ASSESSMENT OF GEOTECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF SOILS IN AHOADA, NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

This study investigates the geotechnical index properties of soil used in the construction of Road at Ahoada, Niger Delta Region. The work was carried out by assessing   the suitability of the soil as a sub-grade material. The test carried out includes; Atterberg limit, particle size distribution, compaction and California bearing ratio. The range of value obtained for liquid limit was 37.0% - 39.7%, 21.3% - 25.2% for plastic limit, 14.5% -15.9% for the plasticity index. The range of values for the maximum dry density is 1.87 – 1.94%, for the optimum moisture content is 14.0 – 14.5%.  The percentage that passed sieve number 200 ranges from 22.5 – 25.5%. The California  bearing  ratio  ranges  from 13 - 24%  while   the  value  from  American  Association  of High  way  officials (AASHO) classification, classifies  the  soil  as  an  A-2-7 Sub-grade  material. These  results indicates  that  the  soil  meets  the specifications for soil  to  be  used  as  a  sub-grade  material  with  respect  to  laid  down guidelines  by the Federal  Government of Nigeria.