypseous soils. Furthermore, methods for improving soil characteristics using additives like Rice Husk Ash (RHA), Fly Ash (FA), and Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS) were reviewed.
The symposium concluded with important recommendations that called for directing researchers and postgraduate students to conduct in-depth studies in the field of collapsible soil treatment, emphasizing the necessity of paying close attention to site investigations before the execution of any project, and adopting modern and practical techniques to achieve the best results. Additionally, it stressed the need to raise awareness regarding collapsible soils and the factors affecting their shear strength.
It is noteworthy that the symposium saw wide attendance, including the Assistant President of the University for Scientific Affairs, the Dean of the College, the President and members of the Geotechnical Scientific Society, a delegation from the Holy Military Shrine, and a representative from the Department of Construction and Projects at the University of Baghdad, along with a large number of specialized professors and academics from various Iraqi universities.
