Geophysical and Geotechnical Site Characterization at Lagos Central Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

Introduction: Geophysical characterization refers to the collection of information associated with subsurface features. Geotechnical involves engineering structural performance studies which are used to obtain information on the physical properties of soil and rock around a site to design earthworks and foundations for proposed structures and for repair of distress to earthworks and structures caused by subsurface conditions. Aim: The study was aimed at characterizing the subsurface formations for the purpose of determining its capacity to withstand engineering structures. Materials and Methods: Geophysical techniques involving eight (8) vertical electrical sounding (VES) and Wenner array were carried out with two (2) traverses. Geotechnical investigation involving cone penetration test (CPT) was also carried out. Results: The results obtained were presented as 1D resistivity profiles and Pseudo-sections of 2-D. Three (3) geo-electric layers were delineated within the study area and these comprise of topsoil, peat or clay and silty sand. The CPT results were used in the calculation of bearing capacity using Bustamante and Gianeselli equation for pile foundations and Meyehorf equation to determine the maximum load the materials can withstand respectively. Conclusion: The shallow subsurface geology was adjudged to be mechanically unstable with low penetration resistance values up to the depth of 11m. The methods conformed and confirmed that shallow foundation was considered unsuitable for the intended engineering structure. Keywords: Meyehorf, Bustamante and Gianeselli, Subsurface, Geology, Unstable, Foundation.