GEOTECHNICAL CLASSIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SOILS IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OYE-EKITI IKOLE CAMPUS

ABSTRACT

This research project investigates the geotechnical characteristics of soils in Federal University Oye Ekiti, lkole campus. In this research project, disturbed soil samples were obtained from five labelled TP 1, TP 2, TP 3, TP 4, TP 5 at different locations and at various intervals along the university and were taken to laboratory for relevant soil engineering tests. The relevant soil tests include; particle size analysis, consistency limits (liquid, plastic, and shrinkage limits), natural moisture contents, specific gravity, compaction test, direct shear test, CBR test. There were provisions for spacing sampling to obtain variation of soil properties. Compaction test showed a maximum dry density range of 1.55kg/m 3 to 1.75kg/m 3 and an optimum moisture content range between 17% and 22.5%. The values of the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of un-soaked soil samples were within the range of 15.5% and 81.7%. Furthermore, the sieve analysis revealed that a substantial percentage of the soil samples passed through the No. 200 BS sieve suggesting the soil consist mostly of silty clayey material, which translates to a fair material rating according to AASHTO design standard (1986) and may require stabilization before a construction is commenced in such areas