Dust emissions from unpaved ground surfaces

Abstract

Soil erosion occurs through the process of wearing away of the earth's land surface through rain, wind or other agents. Dust storms cause air pollution as the dust particles are carried by the wind. Dust emissions from unpaved ground can cause enormous problems such as dust storms that may lead to accidents and also respiratory tract diseases. The main objective of this study was to investigate fugitive dust resulting from unpaved ground caused by wind. Two types of clay soil (type A and B) was obtained from two different locations in Johor, Malaysia. Dust emission assessment equipment consisting of a purpose built wind tunnel was developed and modified to determine the assessment of the soil erosion index for simulated natural ground surfaces and was used also in laboratory testing. The assessment was carried out to preset values of the wind speed which were 2.9 m/s, 3.8 m/s and 7.2 m/s in environmental temperatures of 26 °C, 40 °C and 60 °C in the various tests. The test soil specimens were prepared in a mould with dimensions of 60 (L) × 60 (W) × variable height (maximum 5mm). A total of 90 tests were carried out on 2 different samples (type A and type B). The binding properties of fines and stabilisers within the gravel particles of a road surface may be reduced in the dry season due to moisture loss. The foremost industry need is to develop new and appropriate instrumentation for the evaluation of a reliable soil erosion index.