Correlation Between Physiomechanical Parameters and Geotechnical Evaluations of Some Sandstones Along the Calabar/Odukpani–Ikom–Ogoja Highway Transect, Southeastern Nigeria

Sandstones are present in enormous quantity in parts of south-eastern Nigeria. However, engineering data for project design and construction are unavailable for these sandstones, which serve as aggregates and foundation for many infrastructures. Besides, it is expensive and time consuming to perform direct tests in the field to generate these data. This work presents an engineering evaluation for some of sandstones based on relatively simple and cheap tests and relationship. The aim was to determine compressive strength, Young’s modulus, density, porosity and water absorption. These physio-mechanical parameters were then used to establish relationships. On the basis of these relationships, an evaluation scheme was developed. The parameters with good relations were used to develop predictive equations for estimating uniaxial compressive strength. Evaluation of sandstones from south-eastern Nigeria showed variations from not suitable to suitable as construction materials. Practically, field observations showed no adverse effects on buildings and roads where these sandstones have been used for construction as foundations and aggregates.