Geoelectrical and Geotechnical Characterization of Different Types of Soil in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Geoelectrical and geotechnical investigations were carried out to characterize soils from different locations in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria for engineering purposes. Wenner electrode configuration technique was deployed in carrying out the geoelectrical survey of about 40m for each profile. The data analysis was approached by plotting the apparent conductivity against electrode spacing (s) and the result was interpreted.  The geoelectrical resistivity survey revealed locations 1 and 2 with resistivity values of 25.01-419.22ohm-m (conductivity 0.002 - 0.194 (ohm-m)-1and 5.5-1246.57 ohm-m (conductivity = 0.0002 - 0.001 (ohm-m)-1) respectively could be classified as clay. Sample 3 recorded a resistivity value of 1.00- 22,787.39 ohm-m (conductivity= 0.00004- 1.00 (ohm-m)-1) thus, was classified as silt/sand respectively. Soil  from the said different locations in Ede, Nigeria, were tested in the Laboratory for certain properties like Atterberg limits, specific gravities, sieve analysis, compaction test, etc and the results showed that samples 1, 2 and 3 have specific gravity values of 2.50, 2.13 and 2.40 respectively and could therefore be referred to as organic soil. Samples 1, 2 and 3 have maximum dry density (MDD) of 1.45g/cm3­, 1.92g/cm3, 1.95g/cm3 and optimum moisture content (OMC) of 15.40%, 13.36% and 9.61% respectively. The analysis conducted in this study revealed that the soil type found in Ede, Nigeria could be classified as silt-clay, sandy clay, clay and sand.Keywords- Electrical conductivity, Characterization, Compaction, Plasticity, Wenner array.