Application of Electrical Resistivity in Buildings Foundation Investigation in Ibese Southwestern Nigeria

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-102
Author(s):  
Falae Philips Omowumi

Application of geophysical investigation has been carried out using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) at the proposed building site in Ibese Southwest Nigeria to determine the geophysical parameters that can be used to evaluate the structural competence of the subsurface geological characteristics of the site for construction purposes and building development. The Schlumberger configuration was used for the data acquisition. One-dimensional numerical inversion of individual DC resistivity was used to enhance the processing of the results for better achievement of the aim of the study. Models obtained from the 2D inversion of each VES were used for construction of geo-electric sections which exhibit the main geo-electric characteristics of the geological units present in the area. The interpretation results showed that the geo-electric sections consist of three-four layers namely: topsoil, pebble clay, limestone and sand/limestone. The layer resistivities and thicknesses range from 11 - 404 Ohm-m/0.4 - 1.5 m, 2-210 Ohm-m/ 0.8 - 9.2m and 33 - 160Ohm-m respectively. The investigation revealed that the sand/limestone litho unit is to be the most competent for shallow foundation for small to medium engineering structures.  

Author(s):  
Ilugbo Stephen Olubusola ◽  
Adebo A. Babatunde ◽  
Ajayi Oluwasayo Adegbola ◽  
Adewumi Olufemi Olaoluwa ◽  
Edunjobi Hazeez Owolabi

Geophysical and geotechnical studies were carried out at a proposed location for the construction of a multi-storey structure in Akure, Southwestern, Nigeria. The aim was to ascertain the suitability of this location for both Founding and Engineering structures. The geophysical investigation involved the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) technique using the Schlumberger configuration, Dipole-Dipole Horizontal Profiling and a geotechnical investigation. A total of twenty-one (21) VES and five (5) Cone Penetration Test (CPT) locations were occupied within the study site. Dipole-Dipole Horizontal Profiling was occupied along traverses 1 and 2 within the investigated area. The electrode separation varies from 1 to 75 m. The investigation delineated three major layers which are topsoil, which is excavated before any foundation is laid. The second layer delineated was lateritic and the last was weathered layer. From the result obtained, depth to lateritic layer ranges from 1.1 to 9.0 m while resistivity defining the lateritic layer ranges from 150 Ωm to 792 Ωm. Some of the sounding curves generated over the VES stations and Dipole-Dipole Horizontal Profiling fairly correlated with those of the CPT profile. The high cone penetration resistance recorded at CPT point 4 and 5 is manifested as high geoelectric resistivity values recorded at VES 13. This shows that the soil has fairly low clay content. It also seen from the study that the geophysical studies has a greater depth penetration, and it also provide better layer characterization compared to geotechnical studies. The choice of foundation material, clay content and topography elevation should be taken into cognizance, since the load bearing capacity of the lateritic layer was appreciably high.


Application of geophysical investigation has been carried out using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) at the proposed site in wadi Ma’doo, Shabwah Governorate, Yemen to determine the geophysical parameters that can be used to evaluate the subsurface geological layering characteristics of the selection proposed site for dam construction. The Schlumberger array was used for the data acquisition. One-dimensional numerical inversion of individual DC resistivity was used to enhance the processing of the results for better achievement of the aim of the study. Model obtained from the 2D inversion of each VES were used for construction of geoelectric section which exhibit the main geoelectric characteristics of the geological units present in the site. The interpretation of the field data was carried out using the IP12WIN software, which converts the apparent resistivity as a function of electrode spacing to the true resistivity as a function of depth in two dimensions. The interpretation results showed that the geoelectric section consists of three layers namely: boulders and gravels, sandy to pebbly and hard limestone. The layer resistivities and thicknesses range from 18.17 to 746.20 Ω.m/0.20 to 1.084 m, 53 to 60 Ω.m/ 0.20 to 3.059 m and 455 to 1890 Ω.m, respectively. The investigation revealed that the limestone rocks is suitable for shallow foundation for proposed dam engineering structures.


Author(s):  
O. F. Ogunlana ◽  
O. M. Alile ◽  
O. J. Airen

The Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) data was acquired within the area suspected to have high potential for bitumen occurrence using the Wenner-Schlumberger configuration in Agbabu, southwestern Nigeria. PASI 16GL-N Earth resistivity meter instrument was used to acquire data along five (5) traverses with 5m electrode spacing and traverses length of 150m. The apparent resistivity values obtained was processed using RES2DINV software which helped to automatically obtain the 2D inversion model of the subsurface. This study has shown the occurrence of bitumen between the depth of 13.4m and 9.93m for Traverses 1, 2, 3 and Traverses 4, 5 respectively in a 2-Dimensional electrical resistivity images for boreholes with a depth of about 18m. The results indicate that the bitumen is characterized by good lateral continuity and is sufficiently thick for commercial exploitation.


Author(s):  
Rafiu Adegbola ◽  
Kayode Oyedele ◽  
Elizabeth Abidoye

Introduction: Geophysical characterization refers to the collection of information associated with subsurface features. Geotechnical involves engineering structural performance studies which are used to obtain information on the physical properties of soil and rock around a site to design earthworks and foundations for proposed structures and for repair of distress to earthworks and structures caused by subsurface conditions. Aim: The study was aimed at characterizing the subsurface formations for the purpose of determining its capacity to withstand engineering structures. Materials and Methods: Geophysical techniques involving eight (8) vertical electrical sounding (VES) and Wenner array were carried out with two (2) traverses. Geotechnical investigation involving cone penetration test (CPT) was also carried out. Results: The results obtained were presented as 1D resistivity profiles and Pseudo-sections of 2-D. Three (3) geo-electric layers were delineated within the study area and these comprise of topsoil, peat or clay and silty sand. The CPT results were used in the calculation of bearing capacity using Bustamante and Gianeselli equation for pile foundations and Meyehorf equation to determine the maximum load the materials can withstand respectively. Conclusion: The shallow subsurface geology was adjudged to be mechanically unstable with low penetration resistance values up to the depth of 11m. The methods conformed and confirmed that shallow foundation was considered unsuitable for the intended engineering structure. Keywords: Meyehorf, Bustamante and Gianeselli, Subsurface, Geology, Unstable, Foundation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 245-255
Author(s):  
J.O. Fatoba ◽  
A.B. Eluwole ◽  
O.A. Sanuade ◽  
M.T. Aroyehun

AbstractUreje Dam, Ado-Ekiti has witnessed drastic reduction in the water storage capacity of its reservoir. It became imperative to determine the possible cause(s) of the reduction in storage capacity. Geophysical investigation involving the vertical electrical sounding technique of the electrical resistivity method was conducted in the upstream part of the dam. Five lithologic units that include the mud/suspended materials, such as sandy clay, clay, weathered/fractured bedrock and fresh bedrock, were delineated. The respective resistivity and thickness range of the units are 2–19 ohm-m; 147–206 ohm-m, 2–38 ohm-m; 47–236 ohm-m and 455–1516 ohm-m and 0.4–1.9 m; 0.5–2.5 m; 1.0–12.2 m; 7.3–16.4 m and ∞. The thickness of suspended materials, resistivity/thickness of weathered layer and the presence of near-surface impervious layer were used as the main indices for the spatial demarcation of the dam axis in terms of vulnerability to loss of impounded water. Using the cumulative response of the indices, the study concluded that the eastern to southeastern parts of the dam axis showed the highest indications of vulnerability to loss of impounded water.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 35-47
Author(s):  
M.A. Oladunjoye ◽  
K.O. Adejato ◽  
A.O. Ogunkoya

Integrated geophysical investigation involving Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electrical Resistivity methods were carried out at Medina Estate, Lagos southwestern Nigeria to map the subsurface lithology in order to delineate its peat stratigraphy that has been causing foundation failure in the area. Twenty-one traverses (varying from 35-880 m in length) of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey were conducted along the streets of Medina trending NE-SW and NW-SE directions using the Mala 250 MHZ bi-static shielded antenna. Thirty-six Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were carried out using Schlumberger electrode array at some selected points along the established traverses within the area. The GPR data were processed into radar section using Rad Explorer software. The VES data were interpreted quantitatively using the partial curve matching method and 1-D forward modeling with Win Resist Software. Available litho-logs from boreholes drilled within the area were compared with the geophysical results.  Results of the GPR survey delineated three geologic layers which include the topsoil with high amplitude, parallel to sub parallel, horizontal reflections, with thickness varying from 1 to 2 m across the entire profiles and composed of lateritic clay; peat layer with low amplitude, parallel sinuous/wavy reflections with depth of occurrence ranging from 2.0 to 8 m and clay with low amplitude, planar, horizontal, sub-parallel reflections underlying the peat layer. Vertical Electrical Sounding results revealed the presence of three geological layers which are the topsoil, peat and clay and sandy clay with layer resistivity values ranging from 20- 225 Ωm, 5 – 90 Ωm and 36 to 366 Ωm and thickness values ranging from 0.5 – 2 m, 4.0-29.0 m and infinity respectively. Borehole information confirms the occurrence of shallow peat with depth ranging from 1.5 to 9 m and clay layer with depth ranging from 9 to 21 m beneath the area. The GPR survey results correlates with the well logs acquired in the study area. Based on the correlation of the geophysical results with the well logs, the GPR gives better information about the peat layer compared to the Electrical ResistivityMethod. The information obtained from this study shows that the soils at shallow depth are organic soils which are difficult foundation materials because they exhibit very high compressibility, as such making shallow foundation impossible except some form of soil improvement is carried out. The alternative approach is the adoption of deep foundations in form of piles. Keywords: Foundation Failure, Geophysical Investigation, Ground Penetrating Radar, Vertical Electrical Sounding, Peat.


Author(s):  
O. J. Airen ◽  
K. K. Oboshenure

A geophysical investigation involving 1D Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging (2D ERI) and Multichannel Analysis of Surface Wave (MASW) has been carried out at Agege, Lagos, Nigeria with a view to delineating the subsurface stratigraphy and locate some competent strata/stratum for founding civil engineering structures. Six (6) 200 m long traverses were established within the study area. Along these traverses, 2D ERI were carried out adopting Wenner electrode configuration. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) adopting Schlumberger electrode array were carried out at selected points along profiles 1, 2 and 3 to determine the lithological sequence at depth. MASW data also were acquired along traverses 1, 2 and 3. The data were processed and the result yielded interpretable 2D resistivity structure and geoelectrical parameters (layer resistivity, thicknesses and depth) from the VES. The interpreted VES results were used to generate geoelectric section while the MASW resulted in 2D velocity sections. Three subsoils including topsoil, clay and clayey sand/sand were delineated beneath the study area. The resistivity and thickness range of the layers are; topsoil (34.0-54.6 ohm-m, 0.9 – 1.7 m), clay (10.3 – 17.7 ohm-m, 8.9 – 12.3 m) and clayey sand/sand (48.9 – 323 ohm-m) while the S-wave velocity range for the subsoil falls between 40 – 500 m/sec.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 178
Author(s):  
Umar . ◽  
Nuhu Degree ◽  
Idris . ◽  
Ibrahim Giza ◽  
Abdullahi Aliyu Itari

The role of climate variation on groundwater level and its geotechnical implication was studied. Static water levels (SWL) and elevations of 57 dug wells and boreholes were measured during dry and wet seasons. The differences between the SWL for dry and wet season was used to establish the depth of groundwater fluctuation, while geophysical investigation was conducted to delineate the subsurface geo-electric layers. This information is vital for groundwater assessment and evaluation, however, this research is biased towards its geotechnical implications. SWL varied between 5.5 – 13 and 2.2 - 9.2 meters below sea level (mbsl), while groundwater elevation ranges from 131.8 – 157.2 and 136-160 meters above sea level (masl) for dry and wet seasons respectively. The depth of fluctuation (active zone) lies between 1.1 – 5.9 mbsl. The wells showed a direct rapid response to short term seasonal precipitation attributable to climate variation, which implies a shallow aquifer. Groundwater flows from the northern parts towards the southern parts. Foundations in the study area are underlain by sandy-clays, clays and sands as revealed by geophysical investigations. Engineering structures with shallow foundation may be prone to shrink-swell behavior, and should be laid beyond active zone.  


2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 135
Author(s):  
Omowumi Ademila ◽  
Abel Idowu Olayinka ◽  
Michael Adeyinka Oladunjoye

The high global numbers of road accidents due to bad roads and the failure of other engineering structures have necessitated this study, particularly as road transport accounts for a higher percentage of cargo movement in African countries. The geophysical investigation was carried out on six failed and two stable sections along the Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo highway to examine the geological factors responsible for highway failure in the area. A Landsat ETM+ (Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus) imagery of the study area and its environs was acquired and processed for lineaments analyses. Magnetic, Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and electrical resistivity methods involving Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and 2-D imaging using a dipole- dipole array were utilized. Lineaments were identified across failed localities. Lateral magnetic variations in the near-surface geological materials characterized the study area. The 2-D VLF-EM models generated showed conductive zones corresponding to fractured zones of conductive clay materials within the basement rocks. Subgrade soils below the highway pavement along the failed sections are typical of incompetent clayey and sandy clay/clayey sand formations with resistivity values between 20–475 Ω∙m. In comparison, the subgrade soil beneath the stable sections has moderate to high resistivity values of 196–616 Ω∙m. 2-D resistivity structures across the failed segments identified low resistivity water-absorbing clay and lithological contacts. Water absorbing, clay enriched subgrade soils and the identified near-surface linear conductive features are the major geologic factors, and poor drainage network resulted in the highway failure. Remote sensing and geophysical investigations of the geological sequence and structures underlying the highway should be carried out before construction to effectively complement the routine geotechnical studies to ensure the sustainability of road  nfrastructure.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Olaseeni Olayiwola ◽  
Fagbemigun Tokunbo ◽  
Ojo Bosede ◽  
Amosun Joel ◽  
Oyebamiji Ajibola

Abstract An appraisal of the groundwater vulnerability to contamination risk at Adebayo in Ado-Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria, was carried out using the electrical resistivity method of geophysical prospecting. Two traverses of length 100 m each were established for both vertical electrical sounding (VES) and dipole-dipole. Six (6) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and 2-D dipole-dipole profiling techniques of the electrical resistivity method were adopted for the geophysical investigation. The results show variations in resistivity values, depicting four to five geologic layers: the topsoil, laterite, weathered layer, fractured, and the fresh basement. It was observed from the correlation of the geoelectric section and 2-D resistivity image along traverse 1 (TR1) that the groundwater in the study area flows towards the southwestern part, and the fractured basement serves as a migration pathway to the diesel oil in the same direction as groundwater flow. The fractured basement (Well 2) with no lateritic cover has higher resistivity values compare to the fracture zone that was found directly under the mast which was overlain by the laterite. Comparing the resistivity values of Well 1 and 2, Well 2 that was drilled into the fractured basement has more traces of the contaminant than Well 1.


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