Assessment of Geotechnical Attributes of Laterites as Sub-base and Sub-Grade Materials in Parts of Northern Anambra Basin Nigeria: Implications for Road Pavement Construction
Keywords:
Anabra basin, Geotechnical attributes, laterites, sub-grade materials, Atterberg limitAbstract
Communication in Physical Sciences, 2024, 11(3): 536 -547
Authors: Esharive Ogaga*, Onimisi Martins, Abdulateef Onimisi Jimoh, Akudo Ernest Orji, Aigbadon Godwin Okumagbe and Achegbulu Ojonimi Emmanuel
Received: 04 February 2024/Accepted: 14 June 2024
The suitability of quality sub-base and sub-grade material is crucial for the durability of roads, which in turn drives economic development. Therefore, in this study, we investigates the causes of road pavement failures in the Anyigba region, Nigeria, focusing on the geotechnical and geomorphological characteristics of laterite. The research area, located between 07°21’0” to 07°37’30”N and 07°20’0” to 07°33’0”E, is characterized by fluctuating climatic conditions and varying geomorphological features. Geotechnical sampling and rigorous laboratory analysis were conducted on laterite samples from various locations along the Ajaokuta–Anyigba and Akpa–Anyigba–Dekina roads. Key tests included moisture content, grain size distribution, Atterberg limits, compaction, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR).Results indicated that the laterite samples had moisture contents ranging from 11.4% to 15.9%, and grain size analysis showed sand content between 91.3% and 99.7%, with fines ranging from 0.3% to 8.7%. The Atterberg limits revealed liquid limits between 21.2% and 39.6%, plastic limits between 16.4% and 32.6%, and plasticity indices between 2.5% and 7.9%. Compaction tests showed Maximum Dry Density (MDD) values between 1964 kg/m³ and 2101 kg/m³, and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) values between 10.7% and 12.4%. CBR tests indicated values from 26% to 66% for unsoaked materials and 13% to 61% for soaked materials. These findings suggest that the laterite in the study area possesses low moisture content and favorable grain size distribution for road construction, with low plasticity and moderate shrinkage resistance. The high MDD and suitable OMC values confirm the material's suitability for sub-base and subgrade applications. CBR values support the adequacy of laterite as a subgrade and sub-base material. This comprehensive analysis highlights the importance of pre-engineering investigations to prevent road failures and contributes to sustainable infrastructure development in the region
Downloads
References
AASHTO (1993). Standard specification for transportation materials and methods of sampling and testing, 14th edn. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington, DC
AASHTO (1986).. Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing, American Association of State highway and Officials, 14.
Abija, F. A. (2023). Ground variation, geotechnical uncertainties and reliability of foundation design for sustainable building infrastructures with case histories. Journal of Material Sciences and Engineering Technology, 1, 1, pp.1-11.
Abija, F. A., Nwosu, J. I., Ifedotun, A. I. & Osadebe, C. C. (2019), “Landslide susceptibility assessment of Calabar, Nigeria using geotechnical, remote sensing and multicriteria decision analysis: implications for urban planning and development”, SDRP Journal of Earth Sciences & Environmental Studies, 4, 6, pp. 774-788.
Adekunle, E. K., (2024). Geotechnical appraisal of failed sections of some highway pavements in parts of Northcentral Nigeria, World Journal of Engineering, doi:10.1108/WJE-08-2023-0288
Aderemi, F. L. & Adeola, R. O. (2021). Geophysical investigation of causes of road failure along Abadina community road, University of Ibadan, Nigeria”, Journal of Research in Environmental and Earth Sciences, Vol. 7No.1, pp.1-5.
Adeyemi, G. O. (2002) Geotechnical properties of lateritic soil developed over quartz schist in Ishara Area Southwestern Nigeria. J. Min. Geol., 38, 1, pp. 65–69
Adeyemi, G. O. (1995). The influence of parent rock factor on some engineering index properties of three residual lateritic soils in southwestern Nigeria. Bull Eng Geol Environ 52:3–8
Adeyemi, G. O. (2013). Engineering geology: The Big Heart for structures and their environment. An Inaugural Lecture 2012/2013 University of Ibadan 21 February, 2013. Ibadan University Press, Publishing House University of Ibadan, Ibadan, p 91
Adiat, K .A. N., Akinlalu, A. A. & Adegoroye, A.A. (2017). Evaluation of road failure vulnerability section through integrated geophysical and geotechnical studies. NRIAG Journal ofAstronomy and Geophysics, 6, 1, pp. 244-255
Aghamelu, O. P. (2022). Impact analysis on weathering of pyroclastic aggregates from Abakaliki area (Nigeria) using index properties and multivariate approach”, Modeling Earth Systems and Environment, 9, 2, pp. 2101-2124, doi: 10.1007/s40808-022-01613-1
Akintola, O. O., Bodede, I. A. & Ariyo, S. O. (2014). Geotechnical evaluation of a location as landfill site near Ilupeju Southwestern Nigeria. Proceedings of fourth international Conference of Nigeria Association of Engineering Geology and the Environment (NAEGE), Abuja, Nigeria, October 2019, 16, 1, pp. pp.1-15.
Akpah, F.A. Onimisi, M. Lekdukun, M. O. (2009). Geotechnical investigation of soils around parts of Ajaokuta Kogi State Nigeria. Global Journal of Geological Sciences, 7, 2, pp. 131 – 142
Akudo, E. O., Musa, K. O., Akpah, F.A., Ahmed, J. B. II., Idowu, S. & Shaibu, M. (2023), Geophysical and geotechnical investigations of failed sections of road pavements in parts of northcentral Nigeria. Communication in Physical Sciences, 9, 3, pp. 256-268.
Akudo, E. O., Oguche, I., Aigbadon, G. &Ozulu, G. (2022), “Geo-engineering properties of subsurface soils in parts of northcentral Nigeria: implications for construction of road pavements. Journal of Geotechnical Geology, 18, 1, pp. 633-641, doi: 10.30495/geotech.2022.691246
ASTM D4318 (2020). Standard test method for laboratory determination of Atterberg limit of soils. ASTMInternational, West Conshohocken, PA.
ASTM D698 (2012), Standard test methods for laboratory compaction characteristics of soil using standard effort. ASTM International West Conshohocken.
Atterberg, A. (1911). Uber die physicalische Bodenuntersuchung und uber die plastizitat der tone (On the investigation of the physical properties of soils and on the plasticity of clays). Internationale Mitteilungen fur Bodenkunde, 1, pp. 10-43
Babadiya, E. G. & Igwe, E.O. (2021). A geotechnical investigation on the failure of road pavements in Abakaliki, Southeastern Nigeria. J Miner Geol, 57, 1, pp. 177-191.
BSI 1377 (1990). Methods of testing soils for civil engineering purposes. British Standards Institution, London.
Cabalar, A .F., Hassan, D. I. & Abdulnafaa, M. D. (2017). Use of waste ceramic tiles for road pavement subgrade Road Materials and Pavement Design, 18, 4, pp. 882-896. doi: 10.1080/14680629.2016.1194884.
Ehujuo, N., N., Okeke, O. C. .& Akaolisa, C. C. Z. (2017). Geotechnical Properties ofLateritic Soils Derived from Various Geologic Formations in Okigwe Area, Southeastern Nigeria. Futo Journal Series, 3, 2, pp- 178 - 189
Emesiobi, F.C. 2000. Testing and quality control of materials in civil and highway Engineering. ISBN 078-2009-36-16 Pp 5-7
Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMWH). 1997, General specification roads and bridges: A revised edition, vol. II, Abuja: Federal Ministry of Works.
Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (2010). General Specification for Roads and Bridges. Federal Highway Department (FMWH), Lagos, Nigeria, II: 317.
Folowo, O. O., Olabisi W. K. & Olaifa G. E. (2020). Geochemical and Geotechnical Appraisal of the Regolith along Ado-Ilawe Road, Ekiti State, Nigeria for Engineering Construction International Journal of Advance Scientific Research and Engineering Trends, Volume 2, (11), pp 276-284, ISSN (Online) 2456-0774
Kowalczyk, S., Zawrzykraj, P. & Maslakowski, M. (2017). Application of the electrical resistivity method in assessing soil for the foundation of bridge structures: a case study from the warsaw environs. Acta Geodynamica et Geomaterialia, 14, 2, pp. 221-234.
Maduka, R.I., Igwe, O., Ayogu, N. O., Ayogu, C. N. & Nwachukwu, M. (2017). Geotechical assessment of road failure and slope monitoring along Nsukka-Adoru-Idah highway Southeastern Nigeria. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 189, 1, 1-18.
O’Flaherty, C.A. (1988). Highway Engineering, 2, Edward Amold Publishers London UK.
Obasaju, D.O., Oloruntola, M., Oladele, S., Ojekunle, V. & Baiyegunhi, C. (2022). Subgrade soil evaluation using integrated seismic refraction tomography and geotechnical studies: a case of Ajaokuta-Anyigba federal highway, North-Central Nigeria. NRIAG Journal of Astronomy and Geophysics, 11, 1, pp. 293-305, doi : 10.1080/20909977.2022.2 -094530.
Ojo, G. P., Igbokwe, U. G., Nwozor, K. K. & Egbuachor, C .J. (2016). Geotechnical properties of lateritic overburden materials on the charnockite and gneiss complexes in Ipele-Owo area, Southwestern Nigeria. American Journal of Engineering Research (AJER), 5, 9,, pp. 53-59.
Olabode, O. O., Oluwaseun F. O., Imoleayo O. F. (2019). Engineering properties of residual soils in part of Southwestern Nigeria: implication for road foundation A Springer Nature Journal of Applied Science, doi.org/10.1007/s42452-019-0515-3.
Olayanju, G.M., Mogaji, K.A., Lim, H.S. and Ojo, T.S. (2017), “Foundation integrity assessment using integrated geophysical and geotechnical techniques: case study in crystalline basement complex, Southwestern Nigeria. Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, 14, 3, pp. 675-690.
Oluyinka, L. G. & Olubunmi, O. C. (2018). Geotechnical properties of lateritic soil as subgrade and basematerial for road construction Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria. International Journal of Advanced Geosciences, Vol. 6No. 1, pp.78-82.
Omotoso, O.A., 2010, An Investigation into the geotechnical and engineering Properties of some laterites of Eastern Nigeria. Journal of Nigeria Mining Geology and Metallurgical Society, 1, pp. 10-110.
Onimisi, M. (2014). Geological, geochemical and geophysical investigations of Precambrian marble deposit in Itobe area, central Nigeria. PhD Thesis, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria, 244 p. (Unpublished).
Oyelami, C.A., & Alimi S. A. (2015). Geotechnical investigation of some failed sections along osogbo-awo Road, Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Ife Journal of Sciences, 17(1): 87-95
Oyeyemi, K. O., Olofinnade, O. M., Aizebeokhai, A .P., Sanuade, O. A., Oladunjoye, M .A., Ede, A. N., Adagunodo, T. A. & Ayara, W. A. (2020). Geoengineering site characterization for foundation integrity assessment. Cogent Engineering, 7, 1, pp. 1-15.
Souley, B. I., Sani, A., Maïga, A. W. D. & Konate, M. K., (2022). Geotechnical riskassessment and geological origin of building fracturation in Agadez city (North Niger). Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 4, 2, pp.33-44.
Sowers, G. M. & Sowers, G. E. (1970) Introductory soil mechanics and foundations. Macmillan, New York, p 556
Tijani, M. N. & Abija, F. A. (2022). Unethical geotechnical practice, building collapseand failure of infrastructures in Nigeria: a call for separate geotechnical consultant on infrastructural projects. Applied Engineering, 6, pp.39-49.
Tsado, R., Adejumo, T. W., Aguwa, J. & David, B. (2018). Geotechnical analysis of lateritic soil from selected borrow pits in Minna metropolis. Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers 16th International Conference and Annual General Meeting, pp. 130-141.
Vaibhav Mittal, S .M., Samanta, M., Dash, R. K., Falae, P. O. & Kanungo, D. P. (2023), Subsurface explorations and investigation of foundation performance for distress assessment of a building. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, 37. 2, pp. 1-17.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal and Author
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
