Geosciences Research

Download PDF (485.8 KB) PP. 127 - 137 Pub. Date: May 15, 2017

DOI: 10.22606/gr.2017.22006

• O. Ademila^*
  Department of Earth Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria
• O. J. Adebanjo
  
  Department of Earth Sciences, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria

An engineering geological study was undertaken to determine the geotechnical properties and mineralogy of Erusu clay, southwestern Nigeria with a view to infer their suitability for industrial applications and provide background information for further economic assessment of the deposits. Clay soils from four different locations of the study area were subjected to geotechnical test while X-ray diffraction method was employed for the mineralogical analysis. The clays have low to moderate plasticity and contain quantity amounts of fines which make them suitable for sanitary landfill liners. The results of the compaction and CBR show its unsuitability for use as sub-base, base course and subgrade materials in road construction. X-ray diffraction analysis detected the presence of mixed layer clay mineral illite-smectite (rectorite), montmorillonite, halloysite (hydrated) and kaolinite. These clay minerals have negative influence on its use as aggregates in construction works but suitable for the production of ceramics, structural blocks, bricks, roof and floor tiles.

Mineralogical characterization, geotechnical properties, clay deposits, refractory, industrial application.

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