Mfoniso U. Aka, Christopher I. Effiong, Okechukwu E. Agbasi, Dianabasi N.

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Structure and Environment 2022, vol. 14, (2), pp. 44-54, Article number: el 006
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DOI: 10.30540/sae-2022-006

GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION OF BORROW PIT AS A SUBGRADE

MATERIAL FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION AT VICTOR ATTAH
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, UYO, NIGERIA
BADANIE GEOTECHNICZNE MATERIAŁU Z WYKOPU
JAKO PODŁOŻA DO BUDOWY DRÓG NA MIĘDZYNARODOWYM
LOTNISKU VICTOR ATTAH, UYO, NIGERIA
Mfoniso U. Aka, Christopher I. Effiong
Department of Geoscience, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
Okechukwu E. Agbasi*
Department of Physics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
Dianabasi N. Akpan
Department of Physics, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria

Abstract
One of the mass prompt practices of soils is for engineering projects such as the construction of roads, buildings,
dams, and so on. Therefore, suitability of index and mechanical properties needs to be investigated. This study aims
to determine the essential quality material required for road construction, thereby poses détente prospect for the
disposal of ineffectual atrophy generated on sites. Such materials are classified into index and mechanical properties.
Six subgrade samples were taken at the depth to bottom ranging from (1.0-5.0) m and tested. The sample was subdued
to the laboratory tests, such as Sieve Analysis, Atterberg limits, compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), and
Specific Gravity (SG) respectively. The mechanical analysis which involved particle size distribution revealed that
the subgrade was finely grated with a limit of ≤35% for subgrade passing sieve No. 200 (0.075 mm) with 29.1%,
with an average Natural Moist Content (NMC) of 13.9%. The Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture
Content (OMC) were 1.83 mg/m3 and 11.5%. The index analysis involved the liquid and plastic limits determination
of Liquid Limit (LL) of 35.8%, Plastic Limit (PL) of 24.0%, and a Plasticity Index (PI) of 12%. California Bearing
Ratio (CBR) results were 20.3% (soaked). The SG test results ranged from (2.68-2.94) kg/m3, employing the American
Association of State Highway and Transport Officials (AASHTO) system of soil classification. The AASHTO grouped
the materials into A-1, subgroups A-1-b and A-2-4 constituting 50% and 29.1%, with significant materials composed
of stone fragments and sand rating the subgrade samples as excellent to good materials suitable for road construction.
Keywords: Lateritic, Liquid Limit, Plasticity Index, Subgrade

Streszczenie
Jedną z masowych praktyk związanych z gruntami są projekty inżynieryjne, takie jak budowa dróg, budynków,
zapór itp. Dlatego należy zbadać przydatność gruntu i jego właściwości mechaniczne. Niniejsze badanie ma

*University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria, e-mail: [email protected]

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GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION OF BORROW PIT AS A SUBGRADE MATERIAL FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION...

na celu określenie niezbędnych właściwości materiału wysokiej jakości wymaganego do budowy dróg, co stwa-
rza perspektywę usunięcia nieefektywnych wykopów generowanych na terenie. Materiały są klasyfikowane we-
dług wskaźników i właściwości mechanicznych. Sześć próbek gruntu pobrano z głębokości w zakresie 1,0-5,0 m
i poddano badaniom. Próbki zostały poddane testom laboratoryjnym, takim jak analiza sitowa, granice Atter-
berga, zagęszczenie, kalifornijski wskaźnik nośności (CBR) i ciężar właściwy szkieletu gruntowego (GS). Analiza
rozkładu wielkości cząstek wykazała, że grunt był drobnoziarnisty o uziarnieniu ≤35% dla sita nr 200 (0,075 mm)
oraz 29,1%, przy średniej naturalnej wilgotności gruntu (W) wynoszącej 13,9%. Maksymalna gęstość szkieletu
gruntowego (ρds) i optymalna zawartość wilgoci (Wopt) wyniosły odpowiednio 1,83 mg/m3 i 11,5%. Wyznaczono
granice płynności i plastyczności: granica płynności (wL) wynosiła 35,8%, a granica plastyczności (wp) 24,0%
oraz wskaźnik plastyczności (Ip) na poziomie 12%.
Kalifornijski wskaźnik nośności (CBR) wyniósł 20,3% (po nasiąkliwości). Wyniki badań GS wahały się od 2,68 do
2,94 kg/m3, przy zastosowaniu systemu klasyfikacji gruntów AASHTO. Według AASHTO pogrupowano grunty na
A-1, podgrupy A-1-b i A-2-4 stanowiące 50% i 29,1%, przy czym materiały składające się z odłamków kamieni
i piasku oceniono jako doskonałe lub dobre materiały nadające się na budowy dróg.
Słowa kluczowe: lateryt, granica płynności, wskaźnik plastyczności, grunty

1. INTRODUCTION has been dug to remove gravel, clay, and sand used in
Globally, inaccessible to infer suitable data about a construction project such as bridges, dams, and so
the index and mechanical properties of the soil on (Salter, 1988; Oglesby and Hicks,1992; Ogbuagu
and subsoil condition of the region, especially for and Okeke 2019). Borrow pit site investigations are
primary prior engineering projects, antiquated and primarily carried out to establish reliable estimates
cause failures on road construction projects (Fidelis of the quantity, quality, and processing needs of
et al., 2019; Robert et al., 2020). That is, a failure potential road building materials. These materials
immediately after the project is commissioned or suitable for filing surfacing or blending can be
even before commissioning. It is essential for the removed using earthmoving equipment. A borrow
engineers, geoscientists, and soil scientists designing pit can also be referred to as a sandbox, a large hole
road construction projects to have a good knowledge that has been dug for a particular purpose. Almost all
of the geotechnical, index, and mechanical parameters construction projects involve earthwork designed to
of the subgrade material before any construction determine a suitable base for engineering construction
commences (Malomo, 1977; Ola, 1978; Adeagbo, (Malomo, 1977; Singh, 2004). A key aspect is to
et al., 2016). The various properties of subgrade soil ensure that ground conditions are sound for stable
are grouped into; index properties and engineering construction through grading and excavation
properties (Ramamurthy and Sitharam, 2005; processes. Frequently, constructions crews will dig
Osinubi et al., 2019). The mechanical properties of borrow pits to gather gravel, soil, and sand for use in
subgrade soils are permeability, compressibility, and another location (Opeyemi et al., 2018). The digging
shear strength while the index properties are particle of borrow pitfalls under the engineering discipline
size distribution, Atterberg limits, density index, and known as earthworks. Earthworks projects consist of
specific gravity of soil particles (Agbede, 1992; Hunt, engineering exploits including, the transportation of
2007). These soil properties are mainly used in the large amounts of soil or rock from one area to another.
identification and classification of soils and help the Borrow pit construction may seem relatively easy to
geotechnical engineer in predicting the suitability of accomplish, though this type of digging requires an
soils as foundation and construction material (Coduto, extensive amount of analysis before the original dig
2007; Aroka, 2009; Ola, 1978). In this study, selected (Charkley et al., 2019). Engineers and Geoscientists
borrow pits around Ndon Ebom Uruan, Akwa Ibom, must be sure that the amount of soil dug from a pit
Nigeria was investigated and used as the subgrade. in an area will not disrupt the earth. Before the
These borrowed pits were originally entrenched as invention of geotechnical engineers, geoscientists,
a source of road fill material and are nowadays the and other soil scientists needed to calculate the
source of red earth material for nearby construction degree to which the earth desired displacement
sites and other civil engineering work (Lancellotta, during digging (AASHTO, 2000; Murthy, 2007).
2009: Godwin et al., 2020). A borrow pit is a term As well as the accuracy in the laboratory, modern
used in construction for a hole, pit, or excavation that equipment on quality and sampling techniques was

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 BADANIE GEOTECHNICZNE MATERIAŁU Z WYKOPU JAKO PODŁOŻA DO BUDOWY DRÓG NA MIĘDZYNARODOWYM...

applied and data interpreted. On the other hand, it

poses the rationale for the growth and development
of the state, and other places around the world as
the international airport good road attracts investors
globally (Onakunle et al., 2019). Hence, this research
aids to provide geotechnical data for engineers,
geoscientists, and contractors for use as engineering
subgrade and base materials as well as educating the
fresh research worker.

2. GEOLOGY AND LOCATION OF THE STUDY

The borrow pit is located at Ndon Ebom Community, Fig. 2. Borrow pit formation in Ndon Ebom lithology with
Southern Uruan in Uruan Local Government in a heavy-duty excavator at work
Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, about 1500 m away
from Victor Attah International Airport, South- 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS
South Nigeria. It lies between latitudes 4°90’N and Borrow Pit Sampling
longitudes 8°08’E covering an area of about 449 km2, The sampling method covers procedures for
as shown in Figure 1. recovering soil samples to investigate the soil for use
as a borrow pit. The test was carried out in reference to
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
International, which is a standard test method for
analysis of Soils. The pits were assigned: numbers,
names, sites, and locations in consecutive order for
filing purposes, and references of the pit.
Apparatus: The apparatus used for the sampling
include: Posthole auger with handle extensions of (50
-300) mm in diameter that is capable of extending by
adding sections to the handle for boring the marked
point on the field into the holes to achieve the desired
depth. Accessory Equipment such as Sample tag for
Fig. 1. Location of the study area citing Ndon Ebom identifications of samples, sample bags for collection
(Borrow pit) and Airport of samples taken out from auger to the laboratory,
shovel for clearing of access way and point of
The Borrow pit is sited away from the residential boring, tape for measurements of sample distance,
areas and major roads to prevent the environmental a permanent marker for writing on sample bags.
hazard. The subsoil material is lateritic in color with Procedure: The area was taken out for testing using
an enclosure of coarse particles with conceivably a grid pattern with number labeling on-site and the
enhanced particle size distribution. The lateritic location at about 1.0 m intervals for areas where
material possesses clayey properties which influence soils vary unpredictably and 2.0 m intervals for areas
the acceptability level of compaction for road where soils are reasonably uniform respectively.
construction and other engineering projects (Malomo, The hand auger is made boring by turning the auger
1977; Aka et al., 2021). The topography of the area to a desirable distance, say (1-5) m into the soil,
is tabled land with a gentle slope accompanied by withdrawing the auger, and removing the soil for
natural vegetation consisting of grasses, economic sampling. The process was repeated for the three sets
and commercial trees, and shrubs. Geologically, of data acquired and the samples of each soil type,
the parent rock materials within the area are mainly except topsoil, were taken. Stockpiles were involved
sedimentary rocks which have resulted in the in the sample during the stockpiling operation by
prevalence of sandy-clayey soils lithology as shown obtaining characteristic samples using a shovel
in Figure 2 (Aka et al., 2020a; Avbovbo, 1978; Aka sampled as specified after the stockpile is complete.
et al., 2020b). Place the sample in the bag and complete the

46
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION OF BORROW PIT AS A SUBGRADE MATERIAL FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION...

identification tag for the sample, depth to the nearest 6. PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS
half afoot, of the top and bottom of the soil strata Mechanical analysis (particle size distribution) is
from which the sample was taken. After sampling the determination of the size range of sand, silt, and
is complete the stake bearing the site and location clay present in a soil expressed as a percentage of the
number was reset to mark the location. Then a map total dry weight.
is drawn for referencing each location of the site
presently being tested to landmarks with the legend 7. SAMPLE PREPARATION FOR PARTICLE SIZE ANALYSIS
indicating the name and number of the pit, district, Apparatus: The apparatus set up were: Drying oven
name of the contractor, type of borrow, contract maintained at 110°C ±5°C, Standard sieves, Sample
number, date sampled, names of the sampling crew, splitter, Mechanical sieve shaker, and Pans.
and the scale used to draw the map. Lastly, the Procedure: The procedure consists of the following:
bagged samples were returned to the laboratory for drying the soil sample in an oven for 24 hours to get
testing (ASTM D 698, 2012). rid of moisture, measuring 500 g of the dry sample,
and soaking in water for 24 hours. Record the weight
4. LABORATORY TESTS of the sieves and the pan that will be utilized during
Moisture Content (W) the analysis. Each sieve should be thoroughly cleaned
The moisture content of the soil also referred to up before the test. Assemble the sieves in ascending
as water content, is an indicator of the amount of order, by placing those with the larger openings on
water present in the soil. It is the ratio of the mass top. That is, the No. 4 were placed on top and the No.
of water contained in the pore spaces of soil to the 200 sieve on the bottom of the stack. Place the soil
solid mass of particles in that material, expressed as sample into the top sieve and place a cap/lid over it.
a percentage. A standard temperature of 110°C ±5°C Place the stack in a mechanical shaker and shake for
is used to determine the mass of the sample. 10 minutes. After the sieve stack was removed from
the shaker and measure the weight of each sieve and
5. SAMPLE PREPARATION FOR MOISTURE CONTENT that of the pan were placed at the bottom of the stack.
Apparatus: The apparatus involved includes: non- Lastly, the weight of the soil retained on each sieve
corrodible container, and vented thermostatically was calculated by subtracting the weight of the empty
controlled drying oven that maintains temperatures sieve from the recorded weight of the sieve after the
between 105°C to 115°C, a balance of sufficient test. The total weights of particles retained were added
sensitivity (sensitive to 0.01 g), and Container and compared to the initial weight of the soil sample.
handling apparatus. A difference lower than 2% was required which is
Procedure: The container was clean, dry, and a standard. The percentage retained on each sieve is
weighed empty balance, tarred before it is used to determined by dividing each weight retained by the
measure the weight W1. The weight of the container initial weight of the soil sample. Subsequently, the total
and wetness of the soil sample of the specimen in percentage passing from each sieve was calculated by
the container was measured as W2. The container was subtracting the cumulative percentage retained in that
kept in the oven for 24 hours, drying the specimen particular sieve and the ones above it from the totality
to a constant weight, maintaining the temperature (ASTM D422, 2007). On the other hand, the grain size
between 105°C to 115°C, and recording the final distribution curve of medium-fine sand was plotted to
constant weight W3 of the container with the dried calculate the uniformity coefficient (Cu) expresses the
soil sample (Head, 1994a; ASTM D 698, 2012). The variety in particle sizes of soil ratio of D60 to D10. The
moisture content of soil (W) value D60 is the grain diameter at which 60% of soil
Mw particles are finer and 40% of soil particles are coarser,
W
= × 100% (1) while D10 is the grain diameter at which 10% of
Ms particles are finer and 90% of the particles are coarser.
where: Mw = weight of container + wet of soil W2 – D60
Cu = (2)
weight of container + dry soil W3, D10
Ms = weight of container + dry soil W3 – weight of
container W1. when Cu is greater than 4, the soil is classified as well
graded; whereas when Cu is less than 4 the soil is

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 BADANIE GEOTECHNICZNE MATERIAŁU Z WYKOPU JAKO PODŁOŻA DO BUDOWY DRÓG NA MIĘDZYNARODOWYM...

classified as poorly graded/uniformly graded (Head, The procedure was repeated four times, for
1994b). a given selected water content from lower to higher
than the optimum. Hence, the calculated dry unit
8. COMPACTION weights were plotted against their corresponding
Compaction of soils is a procedure in which soil water contents to determine the Optimum Moisture
sustains mechanical stress and is densified. This Content (OMC) and Maximum Dry Density (MDD)
was carried out to determine the Optimum Moisture along the Zero Air Voids at a 100% saturation line.
Content (OMC) and Maximum Dry Density (MDD). On the other hand, the Zero-Voids curve is calculated
The mechanical stress may be applied by kneading, as follows:
or via dynamic or static methods (Didei and Oborie
2018). The degree of compaction is quantified by Gs × γ w
γd = (4)
measuring the change of the soil’s dry unit weight 1 + W × Gs
(γd), as a result of an increase in the strength of soils,
and a decrease in incompressibility and permeability where: GS – the specific gravity of soil particles,
of soils. γw – the saturated unit weight of the soil (kN/m3),
Apparatus: The apparatus utilized to conduct the W – the water content of the soil (%) (Head, 1994a).
test include: a 10-centimeter diameter cylindrical
compaction mold equipped with a base and a collar, 9. ATTERBERG LIMIT
a Proctor rammer weighing 2.5 kg or 4.5 kg depending The Atterberg limits test is named after the
on whether the standard of the modified test is Swedish chemist Albert Atterberg who was the first
conducted, No. 4 Sieve Steel straightedge, Moisture to develop a classification system to determine the
containers, Graduated cylinder, Mixer, Controlled different states and limits of soil consistency. The
oven, Metallic tray, and a scoop. Atterberg limits test, also known as consistency, is
Procedure: Four soil samples were obtained and used to determine the moisture content at which a soil
measured at about 3 kg each. 2% of water was added changes from solid, semi-solid, plastic, and liquid
to the first portion and mixed thoroughly. The other states (Godwin et al., 2020). It is used to distinguish
was kept in separate cans to determine the weight of between silt and clay and determines the shrinkage
both wet and dry samples after 24 hours of placement limit (SL), plastic limit (PL), and liquid limit (LL)
in the oven to determine the moisture content. The of the soil sample. The Atterberg test is performed
first portion of the sample was compacted and mixed only on soil fraction that passes through sieve No. 40
with a proctor mold using a 4.5 kg rammer in 3 layers (ASTM D 4318, 2010).
of 27 blows per layer. The same procedures were Apparatus: The apparatus were: Evaporating dishes
taken for the remaining layers and rammed 27 times to mix specimen to desired moisture content, spatula
each. The weight of the compacted wet sample was to mix, form and smooth the soil specimen, aluminum
weighed using a weighing balance and calculates containers for soil moisture samples, mortar and
the wet density respectively. The procedure was pestle to reduce particle size, digital scale with 0.01 g
repeated for the remaining three portions with 4% to readability, drying oven for moisture content test,
12% volume of water till the value of the compacted liquid limit test accessory set including liquid limit
soil and mold drops. Finally, the compaction water machine and Casagrande grooving tool, plastic
content (W) of the soil sample was calculated using limit test apparatus including plastic limit roller and
the average of the three measurements obtained from glass plate, shrinkage limit test apparatus including
the top, middle and bottom part of the soil mass along shrinkage dish, microcrystalline wax, petroleum
with dry unit weight (γd) (ASTM D 698, 2012): jelly, fine thread, glass plate, and wax melting pot.
Procedure: 150 g air-dry soil samples passing
W − Wm sieve No. 40 were used. The Moisture was adjusted
γd = (3)
(1 + w) × V by adding 20% of water to the soil sample and
mixing thoroughly. The samples were allowed to
where: W = the weight of the mold and the soil mass condition for at least 16 hours. For the liquid limit
(kg), Wm = the weight of the mold (kg), W = the water (LL) Test, a small portion of the soil sample was
content of the soil (%) and V = the volume of the spread in the brass cup of the liquid limit device case
mold (m3). grinder. A groove was cut to at least a 2 mm base

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GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION OF BORROW PIT AS A SUBGRADE MATERIAL FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION...

with a grooving tool, turns the device and notes the calculate soil density, void ratio, saturation, and other
number of blows (N) and stop when the groove in soil properties with a dimensionless unit (Akaolisa et
the soil closes. Finally, a sample and oven-dry were al., 2021). It is applicable in the foundation design
taken to find the moisture content. The tests were for structures, calculations for the stability of soil
repeated three times and plotted the moisture content embankments, and estimations of settlement for
against the number of blows to determine LL, PL, engineered soil fills.
and SL (ASTM D 4318, 2010). Apparatus: Two density bottles of 50 ml capacity
with stoppers at 27.2°C water bath, vacuum desiccator,
10. CALIFORNIA BEARING RATIO (CBR) oven, capable of maintaining a temperature of 105°C,
The California Bearing Ratio Test (CBR) is spatula and weighing balance with an accuracy of
a penetration test developed by the California State 0.001 g.
Highway Department (U.S.A.) for evaluating the Procedure: The density bottle along with the stopper
bearing capacity of subgrade soil for the design was dried to a temperature of 105°C, cooled in the
of roads and pavement. The tests are carried out desiccator, and weighed to the nearest 0.001 g (W1).
on natural or compacted soils in water-soaked or The sub-sample, which had been oven-dried, was
unsoaked conditions and the results obtained are transferred to the density bottle directly from the
compared with the curves of the standard test to desiccator for cooling. The bottles and contents
have an idea of the soil strength of the subgrade soil together with the stopper were weighed to the nearest
(Akaolisa et al., 2021). 0.001 g (W2). The soil sample was covered with air-
Apparatus: The apparatus involved are: mold, steel free distilled water from the glass wash bottle and left
cutting collar, spacer disc, surcharge weights, dial for a period of 2 hours for soaking. After the water
gauges, IS sieves, penetration plunger, and loading was added to fill half a bottle and entrapped air was
machine. removed by heating the density bottle on a water bath,
Procedure: Soil samples were measured at about 6 kg, and keep the bottle without the stopper in a vacuum
added water to the sample, and mixed thoroughly. desiccator for about 1hrs until there is no further
Using a 2.5 kg rammer, weight of empty mold, loss of air. Then the soil was gently stirred in the
compact the mixed sample into three (3) layers with density bottle with a clean glass rod. The process was
61 blows per layer. After compaction, the collar was repeated till no more air bubbles were observed in
removed, level the surface, and taken a sample to the soil mixture and recorded by inserting the stopper
determine moisture content. Record the weight of in the density bottle, wiping, and weighing it (W3).
mold + compacted specimen respectively. Mold was Lastly, the bottle was empty, cleaned thoroughly, and
placed in the soaking tank for four days for soaked filled the density bottle with distilled water at the
and ignored for unsoaked (Ojuri et al., 2017). The same temperature. Insert the stopper in the bottle,
process was repeated for another set of samples after wipe dry from the outside and weigh it (W4), (Head,
four days, measuring the swell reading and finding 1994b; Ihekweme et al., 2021). After this process, the
the percentage swell. After, the mold was removed density of the soil particles (along with the specific
from the tank and allowed water to drain. Then the gravity) were calculated as shown:
soil sample was placed under the penetration piston (W3 − W1 ) × ρ w
and placed a surcharge load of 2.5 kg, applied the ρs = (5)
(W2 − W1 ) − (W4 − W3 )
load, and noted the penetration load values were.
Finally, the graph of piston load against penetration ρs
Gs = (6)
was plotted to determine the value of CBR, along ρw
with % CBR versus Dry Density to find CBR at
the required degree of compaction (ASTM D 4318, where ρw is the density of water = 997 kg/m3.
2010).
12. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
11. SPECIFIC GRAVITY (SG) The results of the geotechnical investigation carried
Specific gravity is a fundamental property of soils out in the laboratory on the soil samples collected
and other construction materials. It is the ratio of from the study area are summarized and presented in
material density to the density of water and is used to Table 1.

49
 BADANIE GEOTECHNICZNE MATERIAŁU Z WYKOPU JAKO PODŁOŻA DO BUDOWY DRÓG NA MIĘDZYNARODOWYM...

Table 1. Summary of Geotechnical properties of the collected soil samples

PROPERTIES / SAMPLES A B C D E F
(1) Index Properties
Colour Red sandstone Reddish-brown Grey wacke Reddish-brown Grey - brown Grey
(a) Atterberg Limits Test
Liquid Limit (%) 68.49 63.69 71.88 64.75 41.87 41.69
Plastic Limit (%) 61.23 57.23 63.90 58.86 31.51 28.29
Plasticity Index (%) 7.26 6.46 7.98 5.89 10.36 13.4
Moisture Content (%) 37.5 36.1 35.7 33.9 24.1 23.9
Number of blows 10 18 29 37
(b) Specify Gravity Test
Specific Gravity (GS) 2.41 2.76 2.80 2.94 – –
Density of the Soil Particle (ρs) kg/m3 2.403 2.752 2.792 2.931 – –
Number of blows 10 18 29 37 – –
(a) California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Test
Load (kg) 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0
Penetration (mm) 0.06 0.44 0.73 1.04 1.39 1.74 2.06 2.44 2.78 3.42 3.48 3.80 4.12 4.44
% CBR value 11.7 20.3
(2) Mechanical Properties
(a) Compaction Test
Water Content (%) 7.9 9.6 11.5 12.7 14.1 14.2
Dry Density (mg/m3) 1694 1725 1830 1770 1737 1736
Optimum Results Maximum Dry Density (MDD) = 1.83 mg/m3 Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) 11.5%
(b) Sieve Analysis Test
Percentage Passing (%) 100.0 98.3 86.9 52.7 32.4 29.1
Opening Diameter (mm) 2.36 1.18 0.600 0.300 0.150 0.075
Uniformly Coefficient (Cu) 4.0 8.0

Fig. 3. A plot of moisture content (%) against number of Fig. 5. Variations in specific gravity (GS) against density of
blows on Atterberg limit test the soil particle (ρw) (kg/m3)

Fig. 4. A plot of specific gravity (GS) against number of Fig. 6. A plot of load (kg) against penetration (mm) on
blows CBR test

50
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION OF BORROW PIT AS A SUBGRADE MATERIAL FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION...

of mud and sand applicable for road construction.

The Atterberg limits analysis as depicted in Table
1, shows the plasticity graphical illustration for
USCS with a Plastic Limit (PL) average of 24.0%,
a Liquid Limit (LL) of 35.8%, and a Plasticity Index
(PI) of 12% as shown in Figure 3. This Conform to
F.M.W & H specification requirements for LL and
PI of not more than 35% and 12%, determined by
the American Society for Testing Materials Method
(ASTM D422, 2007). Also, attest, the subgrade is
Fig. 7. A plot of dry density (mg/m3) against water content suitable to be used in road construction since LL and
(%) on compaction test PI values do not exceed the standard limit of 35% and
12% respectively. However, based on (AASHTO,
2000) and (USCS, 2006) comparison, samples A to
D were classified as sandy silt formations whereas
E to F were clay formations respectively. The clay
is greater than 10% realized in the acquired samples
according to a fair to high-rise plasticity index of
sampling. This gives an intimation of the prospects to
productively restrain dilapidation waged being foot
covering during dumpster diving (EPA, 2014). On
the other hand, soils with regards to high-rise clarity
indulge breathe prone to bulk shrinking (Rowe et al.,
Fig. 8. Variations in dry density (mg/m3) against water 1995). Conforming to (Guney et al., 2014), for soil to
content (%) be potent sheathing substantial, fragment dimensions
are requisite to mollify at the minimum of (15-20)%
clayed-sized materials with plasticity of greater than
10%. The density of the soil particles was found to
range from (2.41-2.94) kg/m3 with an average value
of 2.73 kg/m3 across the soil layer of the borrow pit.
This exhibits a continuous periodic displacement
of particle soil density concerning several blows as
shown in Figure 4. Moreover, the comparison of GS
with soil density was done to ascertain its data sets as
illustrated in Figure 5. It also shows that the subgrade
sample of the borrow pit is primarily of good lateritic
Fig. 9. A plot of the percentage passing (%) against material, according to the specification of specific
diameter (mm) on sieve analysis test gravity ranging from 2.5 to 2.75. From Table 1, the
result revealed a CBR value of 20.3% at 48 hours of
The result obtained from the geotechnical analysis soaking. Based on (ASTM D422, 2007) specification
test was classified based on the AASHTO standard and requirements, the minimum strength for subgrade
compared quantitatively by specifications to establish should not be less than 10% after at least 48 hours of
if the material is the same quality throughout and soaking and not less than 80% un-soaked. Therefore,
evaluate scattering results errors. The analyzed result the 20.3% CBR soaked value obtained is good for
was summarized and presented in Table 1. In the road construction as required in the specification.
Index properties: geologically, the coloration of the However, Figure 6 shows linear variations of the
samples ranged from red sandstone to reddish-brown, load (kg) against penetration (mm). This implies an
greywacke to greyly brown. Pursuant to (Brady increase in penetration, increasing the load-bearing
and Weil, 2010), the reddish to brown deposition capacity of the road and its strength. In mechanical
indicates the presence of iron oxide, and greywacke properties: the Natural Moisture Content (NMC) of
indicates immature sedimentary sandstone deposition earth materials from the borrowed pit ranges (from

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 BADANIE GEOTECHNICZNE MATERIAŁU Z WYKOPU JAKO PODŁOŻA DO BUDOWY DRÓG NA MIĘDZYNARODOWYM...

7.9 to 14.1)% with an average of 13.9%. The low grouped into A-1, Subgroups into A-1-B, and A-2-
value obtained in some areas revealed that NMC loses 4 constituting 50% and 29.1% significant material,
moisture readily in its natural state. The MDD and rating the subgrade sample as excellent to good
OMC values of 1.83 kg/m3 and 11.5% were depicted material suitable for construction works.
as illustrated in Figure 7 with a vertical comparison
between dry density water content as shown in 13. CONCLUSION
Figure 8. This variation in MDD and OMC values The selections of acceptable borrow pits used as
of the sample revealed that the subgrade samples are subgrade material plays a vital role while designing
better classified due to their conformity to absorb a road construction. Necessarily, this research
less water increase on drying which promotes robust evaluated the peculiar suitableness of utilizing
construction works. The sieve analysis in Table 1 borrowed pit soils collected from Ndon Ebom as
shows the range and distribution of various sizes subgrade materials for road construction at Victor
of particles. The values range from (0.075-2.36) Attach International Airport. Comparing the six
mm in line with the Federal Ministry of Work and subgrade samples to common standard indicated
Housing (F.M.W&H) specification requirement for that the soil samples acquired can be energetically
subgrade samples. The percentage base on the limit applied as well as graded subgrade materials,
of ≤35% for subgrade was 29.1% passing sieve No. on account of the suited index and mechanical
200. This required no need for advanced tests on properties. Comparatively: based on AASHTO and
samples, revealing good subgrade samples. The plot USCS soil classification systems, the subgrade was
of a percent (%) passing sieve analysis in Figure 9, analyzed and graded as excellent to a good formation
shows that the soil is well-graded, ranging from for construction works. In addition, the prospective
(0.075-2.36) mm. That is, from fine, medium to connotations of the current research are awful. It
coarse particle size. Therefore, the uniform coefficient establishes the practicability of borrowing pits as
(Cu) and coefficient of curvature (CC) assessments of subgrade material for road construction. However,
the soil particles range from 8 to 6, and 1. Under the recommendations are made, that adequate laboratory
Unified Soil Classification System (USCS, 2006), Cu tests be carried out on borrowed pit material before
greater than 4 to 6 classifies the soil as well graded, being used as a subgrade for construction works, to
whereas, Cu less than 4 classifies it as poorly graded know its strength and stability. Hence, subsurface
soil. Moreover, for the soil to be well graded, the geologists, engineers, and contractors working within
value of CC must range between 1 and 3. Hence, the the terrain should make use of the inferred laboratory
samples were classified as well-graded. On the other data to construct a road that will stand the test of time.
hand, employing the (AASHTO, 2000) system of soil On the other hand, cleaving to the code of standard of
classification, the inorganic soil sample acquired was the engineering career to sustain best works.

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