Hydro-geologic, Corrosivity and Geotechnical Implications of Geoelectric Sounding Survey at FUTA Cooperative Housing Estate, Ilaramokin near Akure Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: Groundwater potential evaluation, corrosivity and geotechnical competence investigations of the subsurface layers were carried at FUTA Cooperative Housing Estate, Ilaramokin near Akure Southwestern Nigeria in order to facilitate proper positioning of facilities within the estate. Methodology: A total of 14 vertical electrical sounding (VES) data was acquired across the estate using Schlumberger array. Results: The VES survey results delineated 3 - 5 geoelectric layers across the estate which corresponds to the topsoil, weathered layer, partially weathered basement, partially fractured basement and the presumed fresh bedrock. The groundwater potential map of the estate revealed that the groundwater potential is moderate (GWP of 0.5 - 0.75) to high (GWP of 0.75 - 1.0) in the western and southeastern parts of the estate. The depth slice corrosivity maps (1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 m) of the estate indicated that the corrosivity of the subsurface layers within the estate reduces with depth. The 0.5 m depth slice isoresistivity map of the estate indicates that the central and a segment of the southwestern parts of the estate are characterized with low resistivity (50 - 100 Ωm) indicating incompetence, while the estate flanks (west and east) are considered to be moderately competent (100 - 350 Ωm). Likewise, the 1.0 m depth slice isoresistivity map of the estate reveals that the central and western parts of the estate are characterized with low resistivity (50 - 100 Ωm) suggesting incompetent layer, while the northern, southern and eastern parts of the estate are moderately competent (100 - 350 Ωm). Conclusion: These results suggested that structural failures can be expected on any engineering structures sited at the central, northern, southern and eastern parts of the estate. Groundwater efforts should be concentrated at the western and southeastern parts of the estate.