Evaluation of geotechnical parameters of reclaimed land from near-surface seismic refraction method

Correct execution of civil engineering structures depends largely on the adequate and detailed mapping of the subsurface. This can be achieved by the application of appropriate geophysical or geotechnical methods in association with a detailed information on the geological sequence of the subsurface structure. In this study, a combination of near surface seismic refraction method, cone penetration test and borehole logs were used to obtain 2-dimensional (2D) information of the subsurface geological features. These methods were used to characterize the subsurface condition of a reclaimed land in Ajah area of Lagos for the purpose of construction. The seismic refraction method revealed three geologic layers with seismic velocities ranging between 258 and 3544 m/s. Additionally, the cone penetration test revealed that the geologic formation from the topsoil to a depth of 6 m was an alluvium of soft and highly compressible property. Furthermore, the percussion drilling test also confirmed the geologic formation from the topsoil to a depth of about 6 m to be highly compressible. However, a geologic formation with good geotechnical characteristics, such as a low compressibility potential, was encountered at a depth between 7 and 16 m, which coincides with the third layer of the seismic refraction method. The results of the three methods confirmed that the depth to most competent layer must be located before the foundations of engineering constructions are sited.