JETI

Olaoluwa Olowookere

Amu Olugbenga Oludolapo

Prof. Amu Olugbenga Oludolapo is a distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at Federal University Oye Ekiti, Nigeria. With decades of academic and professional experience, he has contributed significantly to the advancement of geotechnical and environmental engineering through teaching, research, and consulting. Prof. Amu holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in reputable national and international journals. His research interests include soil stabilization, pavement materials, lateritic soil behavior, and sustainable construction materials. As a seasoned academic, Prof. Amu has supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects and has served as an external examiner to several universities across Nigeria. He is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He is passionate about developing innovative solutions to Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges and mentoring the next generation of engineers. Prof. Amu continues to play an active role in advancing civil engineering education and research in Nigeria.

Abstract

This study investigates the correlation between compaction characteristics and index properties of lateritic soils along the Ado-Ijan road in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The goal is to develop empirical models for rapid soil assessment during highway sub-grade design. Disturbed soil samples from five locations were subjected to laboratory tests, including Atterberg limits, specific gravity, sieve analysis, and standard Proctor compaction tests. Regression analyses revealed strong correlations between Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) and index properties, particularly Liquid Limit (R² = 0.88), Plastic Limit (R² = 0.51), and Plasticity Index (R² = 0.62). These parameters can serve as reliable predictors for estimating OMC. However, all index properties showed weak correlations with Maximum Dry Density (MDD) (R² < 0.10), suggesting other factors like soil gradation and mineralogy play a dominant role. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) confirmed statistically significant differences in MDD across sampling locations (p < 0.05), emphasizing site-specific soil assessment importance. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools visualized spatial variation of soil properties and compaction behavior, supporting informed design decisions. The study concludes that Plasticity Index and Liquid Limit are practical indicators for predicting OMC, reducing reliance on extensive compaction testing. Integrating regression modeling and GIS enhances decision-making in geotechnical planning, offering a cost-effective approach for highway subgrade evaluation in lateritic soil regions. This research promotes sustainable and efficient highway design and construction practices. Key findings support the use of index properties as predictors for OMC, enabling rapid soil assessment and reducing testing costs.

References

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