Characterization of Geotechnical Behaviour of Soil Aggregates around Lafia Area, North-Central Nigeria (original) (raw)
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Nigerian Minig and Geosciences Society , 2020
Engineering soil properties are important for the smooth performance of soil materials, hence, the characterization of soil aggregates from Lafia area as baseline for future investigation as status of engineering materials from middle Benue Trough (Lafia Formation) is barely known. Eleven (11) soil samples were collected from Lafia area, prepared and subjected to geotechnical studies; gradational analysis, Atterberg limits (Liquid Limit, LL; Plastic Limit, PL; and Plasticity Index, PI), Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) and Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and unsoaked California Bearing Ratio (CBR). Analyses and interpretation of results revealed medium-coarse grained sand, poorly graded, with percentage sand and gravel varying from 19 % to 50 % and 45 to 81 %, respectively. Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) classified these soils as inorganic clayey gravel (GC), silty clayey gravel (GC-GM) of low plasticity, while a sample (LAF-5) is organic silty gravel (GM) of intermediate to high plasticity. Based on the American Association of State Highway and Transport Officials (AASHTO) classification, all the soil samples classifies as A-2 soils. LL varies from 11.80 % to 51.90 % (average = 26.86 %), PL varies from 12.90 % to 37.70 % (average = 24.25 %) and PI varies from 5.10 % to 41.00 % (average = 11.77 %). Relatively, low LL and PI suggest the presence of kaolinite as dominant clay mineral as the moderate LL may be due to the high GM fraction in the Kadarko 3 3 area. OMC and MDD range from 8.10 % to 14.20 % (average = 11.45 %) and 1.80 g /m to 2.10 g/m (average = 1.97 3 g/m) respectively while the CBR varies from 11.00 % to 81.70 % (average = 49.57 %). This work suggest the soils possess high shear strength and will experience less compressibility on moisture influx while conforming to materials characteristics of coarse grained soils.
Geotechnical Properties of Clay Soilsin Uyo Town, Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria.
IOSR Journals , 2019
This study investigates, the geotechnical and mineralogical properties of clay soils in Uyo town, for construction purposes. On the basis of the field and laboratory investigations, the general subsurface profile of Uyo town consists of silty clays from 0-3m, sandy clays (3-15m) and sand from 10-20m.The silty clays are firm with a low to intermediate plasticity and high cohesion values, while the sandy clays, are also of low to intermediate plasticity, with high consolidation and cohesion values, that are expected to yield relatively higher shear strength than the silty clays. X-raydifraction analysis of the clays reveal the presence of kaolinite, quartz and trace amounts of goethite in the silty clays. Analysis of the foundation potentials using CPT results show that the silty clays have low potentials while the underlying sandy clay horizon may be suitable for small and medium civil engineering structures.
Variability in the Geotechnical properties of some residual clay soils from southwestern Nigeria
Some residual clay soils from southwestern Nigeria have been investigated with a view to elucidating their geotechnical properties and determine the possible variations in these properties in relation to the sampling distance. Eight bulk residual soil samples from two test pits separated 30m apart at intervals of 0.5m up to a depth of 2.0m were analyzed in the laboratory to determine specific gravity, grain size distribution, consistency limits, linear shrinkage, unconfined compressive strength and compaction characteristics. The data generated were subsequently subjected to statistical analysis. The investigations revealed that the soils are generally well graded, inorganic, with medium to high plasticity and hence compressibility and are of the same geologic origin. Statistical T-test showed no significant difference exists between the soils in terms of specific gravity, liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, linear shrinkage, % clay size fraction, amount of fines, unconfined compressive strength and optimum moisture content. However the maximum dry density of the soils from both pits differed significantly. Although most of the parameters examined are not as varied and showed insignificant difference, the equations generated provide an option in the estimation of properties considering the close sampling distance.
This article deals with the determination of the physical and chemical characteristics of the lands of eight (8) quarries in Niger; seven (7) of these quarries are located in the region of Diffa and the eighth in the region of Niamey. The properties studied are: particle size, water content, compressive strength and water permeability. We have also carried out a study of the stabilization and the CBR in the particular case of the land of Saga. The compressive strengths obtained for the lands of Diffa region vary between 8.4 and 25 bar. The compressive strength of the earth of Saga in the region of Niamey is estimated at 57 bar. At the end of the stabilization of the land of Saga, the mechanical strength of bricks made by this land have grown strongly. The binders used are: peanut hull, sheep's wool, rice straw, glume and cow dung. The greatest resistance was obtained with the 1% cow dung mixture. Using a 12% cement ratio, the CBRs at 56.25 and 15 counts gave respective indices 40.33 and 26.6. These results show the possibility of using this stabilized soil in place of laterite or gravel for basecoats and basements of homes or for embankments of roads. We have also studied the effect of stabilizers on the permeability of this earth. Experimentation shows that this land is a water resistant. This resistance was reinforced by the presence of binders and the use of the compression press which allowed its compaction. In the natural state, the permeability of the land of Saga is 1.8 m/s. Measurements of this same permeability were made by mixing this soil, in turn with cement, rice straw, cow dung, hay and peanut hull at various percentages to determine the optimum mechanical resistance. The results obtained for the permeability range between 1.03 m/s and 2.4 m/s.
Nigerian Mining Journal, 9(1), 7-17., 2011
The geotechnical properties of Lateritic soils from part of Jos and environs have been investigated covering 78km2 within latitudes 80 50` to 80 56` N and Longitude 90 50`to 09 0 54`E, central Nigeria; with a view to assessing the suitability of the soils for construction and other engineering applications. Representative samples were collected from twenty locations within the study area and subjected to series of laboratory geotechnical analyses such as the grain size analysis, Atterberg limits, Liquid/Plastic Limit tests, Plasticity Index, Linear Shrinkage Tests, Compaction and shear Strength tests in Accordance with procedures of the British standard (BS)1377 with necessary modifications. Geotechnical results obtained revealed that the liquid limit ranging from 30.3 – 61.7 % and plastic limit ranged from 22.5% - 40.6%. The plasticity index was found to be between 7.8% and 21.7% and linear shrinkage values ranged between 5.7 and 11.4 indicating low – medium swelling potential with some indication of expansiveness by some of the samples. Based on the Unified Soils Classification System (USCS), the soils of the study area can therefore be poor, fair or good materials. Based on compaction characteristics the soils can be considered poor to fair and therefore suitable for construction of embankments. Some of the soils will require some form of improvement in order to be suitable for highway construction and other applications. From the established coefficients and angles of friction of soils derived from the Morh’s circle of the study areas, the various bearing capacities of soils can also be determined for civil and construction purposes.
This study evaluates the index and engineering properties of soils in Otukpa Area of Benue State towards ascertaining their suitability for use as fill and embankment, sub-base and base course material. Otukpa in Benue state Nigeria has vast reserve of sand and other aggregate materials that are presently been mined for various construction purposes. The area holds good potential for human population explosion in the near future. When massive infrastructural development commences, localized sourcing of materials would be necessary. Unfortunately, not much is known of the geotechnical properties of the sands in this area. Index and engineering test was conducted to achieve the aim. Gravel size particles are completely absent. Permeability of soil ranged from 7.8×10 -6 to 3.36×10 -4 m/sec with moisture content of 11.38 to 14.16%. Specific gravity was between 2.63 to 2.67g/cm 3 . UCS range from 31-45Kpa while LL and PL ranged between 27-35% and 10-18% respectively. MDD peak value was 1.85(g/cm 3 ) at an OMC of 12.11% and lowest at 1.67(g/cm 3 ) at an OMC of 11.99. The geotechnical implication of the observed properties range from susceptibility to marginal volume change, differential settlement to low shearing resistance. These materials are quality reserves for fill, embankment and sub-base construction but not for bases.
Some residual clay soils from southwestern Nigeria have been investigated with a view to elucidating their geotechnical properties and determine the possible variations in these properties in relation to the sampling distance. Eight bulk residual soil samples from two test pits separated 30m apart at intervals of 0.5m up to a depth of 2.0m were analyzed in the laboratory to determine specific gravity, grain size distribution, consistency limits, linear shrinkage, unconfined compressive strength and compaction characteristics. The data generated were subsequently subjected to statistical analysis. The investigations revealed that the soils are generally well graded, inorganic, with medium to high plasticity and hence compressibility and are of the same geologic origin. Statistical T-test showed no significant difference exists between the soils in terms of specific gravity, liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, linear shrinkage, % clay size fraction, amount of fines, unconfined compressive strength and optimum moisture content. However the maximum dry density of the soils from both pits differed significantly. Although most of the parameters examined are not as varied and showed insignificant difference, the equations generated provide an option in the estimation of properties considering the close sampling distance.
African Journal of Environmental Research , 2018
Water is vital to life, ensures human survival and societal development. Its overdraft and harnessing can affect the environment adversely. This study evaluates the water resources and geotechnical properties of soils in Uga area, southeastern Nigeria. The study area lies in the rainforest zone where rainfall is extreme and thus boasts of high water resources potential. Comprehensive data are lacking for effective water planning purposes. This research work contributes to existing data on the water resources potentials of Uga and environs. Surface waters (Obiada River and Agwura Stream), springs (Nwagene, Obizi and Ogbei Springs) abound in the area. Nanka Sands which is a prolific waterbearing unit defines the underlying geology of the area. Flow rates of surface waters are high due to annual precipitation of 2500mm a year. Springs are clear. Nwangene Spring has a flow rate of 0.39 m/sec while Obizi spring has a flow rate of 0.04 m/sec. Borehole depth at Nanka and Oko is 380 meters and 314 meters respectively while static water level is 42 meters and 69 meters respectively. Huge sand deposits abound in the area. This research work highlighted the geotechnical properties of soils from the area. Cobble, pebble and gravel sized grains are absent. CBR values ranged from 30% to 35%. Highest MDD gave a value of 1-824gcm-3 with an OMC of 11%. The lowest MDD recorded a value of 1.622gcm-3 with an OMC of 8%. LI test conducted on one of the samples yielded a value of 16%. PL and PI tests gave zero values for all the samples. The geotechnical results implied that soils from the area are excellent to good reserves for sub-grade and sub-base materials respectively.
Applied Clay Science, 2017
The purpose of this study is to investigate and relate the geotechnical parameters with the mineralogical properties of the Miocene and Plio-Quaternary (Pliocene to Quaternary) lacustrine and fluvial sediments, particularly clayey soils in the Orta County, Çankırı. The study area is located about 110 km northeast of Ankara which is the capital city of the Republic of Turkey and Orta is a small county of Çankırı. The study area is a structural depression in the northern part of the Orta plain which is filled by fault-controlled continental sedimentation. In order to correlate the geotechnical and mineralogical characteristics and to establish a relation between these properties, comprehensive geotechnical laboratory studies have been performed. For correlation purposes, disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from twenty-two locations of the study area. On these samples, mineralogical (i.e., methylene blue absorption, specific surface area determination, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDAX)) analysis and geotechnical (i.e., sieve analysis, hydrometer, Atterberg (consistency) limits, oedometer and swelling) tests were implemented. By the aid of the statistical analysis, cross-correlation of the soil properties was established by the regression analyses performed. In particular, the plasticity index was correlated with cation exchange capacity, specific surface area, clay content, percent of fines, smectite and smectite/kaolinite ratio (SKR). There was a direct relationship between PI and smectite percentage as well as between PI and SKR. Additionally, the liquid limit was correlated with the clay content and the effect of the specific surface area on the swelling characteristics was studied. The effects of the mineralogical properties of the Orta clays together with the geological history on geotechnical parameters were investigated by considering the relationships mentioned. The results of the study revealed that the mineralogical characteristics had a significant effect on the geotechnical behavior of clayey soils of the Orta County which was demonstrated by regression analyses. Finally it was identified that the geotechnical properties of clayey soils can be approximated and more reliably determined if the mineralogical character and composition of clay is accurately investigated and well developed.
Engineering properties of the Soils around Aba, South East Nigeria
Engineering properties of the soils around Aba and its environs were investigated. Fifty four (54) bulk samples were taken from test pits dug to a minimum depth of 1.5 metres for Atterberg Limits Test, Grain Size Distribution analysis, Compaction, and California Bearing Ratio determination. Twelve (12) shell and auger boreholes were drilled to 10m using the Pilcon Wayfarer 1500 percussion rig and undisturbed samples were collected in Shelby tubes at selected intervals of 1.5 metre for Triaxial Compression Test, Consolidation test and Grain Size Distribution analysis. Twelve (12) Dutch Cone Penetrometer Sounding Tests were carried out at 10 metres depth or to refusal. The resistance of the soil was measured by means of a dial gauge attachment to the penetrometer machine. The soils classify as very fine sands, silty to clayey fine sands, or clayey silts with slight plasticity (ML), and gravelly clays, sandy and silty clays (CL) according to the Unified Soils Classification scheme (USC). Their bulk density ranged from 1.95Mg/m3 to 2.19 Mg/m3 and Natural Moisture Content varied from 12% to 21%. Cohesion values ranged from 28kN/m2 to 60kN/m2. The Maximum Dry Density (MDD) ranged between 1.09Mg/m3 to 2.17Mg/m3 while the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) ranges from 9.5% to 19.8%. California Bearing Ratio (CBR) soaked ranged from 5.1% to 11.2% while unsoaked CBR ranged from 7.6% to 18.9%. For design of strip/square footing 1.5metres wide founded at 1.5metres depth, the average allowable bearing capacity of the soils is 25kN/m2 from cone, while the sleeve gives 50kN/m2, allowing maximum differential settlement of 25mm (1 inch), using a factor of safety of 3. For the same footing, under same conditions, the average allowable bearing capacity from SPT was 125 kN/m2 while 279kN/m2 was computed from the Undrained Triaxial Compression Test. Therefore, it is recommended that the Dutch Cone Penetration Test average bearing capacity of 25kN/m2 be used for design. Generally, the soils around Aba are compressible, friable, very loose, to loose, and are suitable as embankment material for road pavements. They are however, unsuited for use in construction of water reservoirs like earth dams and leeves due to their moderate permeability characteristics. They are excavatable in stripping operations.