Expansive soils: the silent hazard in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Chemical data show that the soils in the affected areas are rich in illite (20-35)%; montmorillonite (60-75)% and kaolinite (45-73)%. The expansive clays cause the soils to shrink and swell alternatively in response to seasonal supply of moisture resulting in the observed damaging features. Plasticity index (PI) determination on these soils are high (>13.4%), indicating that the soils are potentially hazardous. The attendant hazards and huge losses to the State are blamed on the expansive nature of these soils. -from Author