Geotechnical characteristics of the clayey soils and rocks of the North Lefkoşa,Nicosia, Cyprus

This paper outlines the engineering geological properties of the clayey soils of North Lefkoşa (Nicosia, Cyprus). On the basis of their physical properties and their engineering characteristics, the Miocene, Pliocene and Quaternary deposits were divided into six units: unconsolidated man-made fill, unconsolidated surficial recent alluvium, unconsolidated surficial young alluvium, consolidated old alluvium, highly weathered soft rock units and slightly weathered relatively resistant rock units. Laboratory tests indicated a generally high swelling potential, which would account for the damage seen in many single and two-storey buildings as well as major roads.