Abstract
2D electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) and vertical electrical sounding (VES) were integrated to map the subsurface lithology at a pre-engineering construction site in Akure, southwestern Nigeria, in order to ascertain the competence and suitability of the site for engineering structures. Four 2D horizontal profiling (Wenner array) was used to qualitatively study and interprete the geoinformation of the lithological nature of each geoelectric layer within the study site. Four vertical electrical sounding were also conducted using Schlunberger configuration. The VES data were processed and inverted using master curves and WinResist computer software, while the 2D inversion was done using Diprowin. The results of the 2D horizontal profiling revealed that the study area is composed of four subsurface geo-electric layers with resistivities ranging between 6.91Ωm to 93.6Ωm. These results revealed an expansive clay formation to the depth probed. While the VES results showed a three subsurface geo-electric layers with resistivities ranging between 8.4Ωm to 640Ωm with the second layers where the foundation is supposed to be laid confirmed the presence of clay with resistivities ranging between 8.4Ωm to 13.0Ωm with depth ranging between 4.9m to 7.9m. The results revealed the site to be an expansive clay formation and showed that shallow foundation may not be feasible or advisable for massive engineering structures because of the presence of clay materials in the area. But small or light engineering structures may be recommended.
Highlights
As a result urbanization, recent settlement and expected influx of people into Akure, buildings are springing up in areas which are normally not considered for development are been developed
To reduce the menace of building collapse which usually results in wasted resources and the possible loss of life, pre-foundation studies have been recommended before any structures is laid so that proper foundation design and recommendations can be made for such proposed structure
Engineering design and construction of foundation, especially of buildings, dams, highway routes, and bridges requires a sound knowledge of the subsurface, the need for the builders and engineers to be properly informed on the lithology of the area with a view to advising members of the society the types of engineering structures to be embarked upon
Summary
Recent settlement and expected influx of people into Akure, buildings are springing up in areas which are normally not considered for development are been developed. This is because some soils are very can expand multiple times in volume if they get saturated and International Journal of Environmental Monitoring and Analysis 2020; 8(2): 33-44 when there is loss of water in them, they shrink in volume This expansion and shrinkages of clayey soils cause foundation cracks on buildings shortly after they are built in the process of their settlement. Since every engineering structure is seated on geological earth materials [11,12,13], it is important to conduct pre-construction investigation or study of the subsurface of the proposed site in order to ascertain the strength and fitness of the host earth materials This pre-foundation study has become necessary so as to prevent loss of valuable lives and properties that always accompany such failures.
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