Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Geotechnical Characterization Of The Proposed Archibishop Benson Idahosa Memorial Centre Site At Benson Idahosa University, Legacy Campus, Benin City Nigeria
by Kayode-Ojo, N. and Odiase A. E.

Abstract:
Benson Idahosa university Okha campus also known as the legacy campus of the university comprises of sites which have not been fully developed. It became necessary for the geotechnical characteristics of the sites to be done ensuring that the geotechnical data and report generated are properly stored for easy retrieval, processing for the foundation designs of future proposed structures and update. This study is aimed at evaluating the geotechnical characteristics of the proposed site for the construction of Archbishop Idahosa Memorial complex. The samples were collected by method of disturbed sampling by bore-holes using hand auger from the site at varying depths of 0.0m � 1.0m from four locations. Soil tests were carried out on the soil sample in its natural state which are natural moisture content, specific gravity, sieve analysis, atterberg limit, compaction, California Bearing Ratio CBR and Triaxial tests. The Bearing Capacity of the soil were also calculated analytically. From the sieve analysis the percentage passing sieve size 1.18m ranges from 97.8% to 98.5%, that passing sieve 0.425mm ranges from 64.8% to 70.7% and that passing sieve 0.075mm ranges from 28.6% to 31.2%. The liquid limits ranges from 25.48% to 38.75%, the plastic limit ranges from 11.61% to 15.56% and the plasticity index from 9.92 to 26.11%. The Maximum Dry Density ranges from 1.74g/cm3 to 1.75g/cm3 while the Optimum Moisture Content ranges from 12.6% to 13.7%. The values of Angle of Internal friction obtained ranges from 3.56� to 13.7� while the value of cohesion ranges from 26.0kN/m2 to 51.0 kN/m2. The soaked CBR result ranges from 13% to 26% while that for the unsoaked ranges from 19% to 32%. This indicate that the samples are finely graded soils of medium plasticity suitable for a shallow foundations and fall within the sub -base structural component and Sub grade/foundation soil.

Keywords: California Bearing Ratio, Triaxial Tests, Bearing Capacity, Shallow Foundations, Sub Grade

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