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Archive | ISSUE: , Volume: Apr-Jun-2024

Site Geophysical and Geotechnical Evaluation of the Subsurface Formation Around a Hydropower Plant Station Ofurekpe, Nigeria


Author:Adebiyi, A.D., Bamidele, O.E.

published date:2024-Apr-26

FULL TEXT in - | page 102 - 118

Abstract

Integration of geophysical and geotechnical methods was adopted in evaluating the subsoil conditions and electrical properties of the soil(s) at a proposed hydropower plant station in Ofurekpe, Southeastern Nigeria. The geophysical investigation involving the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) technique utilizes the Schlumberger array and the geotechnical investigation involved manual soil sampling for laboratory tests and field Dynamic Cone Penetration (DCP) tests. Sixteen (16) VES stations were occupied within the study area with a maximum half-current electrode spread length (AB/2) of 100 m. The geotechnical samplings were done to a depth of 2 m. Three subsurface layers were delineated within the study area, which include: the clay/sandy clay/clayey sand/sandy topsoil, the clay/siltstone/mudstone formation and the indurated shale/sandstone formation. The indurated shale/sandstone formation is considered the only fairly competent layer within the study area on which the foundation of the proposed superstructure can be placed. The geotechnical results show that the soils generally fall under the A-7 soil group except for stations 7 and 11 which fall under soil group A-2-4. The CBR results are generally < 20% (less than the required specification of ≥ 80%) except at stations 6 and 13 where the DCP test terminates on hard formation, hence, the subgrade is of low competence. It can be concluded that the subgrade within the study area is generally not competent. Therefore, the proposed structure should be relocated or piled. Electrical power can be earthed to a depth of 5 m while metallic materials must be well galvanized before burial.

Keywords: Hydropower plant, Engineering, Geophysical, Geotechnical,

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