GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING MODEL FOR QUATERNARY DEPOSITS IN ISFAHAN CITY, IRAN

The present paper examines the sedimentary environment and geotechnical features of Quaternary deposits in Isfahan City, Iran. The study divides the sedimentary deposits into five zones on the basis of geological, geomorphological, sedimentological, hydrogeological, and geotechnical data. The zones are as follows: the alluvial fan zone (AFZ), upper clayey zone (UCZ), lower clayey zone (LCZ), river channel gravel zone (RCGZ), and river channel sandy zone (RCSZ). The geotechnical characteristics of each unit were considered to determine and evaluate potential geological problems in Isfahan. The results showed that UCZ is generally the least stable zone and AFZ is the most stable zone for construction and development of civil projects. This model also enables a better design of field surveys as well as optimal selection of geotechnical investigation techniques for future civil projects.