Integrated Geophysical and Geotechnical Methods for Pre-Foundation Investigations

Abstract

An integrated geophysical and geotechnical investigation for a proposed building foundation of an industrial plant layout was carried out to determine the competency of the subsoil as foundation materials. Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) and soil analyses techniques were adopted. Two traverses of four Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) points were carried out and 8 Boreholes for Standard Penetration Test (SPT) were drilled. In addition soil samples were taken at 1.5 m and 10 m depths and subjected to various laboratory analyses. Three geoelectric layers were delineated from VES including topsoil, saturated sandy clay soil and limestone. The SPT N value indicates that the relative density of the soils is medium dense to very dense while the result of the geotechnical analyses shows that maximum dry density of the soils range from 1680-1900 kg/m3 and 1600-1850 kg/m3 respectively at 1.5 m and 10 m while the optimum moisture content range from 14-19% and 13-19% respectively at 1.5 m and 10 m. The soils are silty sand with low plasticity depiting low to medium swelling potential. Conclusively, the subsurface on which the foundation of the industrial structures will be located within the study area is safe and fairly competent for any engineering work. Owning to the water lodge nature of the area it is advice that the building should rest on pill between 5 m and 10 m depth.