​The 2017 Congress on Soil Science brought together researchers, academics, and professionals to discuss advances in soil behavior, geotechnical characterization, and ground improvement techniques. The congress provided a platform for sharing experimental research and comparative studies addressing both natural and engineered soil systems, with a focus on improving design practices and understanding soil performance under different loading and environmental conditions.

Prof. Fathi Shaqour participated in the congress by presenting his research entitled “Shear Strength of Naturally Cemented Soil (Calcrete) Compared to Artificially Cemented Sand.” The study examined the shear strength behavior of calcrete soils and compared their mechanical response to that of sands stabilized through artificial cementation. The research highlighted differences in bonding mechanisms, strength development, and failure characteristics between naturally cemented and artificially treated soils, contributing to a better understanding of soil cementation effects and their implications for geotechnical design and soil improvement applications.