Investigating Some Geotechnical Properties of Overburden Soil within Abuja in North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Boreholes were drilled to bedrock at ten different locations, along a stretch path, within the study area. Tests including, natural moisture content (NMC), specific gravity (SG), Liquid Limit (LL), Plastic Limit (PL) and sieve analysis were carried out with the aim of classifying the soils according to Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). Result of the study showed that the soil along the studied path is characterized by a cap of silty organic top soil, followed by clayey soil, which in some cases formed lenses along the path. Below the clayey soil layer is stratum of weathered silty soil, which extends to the parent rock.