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Engineering Geology

3D Engineering Geological Models of subsurface soil profiles using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in parts of Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Engineering Geology /

Authors: Hector, D.D., Udom, G.J., Giadom, F.D. and Tse, A.C. Abstract The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques with Geoscientific data has revolutionized the creation of 3D Engineering Geological Models for subsurface soil profiles. ChatGPT-4 is a large multimodal model AI tool, it accepts both text and image inputs, that allows its users to specify the type of language task, by combining natural language understanding with visual information GPT-4 generates accurate and nuanced 3D models, aiding in proper foundation design, groundwater flow modeling, and environmental management. Its reliability, creativity and abilityto handle complex design makes it a valuable tool for geotechnical applications. In this paper, ChatGPT-4 was used to create 3D Engineering Geological Models of subsurface soil profiles in parts of Port Harcourt Metropolis. Data, including coordinates and static water levels from five geotechnical boreholes drilled to depth of 30 meters were used as input parameters. The elevation of the area ranged from 10 m to 7 m above sea level. The soil profile consists of 3 meters thick medium grained sand succeeded by 10 meters thick clay of low plasticity which in turn, is underlain by 17 meters of thick poorly graded sand (SP). A 3D soil profile of the study area was created showing the elevations, topography and weak stratigraphic layers. This model enables engineers and researchers to optimize infrastructuraldesign, reduce costs and mitigate risk.

Engineering Geophysics

Site Effects Estimation Using the Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio for Different Geological Formations

Engineering Geophysics /

Authors: Geraldine C. Anukwu, Mohd H. B. Mohammed, Daniel Obi – Enadhuze Abstract The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos, Nigeria, and Bukit Ledang, Malaysia, are witnessing rapid development in terms of the construction of new buildings. Geologically, while Lagos is a coastal zone characterized bysedimentary rocks, Bukit Ledang has a hilly topography with rocks from the Paleozoic to Quaternary ages. In this study, we present the ambient noise recordings obtained from locations in each study area and analyze them using theNakamura technique of horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) to determine the predominant fundamental frequency. The result indicates that the fundamental frequency for Bukit Ledang ranges from 2.32 to 2.56 Hz, while that for UNILAG ranges from 0.85 to 1.29 Hz. The peak amplitude for Bukit Ledang (>2) is higher than that of UNILAG (< 1.5), an indication that the impedance contrast between the overlying layers and seismic bedrock is greater at Bukit Ledang, suggesting a possibility for higher amplification. The depth to the stiff layer estimated for Bukit Ledang is about 20 m, while that of UNILAG is about 30. These estimates correlate well with borehole logs from both areas. This study has shown that the characteristics of the HVSR curve are a function of the geology and, as such, can be utilized to provide good and reliable information about site effect parameters such as the fundamental site frequency. Also, with this technique, design criteria can be defined for new buildings to reduce the probability of soilstructureresonance that can result in collapse in the event of ground motion. Furthermore, this technique is well suited for urban areas and can be readily deployed for microzonation studies and other applications.

Engineering Geology, Environmental

Analysis of Soil and Environmental Conditions for Resilient Pavements in the Niger Delta

Engineering Geology, Environmental /

Authors: Abam, T.K.S., Giadom, F.D. and Abija, F.A. Abstract The short service life of pavements in the Niger Delta has resulted in high recurrent maintenance cost of roads. Pavement failures have been attributed to widespread weak, expansive clays and silty soils, which lead to high water table issues and poor drainage without an understanding of the mechanisms involved and an appreciation of theadequacy of the codes used in their design. This paper explores the concepts of pavement design, assessing the necessity and functions of individual layers as well as the geological materials they are made of. The paper then identifies the weaknesses in the pavement design culture practiced in Nigeria to include poorly prepared subgrades, use of unsuitable aggregates, insensitivity to the environmental conditions among others. It further investigates the relationship between the distribution of axial load and the thicknesses of pavement layers to identify vulnerabilities particularly in the Niger Delta that can promote pavement failure. It examines the influence of moisture on the attainment of adequate compaction as well as on the resilience of pavements. The paper argues that the extensive weak subgrades and rapid variability of superficial geology such as exist in the Niger Delta demands a review of the national design code to accommodate the peculiarities of the region. To ensure resilient pavements, understandingsoil and environmental conditions is paramount. This involves integrating soil-structure interaction principles, ground improvement and stabilization techniques, as well as risk assessment methodologies to enhance structural integrity and sustainability of pavements.

Engineering Geology

Potential of Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy as ComplementaryTechnique for Assessment of Soil Engineering Properties

Engineering Geology /

Authors: Fakeye, A.M., Ige, O.O.  and Oluwafemi, O. Abstract Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy has emerged as a rapid and cost effective complementary to conventional laboratory methods utilized for assessing soil properties. The study intends to evaluate the potential of MIR spectroscopy for non-destructive estimation of some engineering soil properties along Ilorin – Kabba expressway. Fifty georeferenced soil samples from different Basement Complex rock of Southwestern Nigeria were subjected to Fourier-Transform-Infrared-Spectrometric (FTIR) analysis within the spectral region ranging from 4000 – 400 cm-1 of electromagnetic radiation. Four preprocessed filtering methods such as moving average, normalization, multiplicative scatter correction, Savitzky-Golay (SG) first derivative algorithm were applied in the pre-treatment of spectral information. Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) was employed to develop calibration models for soil properties, with model performance assessed using the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE) and ratio of performance to deviation (RPD). The results showed that MIR spectroscopy effectivelyestimated the properties including sand and clay content, liquid limit, plasticity index, optimum moisture content, maximum dry density, and soaked California Bearing Ratio, achieving an average R2 of 0.6, RMSE of 1.32, and RPD of 2.1. This study demonstrates the capability of MIR spectroscopy as a rapid and efficient tool for simultaneous estimation of multiple soil properties relevant for engineering purposes. Further research is recommended using diverse non-parametric data mining techniques to enhance soil predictive accuracy.

Engineering Geology, Environmental

Experimental Study of Use of Waste Glass for SustainableStabilization of Highway Foundation Soils

Engineering Geology, Environmental /

Authors: Owoyemi, O.O., Ejikunle, O.B. and Afolagboye, L.O. Abstract Recycling waste glass for subgrade soil improvement not only contributes to the development of sustainable and resilient highways but also mitigates the environmental impact of the vast quantities of glass generated daily. This study examines the potential of using waste glass to enhance the geotechnical properties of soil intended for highway subgrade applications. Soil sample was obtained from a borrow pit in Oyun, Southwestern Nigeria, where lateritic soils are quarried for construction purposes. The mineralogical and geochemical properties of the natural soil were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Pulverized waste glass underwent grain size distribution analysis, and the soil samples were mixed with waste glass in proportions of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% by weight. The impact of waste glass powder addition on Atterberg limits, linear shrinkage, compaction parameters, swell potential, and both soaked and unsoaked California Bearing Ratio (CBR) was investigated. The aging effect on the CBR of the stabilized samples was assessed by repeating the soaked CBR tests after 7, 14, and 21 days. Results indicated that the liquid limit, plastic limit, plasticity index, linear shrinkage, swell potential, and of the stabilized soils decreased with increasing glass content. Conversely, the maximum dry density and both soaked and unsoakedCBR values increased, while the optimum moisture content decreased with higher glass content. The stabilized soils maintained their strength even after 21 days of soaking. Waste glass, even at a 0.5% inclusion by weight, acts as an effective cementing agent, improving soil properties for highway foundations.

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