Evaluation of Geotechnical Properties and Suitability of Selected Laterite Sites in Ondo and Ekiti States for Mine Road Construction

Abstract:

This research evaluates the geotechnical properties of selected laterite soils from Ijigbo, Ado-Ekiti (Ekiti State) and Aluta Market, The Federal University of Technology Akure (Ondo State) to assess their suitability for mine road construction. The laterite samples from both locations were taken and subjected to a series of laboratory tests, including moisture content, specific gravity, atterberg limits, compaction (Standard Proctor Test), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and grain size analysis. The results indicated that the FUTA Akure (AKR) sample had a significantly lower moisture content (0.42%) compared to the Ado-Ekiti (ADK) sample (1.35%), making AKR more favorable for road stability under varying moisture conditions. Specific gravity results showed AKR having a higher value (2.63) compared to ADK (2.52), suggesting better load-bearing capacity. The Atterberg Limits revealed lower liquid and plastic limits for AKR (25.30% and 11.1%, respectively) compared to ADK (35.89% and 28.9%), indicating that AKR is less prone to moisture-induced deformation. The linear shrinkage tests showed a shrinkage value of 1.5% for AKR and 8.2% for ADK, suggesting that AKR is less likely to undergo significant volumetric changes during dry conditions, which is crucial for maintaining road stability. The compaction test results showed that AKR had a higher maximum dry density (2.14 g/cm³) than ADK (1.82 g/cm³). UCS results also favored AKR, with a value of 261.7 kN/m², compared to ADK's 177.1 kN/m², indicating AKR has greater resistance to compressive forces, which is essential for mine roads subjected to heavy loads. The grain size analysis revealed that AKR contained 30.6% gravel, 59.66% sand, and 9.74% fines, while ADK contained 25.03% gravel, 65% sand, and 9.97% fines. AKR's higher gravel content and more balanced distribution make it more suitable for load-bearing and stability, while ADK's higher sand content may provide better drainage. Based on the geotechnical test results, the recommended stabilization techniques include lime stabilization to reduce plasticity, cement stabilization to improve compressive strength, and natural fiber reinforcement to enhance tensile strength and durability. Improved drainage systems are also advised to prevent moisture accumulation.

• Periodical: Engineering Headway (Volume 33)
• Pages: 3-15
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-UWZMb6
• Online since: February 2026
• Authors: Waliu Dayo Arowosaye, Thomas Busuyi Afeni*, Johnson Adewumi, Adedapo Jacob Adeyemi
• Keywords: Geotechnical Properties, Laterite, Mine Road Construction, Stabilization Techniques, Suitability

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