Author(s)

M. Hamza & M. Abdel-Latif

Abstract

The paper briefly describes the history of the great Canal at Suez, the engineering and construction challenges and the enormous obstacles that had to be overcome. The paper reviews the geology, topography and morphology of the Isthmus and provides a detailed review of the soil investigation campaign and the soil classification of the canal. The engineering aspects of the canal are also reviewed which include geotechnical, marine and port, material, hydraulic and irrigation engineering. The paper also reviews the construction techniques and utilization of dredgers. Although the projects to connect the two seas dates back to 1800 B.C., the beginning of present day construction of the Suez Canal started in 1859, with expansion of the canal still ongoing. The paper reviews today's continuing transportation and irrigation projects for

Keywords