Evaluation of Ihiala Laterites for Use as Sub-grade Material in Road Construction
Journal Title: Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International - Year 2017, Vol 12, Issue 3
Abstract
Ten soil samples were collected randomly from Ihiala area at a depth of about 1m using hand auger and shovel for evaluation as a sub-grade material in road construction. These samples were analyzed to determine their chemical and geotechnical properties of pH, natural moisture content, specific gravity, particle size distribution, atterberg limits, Optimum Moisture Content (OMC), Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR). The pH values ranges from 3.77 to 4.87 in samples 1 to 8 and 10. Silica/sesquioxide ratio values ranges from 0.08 to 0.84 in samples 1 to 8 and 1.66 in sample 9. The result of pH, chemical component analysis and silica/sesquioxide ratio analysis confirmed all the samples to be laterite except sample 9. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) soil classification system, classified samples 1 and 7 as under A-6 soil group; samples 2, 5, 8 and 9 fall under A-2-4 group; sample 3 fall under A-7 group; samples 4, 6 and 10 were grouped under A-4. Using the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), sample 3 is classified under SM (Silty Sand) while all other samples are grouped under SC (Clayey Sand). The MDD of the soil samples ranges from 16.6 to 18.8 KN/m3 with their OMC ranging from 10.8 to 16.00%. The CBR of the samples ranges from 2% to 11% which shows that not all can be used for sub-grade. Generally, using the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (NFMWH) specifications, sample 2 is a good sub-grade material; samples 6, 7, 3, 5, 8 and 9 are fair for sub-grade while samples 1, 4, and 10 are not suitable for sub-grade. It is recommended that stabilization techniques should be applied on these samples that are not suitable for sub-grade in order to improve their strength.
Authors and Affiliations
E. I. Okoyeh, E. O. Ejezie, H. N. Ezeh1, H. C. Okeke
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP321485
- DOI 10.9734/JGEESI/2017/34764
- Views 81
- Downloads 0
Kyoto Protocol and the Challenges of Implementation in Nigeria
This review paper focuses on the objectives of the Kyoto Protocol and the challenges of compliance and implementation in Nigeria Historically the Kyoto Protocol is an amendment of the agreement on the United Nations Fram...
A Survey of the Exploitation of Medicinal Plants: Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Taraba State in Perspective
This study appraised the uses of some indigenous medicinal plants in Gashaka Gumti National Park and the methods used in exploiting and processing the plants. Data for the study were collected through field observation,...
Overburden Thickness and Potential Tonnage Estimate of Olode-Gbayo Pegmatite Deposit, Southwestern Nigeria, Using Electrical Resistivity Method
Prominent locations in the Nigerian basement complex are known to harbor precious rocks and gemstones, in addition to the basement rocks being quarried for engineering construction. However, reserve estimates of these ro...
Influence of Amenities in the Functioning of a Coastal Sediment Cell with a Moving Barrier: Case of Benin Coastal Segment between Hillacondji and Djondji in the Township of Grand Popo
The coast of Benin, 125 km long, is part of the overall west African coast, characterized by a narrow strip of coarse and medium sand and by an important coastal transit, which makes it an essentially fragile coastline....
Dimensional Basin Morphometry and Discharge in the Coastal Plains Sands of Ikpa River, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
This article investigates the relationship between discharge and dimensional morphometry in Ikpa River Basin. Five-dimensional morphometric parameters were generated using topographic maps (sheet 322 NE; sheet 322 SE; sh...