Geotechnical Investigation of the Earth Subsurface Formation for its Suitability for High-Rise Buildings in Southern Part of Paiko, Niger State, North-central Nigeria

Abstract

Vertical Electrical Sounding VES was carried out in southern Paiko north central Nigeria using ABEM Terrameter model SAS 4000. The study was carried out with a view of determining the subsurface layer parameters (resistivity, depth and thickness) which were employed in delineating the sites for building construction. A total of 6 traverses with 10 VES stations along each traverse having a separation of 15 m apart were investigated. It has a maximum current electrode separation AB/2 of 100 m. Three to four distinct geometric layers were observed namely: top player weathered/fractured layer and fresh basements. The observed frequencies in curve types include 21.6% of H, 0.6% of HA, 2.4% of K, 0.6% of A, 3.6% of KH 6% of QA, and 1.2% of HK. Eight VES stations we are delineated for building site construction having depths to bedrock varying between 0.63 meters and 3.99 meters.