Abstract
Geo-Characterisation of Highway Construction Cost Drivers in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Highlights
The Niger Delta is the 9th largest Delta in the world with an area of 19,135 square kilometres
It was stated that modifications of the natural properties of the sub-grade soils may be required. To identify such soils in engineering application, two common classification systems, the AASHTO and the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS), are used for this purpose of classifying soils based on grain size, with standard designations for different soil particle size mixes
The inherent peculiarities of the Niger Delta terrain serve as a strong geologic justification on the need to exploit every avenue for ensuring value for money
Summary
The Niger Delta is the 9th largest Delta in the world with an area of 19,135 square kilometres. Akpokodje [3 & 4]; Oguara [2] and Teme [1], have underscored that the terrain of the Niger delta apparently has cost inducing potentials, which runs negative to the ideal for construction works Subsequent to these earlier studies, several more recent works have being carried out, by mapping out and studying specific areas in the region. Other related studies on the suitability of sub-soils for road infrastructure development include Technical Reports by George and Atuboyedia [15], Fatokun & Bolarinwa [7] and the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) These field work based studies have collectively stressed that the geotechnical difficulties inherent in the Niger Delta call for measures in designs and during construction to ensure an adequate margin against the behaviour of these naturally weak soils. The effort and methods requisite to improve the geotechnical properties of soils, and to attain the standard minimum engineering requirements, has direct and indirect costs which correlates with the poorness of of the subsoils prevalent at the locality
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