GEOTECHNICAL ASSESSMENT OF CLAY DEPOSIT IN OMI ADIO IBADAN

Clay is formed through the weathering of rocks, often in the presence of water. It’s generally composed of micro-crystalline particles of a group of minerals. This project aimed to characterize clay samples obtained from Omi-Adio, Oyo State and Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Three clay samples were obtained, two from different location in Omi-Adio and third from Benin. Particle size distribution test, moisture content test, specific gravity test, Atterberg limit test, compaction test, California bearing ratio test, direct shear test and consolidation test were performed according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). First and second clay samples from Omi Adio are brownish red and dark brown in appearance whileclay sample from Benin is cartoon brown by careful visual examination. Brownish red clay is the best in terms of geotechnical properties followed by cartoon brown clay and by dark brown clay. Brownish red clay is a stiff clay with the best load bearing capacity and it is made up of kaolinite. Cartoon brown clay is a medium stiff clay and it is made up kaolinite with good load bearing capacity while dark brown clay is a medium silty clay and it is made up of Montmorillonite with an average load bearing capacity. The three clay samples can be stabilized with cement, lime, fly ash and fiber reinforcement base on the geotechnical properties but stabilizing brownish red clay will be financially viable and give the best result.