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Multidimensional characterization of problematic soils linked to foundation and building failures in parts of Southeast Nigeria

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Abstract

Investigating the causes of foundation failures and building collapses can have far-reaching implications for the safety and sustainability of human lives, buildings and infrastructure. The present paper addressed a significant and critical issue related to construction and infrastructure failure in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria by integrating geotechnical testing, statistical computing, geochemical testing, and spatial analysis. In all analyses, standard procedures were adopted. In this detailed research, the tested geotechnical properties include wet bulk density (1.37–1.88 g/cm³), specific gravity (2.59–2.84), moisture content (19.54–44.04%), Atterberg limits (liquid limit 44.40–83.00%, plastic limit 22.50–43.80%, plasticity index 18.40–41.00%), shrinkage limit (12.90.00-21.40%), optimum moisture content (16.60–26.40%), maximum dry density (1.55–1.83 g/cm³), triaxial shear strength characteristics (cohesion 24.13–47.87 kPa, frictional angle 4.40-10.74°), ultimate bearing capacity (230.32-377.07 kN/m²), allowable pressure (92.13-150.83 kN/m²), rate of settlement (0.058–1.995 m/yr), and amount of settlement (2.058–4.616 mm). These tests revealed crucial insights into the soil behavior, indicating that the soils are not excellent foundation materials. While spatial statistical dendrograms categorized the vulnerable zones of failure in the area, Spearman’s and Pearson’s correlation matrices and principal component analysis highlighted the key associations existing among the geotechnical properties. The clay mineralogy was determined via X-ray diffraction and the results indicated the presence of minerals such as kaolinite, quartz, magnetite, hematite, muscovite, goethite, dickite, and feldspar, with quartz and kaolinite being the most predominant. These findings hold significant implications for regions worldwide faced with similar soil challenges. This study emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous assessment in addressing complexities of foundation soils.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

    Ilode P. Ukwoma & Ogbonnaya Igwe

  2. Department of Geology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Nigeria

    Johnbosco C. Egbueri

  3. Research Management Office (RMO), Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra, Nigeria

    Johnbosco C. Egbueri

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  1. Ilode P. Ukwoma
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Correspondence to Johnbosco C. Egbueri.

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Ukwoma, I.P., Igwe, O. & Egbueri, J.C. Multidimensional characterization of problematic soils linked to foundation and building failures in parts of Southeast Nigeria. Model. Earth Syst. Environ. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-024-02014-2

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