Investigation on index properties of soil in shashemene town

Abstract

This work focuses mainly on identifying Index properties of soil in Shashemene Town. Shashamane is the capital of West Arsi, which is developing rapidly both in horizontal and vertical construction. Rapid urbanization in the city area has led to an increased interest in the basic properties of soils which are present within the city area. Geotechnical information of the subsoil in an urban area is important for various civil engineering development purposes. Non-availability of the proper geotechnical information of the subsoil makes foundation and engineering works expensive, difficult and sometimes hazardous. Index properties of soil are thus properties, which are used to characterize soils and determine their basic properties. In this study a total of 20 bulk samples were taken from ten test pits, then stored in labeled plastic bags and transported by truck to Hawasa University for testing. Samples from each test pit were collected at 1.5 m and, 3 m depth and investigated for their Index properties with a view to classifying and identifying the soil of the study area. All tests were carried out using ASTM and BS standard procedure of testing. According to the study, Moisture content ranges in the area from 26 – 36%, liquid limit ranges from 39 – 50%, plastic limit ranges from 27 – 36%, plasticity Index ranges from 8 – 16%, linear shrinkage limit ranges from 4 – 6%, free swell ranges from 21 – 35% and specific gravity ranges from 2.43 - 2.60. Based on visual observation and the test results obtained from the laboratory, comparison were made with some standard specifications and it was revealed that soil samples of the areas are reddish brown, clayey silt soils. Though this research work is limited in its time and budget, it is believed that the finding would serve as a good starting point for further study in the future.