Geotechnical investigations for infrastructural development: A case study of Daki Biyu District, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Central Nigeria

Abstract

The geotechnical properties of Daki Biyu district in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria was investigated to ascertain the suitability of the sub-surface soil to support massive infrastructure such as high rise building and industries that might be carried out in the future. The particle size distribution shows that the soil is predominantly sandy-clay to sandy-gravels. The plasticity indices suggest low to medium compressibility while the co-efficient of volume change (Mv) and the coefficient of consolidation (Cv) are generally low for most of the pressure ranges. The average allowable bearing capacity values of 150 kN/m2 -240 kN/m2 and an average of 460 kN/m2 -700 kN/m2 for the ultimate bearing capacity agrees with the national building code (1983) for safe bearing capacity for cohesion less soils. The sub-surface soils were found to possess good geotechnical properties that are capable of supporting infrastructural development.