Aeolian sand hazards and engineering design for desert regions

In hot climate zones of the Middle East region, the soil is generally unconsolidated, the unprotected surface sediments being continuously mobilized by the moderate to high velocity wind characteristic of the area. Movement of sand dunes, ground surface erosion and accumulation of dust clouds not only challenge civil engineering practice but seriously affect the lives and environs of the people as far as protection, economic and agricultural growths are concerned. Special measures to combat the hazardous impact of moving sand within engineering design and project development are discussed. Attention is drawn to the limited quantity of data available and the importance of anticipating sand movement. The paper reports both actual field measurements and the procedure followed to obtain information on the sand movement pattern at a particular site. The data were used successfully to generate a pattern of sand movement and to estimate maintenance work and the quantity/quality of sand.