Geotechnical Investigations for Infrastructural Development: A Case Study of a Four-Storey Shopping Mall, Guratopp, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

This research work focused on the investigation of geotechnical properties for infrastructural development as well as the construction of a four-storey shopping mall, Guratopp, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. The study was carried out with a view of classifying the soils as suitable or not for the construction of the deeper life church due to the current geotechnical drawbacks observed in the study area. Nine (9) soil samples were collected at one-meter depth. There were investigated for their geotechnical properties by carrying out the following tests: moisture content test, particle size analysis (dry and wet analysis), relative density test, Atterberg limit test and compaction test. Upon investigation, the area has a natural moisture content of moderate to high values. Relative density results show a highly porous soil which is rich in organic matter and have a very low bearing capacity. Particle size analysis result show a poorly graded cohesive soil of medium plasticity, low compressibility and low load bearing capacity. Dry sieve analysis result show that 62.5 % of the soil samples are made up of clayey sand, gravel and fine particles which are greater than 12%. Wet sieve analysis indicates that 87.6% of the soils under investigation are mainly clay sand with gravel containing fines particles which is greater than 12%. Atterberg limit test indicates moisture sensitive silt clay soils of medium plastic, medium to high degree swelling potential, desiccate and brittle soils with likely hood of undergoing elastic deformation under imposed loads. In terms of compaction, soils in the study area generally have average values of maximum dry densities and optimum moisture contents. Based on the geotechnical results, the soils can be deduced as not suitable for large civil engineering construction. Soil improvement and ground modification are required for this type of soils for civil engineering constructions in this area.