INVESTIGATION OF PLATE LOAD TEST IN SOIL STABILIZATION USING STONE COLUMNS

CASE STUDY OF OWODE ELEDE, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Soil stabilization refers to techniques employed to enhance the stability and strength of a particular soil mass, thereby improving its engineering and physical characteristics. A commonly used method for ground improvement involves the installation of stone columns, which are also referred to as granular piles or aggregate piers. The main aim of implementing stone columns is to reduce settlement, shorten consolidation duration, and improve the soil's bearing capacity. This research evaluates the use of the Plate Load Test carried out within the study area at Owode Elede, Lagos State in Nigeria, to ascertain the ultimate load and the associated settlement. The results of this study are corroborated by the geotechnical properties of the soil, with approximately 35% of the material passing through sieve number 200. Furthermore, the average Liquid Limit and Plastic Limit values of 43% and 20%, respectively, suggest that the soil exhibits low compressibility.