GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION

PRELIMINARY REPORT

OF

BUILDING PROJECT SITE

@
BENIKRUKRU COMMUNTY
WARRI SOUTH WEST LGA
DELTA STATE

FOR

ENGR. MATTHEW TONLAGHA

BY

OSHONE LIMITED

SEPTEMBER 2023

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 CONTENT

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY iii

1.0 OVERVIEW 1
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Objective of the Survey 1
1.3 Scope of Work 1
2.0 SITE GEOLOGY AND DESCRIPTION 2
2.1 Regional Geology 2
2.2 Site Description 3
3.0 FIELD WORK 4
3.1 Boring Activity 5
3.2 Cone Penetration Test (CPT) 5
4.0 GROUNDWATER 6
5.0 LABORATORY INVESTIGATION 7
5.1 Moisture Content 7
5.2 Atterberg Limits 7
5.2.1 Liquid Limits 8
5.2.2 Plastic Limit 8
5.2.3 Plasticity Index 9
5.3 Particle Size Analysis 9
6.0 SOIL STRATIGRAPHY 9
7.0 CONCLUSIONS 10
References 11
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: Site Plan
APPENDIX B: Borehole Log
APPENDIX C: Cone Penetration Test Charts

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

OSHONE Ltd. has been contracted by Engr. Matthew Tonlagha to carry out a
geotechnical investigations activity for the foundation works required for the new
facilities at Benikrukru community in Warri South West LGA of Delta State, Nigeria.
The geotechnical investigation was by two (2) number boreholes, four (4) number
cone penetration test (CPT) and laboratory tests. The exploration of the boreholes
was to a maximum depth of 20m below the existing ground surface and the CPT
were to refusal.

Field and laboratory investigations revealed a formation of fine to coarse sand from
the existing ground surface to the final 20.0 depth of the investigations. From the
cone penetration tests (CPT) the sand is observed to be of loose to medium dense in
compaction with cone tip resistance, qc, values reaching 5.8MPa.

Water table was encountered during the investigation between 0.35m and 0.50m
depth below the existing ground level and this shall create problems for shallow
foundation activities.

Laboratory tests and analysis is presently on-going at our geotechnical laboratory in

Warri on the samples recovered from the site. Results of the laboratory tests are
being awaited before the final draft report shall be submitted in due course.

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1.0 OVERVIEW

1.1 Introduction

OSHONE Ltd. is proposing the construction of a new facility within Benikrukru

community in Warri South West LGA of Delta State of Nigeria.

Before the execution of the works OSHONE Ltd. was contracted to carry out a
geotechnical investigation on the site to obtain geotechnical data required for the
foundation design of the new facility.

This document presents the preliminary report the geotechnical investigations carried
out within the site between 28 and 31 August 2023.

1.2 Objective of the Survey

The objective of this investigation is to obtain geotechnical parameters for the design
of the foundation of the proposed new facility.

1.3 The Scope of Work

The scope of the work includes

(i) Carry out two (2) number geotechnical boreholes at a pre-determined location
to a depth of 20.0m below the existing ground level within the site.

(ii) Collect both disturbed and undisturbed samples from the borehole.

(iii) Carry out four (4) number cone penetration tests (CPT) to 20.0m depth or to
refusal, whichever occurs first.

(iv) Carry out laboratory analysis on selected soil samples

(v) Analyse the results and submit a detailed engineering report

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2.0 SITE GEOLOGY AND DESCRIPTION

2.1 Regional Geology

The regional geology of the site is primarily that of the Niger Delta basin which forms
the southern or bottom extension of the Nigerian sedimentary basin. See section 1 of
Map, figure 2.1, below.

The Niger Delta is characterised by a stratigraphy of three main formations, namely:

 The Benin Formation: This is the uppermost unit and extends from the west to the
whole Niger Delta area and southward beyond the present coastline. It is over 90%
sandstone (consolidated sands) with shale intercalations. The thickness varies but
generally exceeds 1,800m.
 The Agbada Formation: This underlies the Benin Formation and is a sequence of
sandstone and shale. It consists of an upper predominantly sandy unit with minor
shale intercalations and a lower shale unit which is thicker than the upper sandy unit.
It is over 3,000m thick and ranges from Eocene to Recent in age. This unit is the
major hydrocarbon bearing zone in the whole of the Niger Delta.
 The Akata Formation: This is the lowermost unit and is made up of shale
development consisting of dark grey sandy, silty shale with plant remains at the top.
The formation is believed to have been deposited in front of the advancing delta and
ranges from Eocene to Recent in age. It is over 1,200m thick.

Figure 2.1: Geological Map of Nigeria

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2.2 Site Description

The site is situated in Benikrukru in Warri South West Local Government Area. Warri
South West Local Government Area is one of the twenty-five (25) Local Government
Areas of Delta State with the headquarters in Ogidigben town and Delta State is one
of the nine (9) states of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, with Asaba as State
Capital.

Figure 1: Map of Nigeria with Delta State in red

Figure 2: Map of Delta State showing Warri South West LGA in light green
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3.0 FIELD WORK

The field work was executed between 28 and 31 August 2023. Two (2) number
geotechnical boreholes were explored to 20.0m depth below the existing ground
surface. Four (4) number cone penetration tests (CPT) were also sounded to refusal.
The cable percussive drilling rig was used in the exploration of the geotechnical
borehole while the Penetrometer was used for the CPT.

Representative disturbed and undisturbed samples were taken from the boreholes.
The samples were for a detailed and systematic description of the soil encountered in
the investigation. The borehole and CPT logs obtained are presented in the
Appendix.

3.1 Boring Activity

The boreholes were drilled using the manual cable percussive drilling rig. The manual
rig is a cable percussive drilling rig. The rig employs the shell and auger cable
percussive drilling method. The manual rig is fitted with a free fall auger. The auger
is lifted to a height of about 1.0m above ground level, using gloved hands and pulling
on the wire-rope. The wire-rope lifts the auger and allows it to free-fall under gravity
to advance the boring. As the auger falls it cuts through the soil such that the cut soil
material is retained inside its bailer by means of a clerk. The auger is then brought to
the surface where the soil retained in it is emptied out.
To prevent collapse of the borehole wall, the hole is lined with casings or shell
corresponding to the size of the auger being used for the drilling. As the drilling
continues, the auger drops into the open hole until the time sample is to be taken.
Representative disturbed samples were taken at regular intervals and also when a
change in soil type was observed. The standard penetration test was also carried out
as described below.
Undisturbed soil samples are recovered by lowering the sample tube through the
hole and driving them into the soil beneath the casing. This way, the soil is collected
in a relatively undisturbed state. Once the tube is full it is recovered to the ground
surface by means of the wireline action.
In cohesive soils, undisturbed samples are collected at regular intervals. Disturbed
samples are taken in between undisturbed samples. In cohesionless soils,
representative samples are taken alongside with Standard Penetration Tests (SPT).
The standard penetration test (SPT) is carried out by lowering a string of SPT rods

4
 connected to the top of the SPT spoon, lowered into the hole to the required depth for
the test. The SPT hammer is then screwed to the top of the rods.
The borehole logs are presented in the Appendix.

3.2 Cone Penetration Test (CPT)

The Cone Penetration Test (CPT) is an in-situ testing method used to determine the
geotechnical engineering properties of soils and delineating soil stratigraphy. The
CPT sounding is made by pushing an instrumented cone tip first into the ground, at
the designated location. The cone is pushed into the ground at a rate of 20mm/s,
using hydraulic ram from the Cone Penetrometer. The Cone Penetrometer is a
machine that houses an ‘A’ frame with provisions for mechanical gauges.
Before commencing the tests at the location, the upper part of the cone is screwed to
the base of the pipe shaft with the upper end of the pipe shaft supporting the
hydraulic ram of the Penetrometer. Attached to this ram are the mechanical gauges.
Inside the pipe shaft is past the CPT rods. The CPT rods connect to the base of the
dial gauges. The cone in position is advanced by pushing the rods, a distance of
100mm, by means of the hydraulic ram. The rod pushes out the cone tip and the
cone resistance is recorded by the first dial gauge. The knob that connects the ram to
the pipe shaft is turned to engage the pipe shaft. The ram is pushed at this stage and
this pushes the entire cone tip and sleeve assembly. The assembly is advance a
further distance of 100mm. This gives the sleeve + cone tip resistance. Both readings
are recorded by another dial gauge. Continuous measurements are made of the
resistance to penetration of the cone tip and the frictional sliding resistance of the
sleeve of the cone. The penetration resistance, which is recorded at every 200 mm
depth intervals, permits detailed inferences about stratigraphy and lithology of the
soil. Once the cone and first pipe, measuring 1000mm, are completely pushed into
the ground, the hydraulic ram is released and slides up on the ‘A’ frame to allow
another pipe to be screwed on. The lower part is screwed to the upper part of the
pipe in the ground while the upper part supports the hydraulic ram. The process is
continued until the target depth is obtained or refusal attained. Refusal is the point
when it is no longer safe for either the operator or the machine to continue the test.
To provide reaction to the lifting force experienced by the Penetrometer while
advancing the cone, anchors are buried prior to carrying out the test.
The total cone resistance is made up of side sleeve friction on the cone shaft
perimeter and the cone tip pressure. Data usually recorded are the cone sleeve

5
 resistance, qs, the cone tip resistance qc, and the friction ratio. All three parameters
are recorded against depth. Soil type is inferred from a chart that compares these
three (3) measurements with the known physical properties of various soils.

4.0 GROUNDWATER CONDITIONS

Ground water was encountered at the site between 0.35m and 0.50m depth below
the ground surface. This shall create problem of excavation for foundation works

5.0 LABORATORY TESTS

Detailed laboratory investigations are being carried out on representative disturbed

samples obtained from the open boreholes for the classification tests in the
laboratory in Warri. All tests are being carried out in accordance with BS1377 (1990)
– Methods of test for soil for civil engineering purposes. Brief comments on the tests
are given below:

Results of the laboratory tests are being awaited before the final report shall be
completed

5.1 Moisture Content

The moisture content, w, of a soil is the amount of water, expressed as a proportion

by mass of the dry solid particles. A clean metal container is weighed to the nearest
0.01g (M1) on a weighing balance. About 30g of the soil specimen is placed on the
container and weighed again, (M2). The container and content are placed in the
drying oven and dried at 105oC (+ 5oC) for at least 24hours. After drying, the
container and contents are removed from the drying oven and weighed again (M3)
after cooling in a desiccator.

The moisture content (w) of the soil is calculated as

w = [(M2 - M1) / (M3 - M1)] x 100% … 5.1

5.2 Atterberg Limits

The Atterberg Limits of the soil is the amount of water, expressed as a proportion by
mass of the dry solid particles as the soil moves from liquid to plastic state and from
plastic state to the shrinkage state. Primarily, two limits are of importance to the soil
engineer. The liquid limit and these are plastic limit.

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5.2.1 Liquid Limits

The Liquid Limits (LL) is the empirically established moisture content at which the soil
passes from the liquid state to the plastic state. About 500g is taken from a soil in
the undisturbed or disturbed state, containing little or no material retained in the 425
microns test sieve. Place about 300g on a glass plate. Thoroughly mix the paste
with distilled water. With the cup of the apparatus resting on the base, place a portion
of the mixed soil in the cup without entrapping some air. Level off the top of the soil
surface. Using the grooving tool, with the chamfered edge facing down, divide the
soil into two equal parts by drawing the tool from the hinge towards the front in a
continuous straight movement. Turn the crank handle of the Cassangrande cup at
the rate of 2rev/s so that the cup is lifted and dropped counting the number of blows.
Continue until the two parts of the soil come into contact at the bottom of the groove
along a distance of 13mm, record the number of blows. Remove some soil from the
cup and place in a suitable container to determine the moisture content.

Add a little more of the prepared soil from the glass plate and mix it with the soil in
the cup. Repeat the test and record the blows. Again, remove some soil from the
cup and place in a suitable container to determine the moisture content.

The number of all the recorded blows shall be between 15 and 35.

Plot the number of blows versus moisture content on a semi-log scale. The point
where the curve intersects the 25number blows is taken as the liquid limit of the soil.

5.2.2 Plastic Limits

The Plastic Limits, PL, of the soil is the empirically established moisture content at
which the soil becomes too dry to be plastic. It is used together with the liquid limits
to determine the plasticity index which when plotted against the liquid limit on the
plasticity chart provide a means of classifying cohesive soils.

Samples for the test are prepared as in the liquid limits and spread on the glass
plate. The sample shall not be allowed to become dry before testing. Mould the soil in
the fingers to equalize the distribution of moisture, and then form the soil into thread s
about 6mm diameter. Roll the threads to 3mm diameter on the surface of the glass
rolling plate until the soils shears both longitudinally and transversely when it has
been rolled to this diameter. Place all rolled soils and their crumbled soil threads into
a container and determine the moisture content.

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5.2.3 Plasticity Index

The Plasticity Index, PI, of the soil is the difference between the Liquid Limits and the
Plastic Limits.

PI = LL - PL

5.3 Particle Size Analysis

The particle size analysis was performed by means of drying and sieving. Sieving
was carried out for particles that would be retained on a 0.063mm sieve. The sieve
was carried out by passing the soil sample over a set of standard sieve size and the
entire units of sieves are shaken vigorously for few minutes.

Particle size is presented on a logarithmic scale so that two (2) soil samples having
the same degree of uniformity are represented by curves of the same shape
regardless of their positions on the particle size distribution plot. The general slope
of the distribution curve may be described by the coefficient of uniformity, Cu and the
coefficient of curvature, Cc. The coefficient of uniformity Cu = D60/D10 while the
coefficient of curvature, Cc = (D30)2/D10 x D60. D10, D30 and D60 are the particle
sizes indicating that 10%, 30% and 60% of the particles of the sand sample by
weight.

The detailed particle sizes are presented on the individual particle size analysis
curves given in the Appendices.

6.0 SOIL STRATIGRAPHY

The soil stratigraphy encountered on the site as obtained from the explored
boreholes and CPT is as presented in the Appendix. The lithology of the borehole
reveals a formation of fine to coarse sand from the ground surface to the final 20.0m
depth of the investigations.

The profile for the borehole is as presented below.

Table 1: Profile for the strata.

Average depth
Stratum No. Description
range (m)

1 FINE to COARSE SAND 0 - 20.0

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7.0 CONCLUSION

Laboratory tests and analysis is presently on-going in Warri on the samples

recovered from the site. Results of the laboratory tests are being awaited before the
final draft report shall be submitted. Based on the field investigations and the
preliminary laboratory test analysis so far (cone penetration test), the allowable
bearing capacity lies between 70 – 85KN/m2 at 2.5m to 3m, subject to the results
from the boring test when the laboratory results is completed.

Engr. Matthias Imomoh, MNSE

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References

1. Bowles, J. E, (1997); Foundation Analysis and Design, McGraw-Hill Companies

Inc.; 5th edition

2. Murthy, V. N. S, (2007); Textbook of Soil Mechanics and Foundation

Engineering, page 630; CBS Publishers; 1st edition.

3. Tomlinson, M. J. (1994); Pile Design and Construction Practice; E & F N Spon;

4th edition,

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APPENDIX A

SITE PLAN

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 APPENDIX B

BOREHOLE LOG

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 Geotechnical Investigation at Benikrukru - Delta State
Borehole 1
Depth Sample Graphic
Unit wt (kN/m3) Strata description
(m) type log
0.00 FINE SAND, dark brown
1.0 D

2.0

3.0
---becoming yellowish grey
4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0
---becoming light grey
10.0

11.0

12.0

13.0

14.0

15.0

16.0

17.0

18.0

19.0

20.0

End of borehole

Legend BH: 1
SPT - Standard Penetration Test Date: 28-Aug-23
U/H - Undisturbed hammer sample WT: 0.50m
WT - Water table

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 Geotechnical Investigation at Benikrukru - Delta State
Borehole 2
Depth Sample Graphic
Unit wt (kN/m3) Strata description
(m) type log
0.00 FINE SAND, dark brown
1.0

2.0

3.0
---becoming yellowish grey
4.0
---becoming coarse
5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

10.0

11.0

12.0

13.0

14.0

15.0

16.0

17.0

18.0

19.0

20.0

End of borehole

Legend BH: 2
SPT - Standard Penetration Test Date: 30-Aug-23
U/H - Undisturbed hammer sample WT: 0.35m
WT - Water table
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 APPENDIX C

CONE PENETRATION TEST CHARTS

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 CONE PENETRATION TEST
Project Geotechnical Investigation at Benikrukru
Location Benikrukru
CPT Identification CPT 01 Date 28-Aug-23

Cone Penetration Test

Cone Tip Resistance, qc, MPa

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0
0.0
Strain Dial Stress Dial Strain Area Load Stress
1 div = 1.9N 100(ΔL/Lo) A0/(1-ε)
(mm)2.0 (Div) ε (%) (m2) N kN/m2

4.0

6.0

8.0
Cone Tip Penetration, m

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0
2
Undrained cohesion, (@ 50% strain), cu 26 kN/m
2
Modulus of deformation, E 3,500 kN/m
20.0

16
 CONE PENETRATION TEST
Project Geotechnical Investigation at Benikrukru
Location Benikrukru
CPT Identification CPT 02 Date 29-Aug-23

Cone Penetration Test

Cone Tip Resistance, qc, MPa

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0
0.0
Strain Dial Stress Dial Strain Area Load Stress
1 div = 1.9N 100(ΔL/Lo) A0/(1-ε)
(mm)2.0 (Div) ε (%) (m2) N kN/m2

4.0

6.0

8.0
Cone Tip Penetration, m

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0
2
Undrained cohesion, (@ 50% strain), cu 26 kN/m
2
Modulus of deformation, E 3,500 kN/m
20.0

17
 CONE PENETRATION TEST
Project Geotechnical Investigation at Benikrukru
Location Benikrukru
CPT Identification CPT 03 Date 28-Aug-23

Cone Penetration Test

Cone Tip Resistance, qc, MPa

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0
0.0
Strain Dial Stress Dial Strain Area Load Stress
1 div = 1.9N 100(ΔL/Lo) A0/(1-ε)
(mm)2.0 (Div) ε (%) (m2) N kN/m2

4.0

6.0

8.0
Cone Tip Penetration, m

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0
2
Undrained cohesion, (@ 50% strain), cu 26 kN/m
2
Modulus of deformation, E 3,500 kN/m
20.0

18
 CONE PENETRATION TEST
Project Geotechnical Investigation at Benikrukru
Location Benikrukru
CPT Identification CPT 04 Date 30-Aug-23

Cone Penetration Test

Cone Tip Resistance, qc, MPa

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0
0.0
Strain Dial Stress Dial Strain Area Load Stress
1 div = 1.9N 100(ΔL/Lo) A0/(1-ε)
(mm)2.0 (Div) ε (%) (m2) N kN/m2

4.0

6.0

8.0
Cone Tip Penetration, m

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0
2
Undrained cohesion, (@ 50% strain), cu 26 kN/m
2
Modulus of deformation, E 3,500 kN/m
20.0

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 APPENDIX C

SITE PICTURES

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