Project Abstract

Geotechnical Properties of Some Lateritic Soils in Osun State (A Case Study of Ifelodun and Boripe L.G.A) Abstract
Lateritic soils are common in tropical regions, and their geotechnical properties play a crucial role in construction projects. This study aimed to investigate the geotechnical properties of lateritic soils in Ifelodun and Boripe Local Government Areas (L.G.A) of Osun State, Nigeria. The research involved field and laboratory analyses to determine the engineering characteristics of the soils in the study area. In this study, soil samples were collected from different locations within Ifelodun and Boripe L.G.A. The samples were subjected to various laboratory tests, including particle size analysis, Atterberg limits, compaction tests, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests. The field investigations involved soil classification and assessment of in-situ moisture content. The results of the laboratory tests revealed that the lateritic soils in Ifelodun and Boripe L.G.A exhibited characteristics typical of tropical lateritic soils. The soils were found to be predominantly sandy loam with varying percentages of silt and clay. The Atterberg limits indicated that the soils were generally well-graded with moderate to high plasticity indices. The compaction tests showed that the soils had optimal moisture contents within a reasonable range of dry unit weights. Furthermore, the California Bearing Ratio tests indicated that the lateritic soils in the study area had varying strengths, with some locations exhibiting higher CBR values than others. These results are essential for assessing the load-bearing capacity of the soils for construction purposes. The findings of this study provide valuable information on the geotechnical properties of lateritic soils in Ifelodun and Boripe L.G.A of Osun State. Engineers and construction professionals can use this data to make informed decisions regarding foundation design, pavement construction, and other geotechnical projects in the region. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of conducting site-specific investigations to understand the unique characteristics of the soils in a particular area. Overall, this research contributes to the body of knowledge on the geotechnical properties of lateritic soils in Osun State, Nigeria, and emphasizes the significance of considering local soil conditions in engineering projects to ensure their success and sustainability.

Project Overview

1.0 INTRODUCTIONThe study of geotechnical properties of lateritic soil in Osun State is our main focus and objective, the lateritic soil materials that were investigated was taken in six different locations as follows:1. Ikirun to Osogbo road2. Ikirun to Iree road3. Ikirun to Ada road.The investigation helps to describe the sub-surface condition along the three locations and it provide an indication of the availability of materials suitable for pavement structure construction. The geotechnical properties of lateritic soil is important for an highway engineer to enable him to identify and classify the soil, measure its strength, evaluate its drainage properties and help in processing the soil as a highway material. Lateritic soil in the engineering field refers to all unconsolidated material in the earth crust i.e. all materials above bedrock.A soil sample contains:i. Mineral and organic particles.ii. Wateriii. Air The relative amounts of these three phases are indications of the soils properties and conditions. Lateritic soil is found in most area of Nigeria and constitutes the main construction material for roads, bridges, dams and residential and industrial building. The soil testing and quality control of material are designed and performed to ensure adequate quality of constitution as the construction project is being executed. However, this involves laboratory and in-situ testing of materials and preparation and analysis of test results to ensure that works are performed strictly in accordance with the specification requirement. This project work therefore deals with all the laboratory tests which could be used to analyze the lateritic soil geotechnical properties.1.1 AIMS OF STUDIESThe aim of this project work is to determine the geotechnical properties of the lateritic soil used for the construction of road in Osun State.1.2 OBJECTIVES OF STUDIES1. To determine the suitability of the modified soil on civil engineering project.2. To determine some physical properties of the lateritic soil for road construction in any civil engineering project.3. To improve the strength of the soil in case of poor soil quality. LATERITIC SOILS1.3 SCOPE OF THE PROJECT WORKThe scope of the project work formed to Osun State using Boripe and Ifelodun Local Government as a case studies. Two samples were take from each of three different locations namely, Ikirun to Osogbo road, Ikirun to Iree road, Ikirun to Ada road.1.4 LIMITATION OF THE WORKThe following problems were encountered: First problem of transportation from one sample location to the other. Another problem encountered was non-stability of electricity at the soil laboratory where carrying out the test.