Geological factors in civil engineering construction: the perspective of engineering geophysics using case histories from basement complex terrain of Nigeria

Abstract

Acknowledged factors of premature failure of most civil engineering construction include poor construction materials, bad design, drainage problems and usage factor. However, the foundation of civil engineering projects and its routes requires pre-knowledge of the subsurface geology that carries the load and hence the need for engineers to have adequate predesigned idea of the subsurface geology. While direct exploratory borehole drill for sample collection and insitu engineering tests are considered ultimate in this respect, the rich opportunities of geophysical tools in giving needed subsurface information cannot be over emphasized due to the combine high speed, relatively cheap and appreciable accuracy of the latter. Therefore, theoretical background of engineering geophysics and case histories from basement complex terrains of Nigeria are presented and discussed with respect to civil engineering constructions.