Integrated Geophysical Techniques for Near-Surface Engineering Studies at Fadama Rice Farm, Aule, Nigeria
Integrated Geophysical Techniques for Near-Surface Engineering Studies at Fadama Rice Farm, Aule, Nigeria

Summary/Abstract: To assess the suitability of Fadama Rice Farm at Aule for engineering purposes, an integrated geophysical method combining electrical resistivity and ground magnetic measurements was employed. Centred in the Akure South local government area of Ondo State, the Fadama Rice Farm in Aule lies at northings 804983 Nm and 805227 Nm and eastings 7379536Em and 737997Em. It is presently used for the third National Fadama Development Project and occupies about twenty-two hectares of land. A total of 48 vertical electrical soundings using a specialised Wenner (engineering) spread with AB/2 varying from 0.2 to 10 m were adopted for resistivity measurements. The results revealed a 3- to 6-layer earth model in the study area and resistivities ranging from 1.8 ohm-m to 24307 ohm-m. The electrical resistivity results indicated that the study area is an expansive clay formation. The ground magnetic method was also employed, with three profiles set up from east to west. The results of the magnetic studies revealed that the research area comprises two segments: basinal structures of competent and weak zones. Generally, the magnetic study revealed that the study area has a very thick overburden, primarily composed of clay. Therefore, the results of the integrated geophysical techniques employed revealed that the study area is not suitable for massive engineering structures. Still, the study recommends light structures in the northwestern and eastern parts of the Fadama rice farm.

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