STRENGTH CHARACTERIZATION OF FOUNDATION SOILS AT FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LOKOJA BASED ON STANDARD PENETRATION TESTS DATA

Strength characteristics of foundation soils in the Permanent site of the Federal University Lokoja in Kogi State were evaluated based on standard penetration test (SPT) results using some conventional analytical models proposed by different researchers. The study was carried out in order to take precise engineering decisions on the type of foundations suitable for the proposed structures and to determine the optimal depth of foundation embedment. The SPT N-values were first corrected to the standard average energy of 60% (N60) before they were used to correlate soil properties. Evaluation of the soil properties were done at foundation embedment depths of 0.6, 2.1 and 3.6 m. Results show that bearing capacity generally increased with boring depth. Based on the Meyerhof allowable bearing pressure estimation method, foundation pressures in the range of 150 – 600 kN/m2 were evaluated for use in the study area at shallow depths (depths in the range of 0.6 - 3.6 m).http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v36i3.2