The Essential Role of Geotechnical Properties in Determining the Foundation for Buildings and Structures: A Case Study in South-central Region of Nigeria
Keywords:
Geotechnical, Foundation, Structure, Building, Bearing capacityAbstract
This study examines the geotechnical characteristics that influence the selection of suitable foundations for buildings and structures within Airport Road G.R.A., a major urban area in Nigeria’s south-central region. Soil samples were obtained from borehole depths of 1 m, 3 m, and 6 m, and subjected to geotechnical laboratory analyses, including moisture content, particle size distribution, atterberg limits, bulk density, and triaxial shear tests. Results reveal that the soil is clay-rich, containing more than 51% fines. The plasticity index ranges from 21.02% to 31.65%, the plastic limit from 25.16% to 31.75%, and the liquid limit from 46.18% to 58.37%. Specific gravity values range between 2.40 and 2.67, while cohesion values vary between 22.0 and 24.0 kN/m². Findings indicate that clay content increases with depth, implying that foundation type and depth must be adjusted according to soil strength and the structural load. The recommended foundation design in the study is Pad or pile for high rise buildings.
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Copyright (c) 2026 O. Andre-Obayanju, Ese Anthony Aladin, I. E. Olunubi, J. O. Odia-Oseghale
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