ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF SOILS DEVELOPED OVER ENUGU SHALE: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND DURABILITY

Abstract

Assessment of engineering properties of soils developed over Enugu Shale for their sustainability, durability and workability for engineering construction is highly needed in this time of massive infrastructural development in Enugu and environs. Proper characterization will assist developers and policymakers to obtain the desired and sustainable engineering development in the study area. Thirty soil samples were collected from varying depth ranging from 0.5m to 1.0m. The collected soil samples were sent to laboratory to ascertain their engineering properties such as consolidation, permeability and shear strength. The consolidation test was determined through oedemeter test. Through the test, we obtained the values of compression index (Cc), coefficient of volume change (Mv) and coefficient of consolidation (Cv) which range from 0 – 0.25, 0 – 1.19m2/MN and 0 – 3.56m²/yr respectively. The coefficient of permeability ranges from 1.52 – 331.13m/yr. The shear strength parameters of cohesion and internal friction range from 1.42 – 38.08KN/m² and 3.10 – 14.850 respectively. The results show that the study area is dominated with medium coefficient of volume change and the soils are poorly drained. The study area has good cohesion but low angle of internal friction and low to medium undrained compressive strength especially in the eastern part. These results imply that special foundation would be needed in the eastern part of the study area for the sustainability and durability of engineering structures in the area.