The geochemistry and geotechnical (compaction) analysis of lateritic soils: A case study of Okpanam area.

Enaworu, E. and Ugbe, F.C and Rotimi, Oluwatosin J. (2016) The geochemistry and geotechnical (compaction) analysis of lateritic soils: A case study of Okpanam area. AshEse Journal of Engineering, 2 (3). 075-082. ISSN 2397-0677

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Abstract

The major elements of geochemistry and compaction characteristics of lateritic soils in Okpanam area, located in the Anambra Basin were investigated. This was with a view to determine the silica sesquioxide ratio and assess the suitability of the lateritic soils as a highway sub-base and sub-grade materials. Bulk samples of soil were collected from two separate horizons – A and B at depths of 1.38m and 3.39m in a burrow pit. The major elements geochemical analysis was carried out by means of Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The geotechnical analysis – compaction, was executed by following the modified AASHTO test (T-180). The amount of total irons in terms of iron III oxide ranged from 6.07% - 7.22%. Silica – sesquioxide of iron and aluminium molar ratios were between 1.9 and 1.96. Compaction characteristics values for this area varied with sampling depth, with an average Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) range of 11.10% to 9.30% and an average Maximum Dry Density (MDD) range of 2.00g/cm3 to 2.06g/cm3. With these values, the soils can be compacted at specific optimum moisture contents in order to ensureclose packing of the soil particles under compaction energy, thus ensuring their subsequent use as sub-base and sub-grade highway construction materials.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	Q Science > QE Geology
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics > School of Engineering Sciences
Depositing User:	Mr. Efeoghene Enaworu
Date Deposited:	30 Aug 2016 11:16
Last Modified:	15 Nov 2017 11:37
URI:	http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/6995

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