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Research Journal of Earth and Planetary Studies Vol 1.(2) pp.023 – 032 December 2011
Available online http://www.globalresearchjournals.org/?a=journal&id=rjeps
Copyright ©2010 Global Research Journals
Full Length Research Paper
ENGINEERING PROPERTIES AND USES OF SOILS DERIVED FROM MAASTRITCHTIAN MAMU FORMATION
(A CASE STUDY OF OKIGWE AREA, SE NIGERIA)
BY
ONUNKWO – A, A, UZOIJE, A. P AND EGWUONWU, N.C.
Department of Geology Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.
Corresponding author’s E-mail: patuzong@yahoo.com.hk
Accepted 28th July 2011.
| Abstract |
Soils derived from Mamu Formation within Okigwe area of Southeastern sedimentary basin of Nigeria have been studied in order to determine their engineering properties and applications. The properties examined include natural moisture content, atterberg limits, porosity and permeability, grain size distribution, compaction test, shear strength and consolidation settlement . A total of six (6) soil samples were collected by stratified random sampling techniques within the study area underlain by Mamu Formation. Soil collection and laboratory analysis were performed in accordance with ASTM, 88 and ASTM D 438-98(2000) standards. The result shows that the soil is silty clay and well graded. The clay content is in the range of inactive clays. The relative permeability of the soil is 1.7 x 10-2 cm/s, optimum moisture content and maximum dry density are 14.9% and 1.99g/m3, coefficient of volume consolidation (CV) is 10.308mm2/min at a load pressure of 20.4kpa. Cohesion value is 18KN/m2 while the shear strength is 135.2KN/m3. These findings indicate that the soil condition is ideal for waste disposal. The soil content indicates a stable clay environment. Buildings set up in this zone is not likely to develop cracks.
Key words: Soil, Mamu Formation, Sedimentary basin, Engineering properties, Anambra-Imo, SE Nigeria.