Characterisation of Soils in Angwan Michika, Using Their Compaction Behaviours, Jos, North Central, Nigeria

The study area is around Angwan Michika metropolis. Ten (10) soil samples were investigated using compaction test analysis. The study area is located on Latitudes N 90 84’ 72” to 80 89’ 36” and Longitudes E 90 86’ 78” to 80 90’ 44”. The compaction tests and their interpretation revealed that, soil samples collected at locations 1, 6, 7, 9 and 10 were inferred to be competent soils since there are (1,6,7,9 and 10) made up of sand and gravel materials. Soil samples collected at locations 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 were inferred to be incompetent, they are basically clayish in nature. In terms of optimum moisture contents, the incompetent soil materials had a range of 17.20 to 23.70 % while the competent soil samples had a range of 10.40 to 12.80 %. In terms of maximum dry densities, soils in the incompetent areas had a range of 1.67 to 1.84 % while the soils in the competent areas had a range of 1.84 to 1.91 %. According to the specifications for roads and bridges in 2017, soil samples from the incompetent areas have high optimum moisture content and low maximum dry density. As a result, civil engineering structures like roads cannot be constructed in areas that the soil samples are incompetent. The sand and gravels that characterise the competent areas do not pose any threat to civil engineering structures rather they help in concretising and solidifying them. The clay material that characterise the incompetent areas makes them to be susceptible to frequent shrinkage and swelling during variations in climatic conditions. This constant alteration leads to cracks, potholes and complete damage of the road. The soil is there by mechanically unfit for road constructions.