Abstract

The lack of adequate geophysical survey has led to dilapidation of constructed sites and unwanted fractures in buildings resulting to severe damages or loss of life. This work is aimed at investigating the subsurface to provide useful information regarding the soil condition for foundation studies within the vicinity of Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero Convocation Theater, vertical electrical sounding (VES) was conducted using six VES points around the vicinity of the theater. The first layer is made up of topsoil with resistivity values ranging from 98.3 to 1766 ohmmeter. The layer thickness is between 0.5 and 1.89 m. The second layer is composed of laterite, with thickness of 1.34 to 18.5 m with resistivity ranging 260 to 17266 ohm meter. The third layer is a weathered formation with thickness of about 5.27 to 5.85 m, the resistivity range from 204 to 3498 (ohm meter). The fourth layer has resistivity of 1956 to 8320 (ohm meter). The VES point’s 1-4 shows the lowest value of resistivity that agrees with the possibility of high clay content in the beds or fracture which can impact the competence and integrity of the soil condition for building development in the area. Conclusively, the top soil has to be excavated to a reasonable depth at which the soil is adequately competent. The research conducted revealed that the sandstones and limestones lithological unit is to be the most reliable for shallow foundations. In the case of medium to large engineering buildings which is clearly shown to represent VES point 5 to 6.

Key words: Geophysics; Resistivity; Foundation studies; electrical sounding