Research Article Published: July 15, 2025 Volume 1, Issue 5

Geotechnical Evaluation of Subgrade Soil Properties and Their Impact on Pavement Failure: A Case Study of Ugbowo, Benin City, Nigeria

Authors

Boluwade Segun1

Affiliation: Department of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Azeez Jimoh2

Affiliation: Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Oreoluwa Gbadamosi3

Affiliation: Department of Civil Engineering, Delta State University, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Pavement failure remains a critical issue in Nigeria, significantly affecting road safety, economic activities, and infrastructure longevity. This study investigates the causes of flexible pavement deterioration in Nigeria, focusing on subgrade soil properties, drainage conditions, material quality, and traffic loading. Through field investigations and laboratory tests including compaction, sieve analysis, moisture content, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests soil samples from three boreholes (BH1, BH2, BH3) were analyzed.

Results revealed that BH1, with a maximum dry density (MDD) of 1.92 g/cm³, optimum moisture content (OMC) of 11.28%, and 32% clay content, exhibited the best compaction and stability, making it suitable for construction. BH2 (MDD: 1.79 g/cm³, OMC: 14.73%, clay: 54.3%) showed moderate suitability but required stabilization due to high plasticity. BH3 (MDD: 1.60 g/cm³, OMC: 19.05%, clay: 35%) was deemed unsuitable without significant improvement.

The study highlights the importance of proper material selection, soil stabilization, and drainage systems to mitigate pavement failure. Recommendations include enforcing construction standards, adopting stabilization techniques, and implementing routine maintenance to enhance road durability and sustainability.

Keywords

Pavement failure Subgrade soil Geotechnical evaluation Soil stabilization California Bearing Ratio (CBR) Compaction Moisture content Benin City Road infrastructure Flexible pavement

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How to Cite

APA Style:

Segun, B., Jimoh, A., & Gbadamosi, O. (2025). Geotechnical Evaluation of Subgrade Soil Properties and Their Impact on Pavement Failure: A Case Study of Ugbowo, Benin City, Nigeria. International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Related Sciences, 1(5), 37-44.

IEEE Style:

B. Segun, A. Jimoh, and O. Gbadamosi, "Geotechnical Evaluation of Subgrade Soil Properties and Their Impact on Pavement Failure: A Case Study of Ugbowo, Benin City, Nigeria," International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Related Sciences, vol. 1, no. 5, pp. 37-44, 2025.

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