A STUDY OF GEOTECHNICAL PROPERTIES OF IGBATORO

DUMPSITE SOIL FOR LANDFILL SITE SELECTION

BY

OJO SAMUEL ABIODUN

FPA/CE/21/3-0014

SUBMITTED TO

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING,

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
THE FEDEDRAL POLYTECHNIC, ADO-EKITI,
EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

AWARD OF HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA (HND) IN CIVIL

ENGINEERING

NOVEMBER, 2023

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 CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this project write-up was prepared and submitted by OJO SAMUEL

ABIODUN Matriculation Number FPA/CE/21/3-0014 to Civil Engineering Department, the

Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Higher

National Diploma (HND) in Civil Engineering.

___________________ ___________________

ENGR. F.O. AYODELE (CO-SUPERVISOR)

(MAIN SUPERVISOR)

ENGR. DR S.A. OLADAPO (EXTERNAL EXAMINER)

(HEAD OF DEPAERTMENT)

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 DEDICATION

This project is humbly dedicated to God Almighty, the source of all wisdom and understanding. It

is with a sense of profound gratitude that I acknowledge His guidance and blessings throughout

the journey of my life and during the course of this project. His unfailing love and presence provide

the strength and inspiration needed to surmount obstacles and pursue excellence. I also dedicate

this endeavor to my beloved parents, whose unwavering support and sacrifices have been the

pillars of my strength. Their unconditional love, immense patience. I am eternally grateful for their

belief in me.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My profound gratitude goes to God Almighty the creator of all mankind for His faithfulness, favor,

grace and mercies towards me from the beginning of the Academic session to the end. And for a

successful project well done.

My immense regards go to my honorable supervisors, a great father, a great and wonderful lecturer,

ENGR. F.O. Ayodele who despite all the stress and tight schedule made out time to go through

my work with all mistakes and help make the necessary corrections and still never gave up on me

and in their own way encouraged me to carry on to the end. I pray that the Lord will richly reward

you in double folds and according to his riches in glory. Amen. My regards also go to Head of

Department, ENGR. Dr. S.A. Oladapo and all my able lecturers who in their own way brought me

to where I am now, for their immeasurable impact of knowledge and wisdom in my life. I will

forever remain grateful to you all.

My sincere gratitude goes to my loving and ever caring parents, Mr & Mrs. Ojo who were there

for me due to their love and desire for education and above all their prayers which brought me this

far. I couldn’t have asked God for more because they are all I will ever need.

Many thanks goes to my loving siblings and my good friends for giving me the idea to carry out

the research and for the role you all played, I am indeed grateful to all you, I love you.

My profound gratitude goes to my colleagues in civil engineering class 2023, you are all

appreciated for your support. My doxology also goes to all my lecturers and mentors. Thank you

so much, may God bless you all. Amen.

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 ABSTRACT
This study addresses the pressing issue of improper municipal solid waste (MSW) management in
developing nations, focusing on the geotechnical characteristics of the Igbatoro dumpsite in
Nigeria. The research problem arises from the adverse environmental effects of unsuitable landfill
practices and the lack of suitable arrangements to handle increasing waste volume. The aim of the
study is to assess the geotechnical characteristics of the dumpsite, with specific objectives to assess
index properties, strength characteristics, and compressibility behavior of the soil. The study was
conducted at the Ondo State Waste Management Authority in southwest Nigeria, where soil
samples were collected from the dumpsite and subjected to geotechnical and geological tests. The
results revealed the specific gravity of soil samples varies, with values ranging from 1.71 to 2.85,
indicating density and compactness. Atterberg limits test evaluate the properties of fine-grained
soils and their response to changes in moisture content. The Unified Soil Classification System
categorizes soils based on particle size distribution and plasticity characteristics. Sand particles
range from 0.05 mm to 2.0 mm, while gravel and silt particles are larger. The compaction
characteristics of the soil include maximum dry density and optimum moisture content. Moisture
content ranges from 5.35% to 29.49%, with an average of 16.78%. Direct shear tests measure shear
strength parameters, with values ranging from 1.2 to 16.2. Unconfined compressive strength test
results show a wide variation in soil strength, attributed to differences in soil composition,
compaction, moisture content, and other factors. Permeability behavior of the soil is measured by
the coefficient of permeability, with values ranging from 1.19 × 10-6 to 6.05 × 10-6, suggesting
different flow characteristics. The findings indicate that the underlying soil is not suitable for
landfill site selection due to its poor geotechnical characteristics. Based on the results,
recommendations are made to prevent contamination, manage waste volume, develop suitable
waste site selection plans, and protect public health. The study emphasizes the need for proper land
use and efficient waste management strategies to protect the environment and natural resources in
Nigeria.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE i

CERTIFICATION ii

DEDICATION iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv

ABSTRACT v

TABLE OF CONTENTS ix

LIST OF TABLES vi

LIST OF FIGURES vii

APPENDICES viii

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 General Overview 2

1.2 Aim and Objectives 2

1.3 Justification of the Study 2

1.4 Scope of the Study 3

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Waste Disposal 4

2.2 Waste management 4

2.2.1 Methods of Disposal 5

2.2.2 Recycling Initiatives 5

2.2.3 Public Attitudes 6

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2.2.4 Policy Interventions 6

2.3 Model of waste management 6

2.3.1 Linear model 7

2.3.2 Circular Economy model 7

2.3.3 Waste-to-Energy Model 8

2.3.4 A Decentralized Model 8

2.3.5 Integrated Waste Management Model 8

2.4 Landfill 9

2.4.1 Types of Landfill 9

2.4.2 Environmental impact of Landfill 11

2.4.3 Adverse health effects 12

2.4.4 The preservation of wildlife 13

2.5 Challenges and limitations associated with landfills 13

2.6 Geotechnical properties of soil 15

2.6.1 Soil composition 15

2.6.2 Classification of soil 16

2.6.3 Soil density 17

2.6.4 Soil compaction 18

2.6.5 Shear strength of soil 18

2.6.6 Permeability of soil 19

2.6.7 Consolidation 20

2.8 Review of Related Studies 21

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CHAPTER THREE

MATERIALS AND METHOD

3.1 Description of Site 31

3.2 Sampling 32

3.2.1 Soil 32

3.3 Experimental Procedures 34

3.3.1 Geotechnical Properties Test 34

3.3.2 Laboratory Procedures for Test 34

CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1. Specific Gravity 41

4.2 Atterberg limits of the dumpsite soil 42

4.3 Particle size distribution of the dumpsite soil 43

4.4 Compaction characteristics of the dumpsite soil 44

4.5 Moisture Content 45

4.6 Direct shear of the dumpsite soil 46

4.7 Unconfined Compressive Strength Test Result 47

4.8 Permeability behaviour of the dumpsite soil 48

4.9 Consolidation Test Result 49

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusions 51

5.2 Recommendations 52

REFERENCES 53

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APPENDICES

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

Appendix E

Appendix F

Appendix G

Appendix H

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 LIST OF TABLES

Table 3.1: The Coordinates of the Soil Sampling Points 33

Table 3.2: The Soil Samples Description 33

Table 4.1: Specific Gravity for Dumpsite Underlying Soil Samples 41

Table 4.2: Atterberg Limit Tests for Dumpsite Underlying Soil Samples 43

Table 4.3: Particle Size Distribution Properties of Underlying Soil 44

Table 4.4: Compaction Tests Result for Dumpsite Underlying Soil Samples 45

Table 4.5: Moisture Content Determination for Dumpsite Underlying Soil Sample 46

Table 4.6: Direct Shear Results for Dumpsite Underlying Soil Sample. 47

Table 4.7: UCS Tests Result for Dumpsite Underlying Soil Samples 48

Table 4.8: Permeability Test Result for Dumpsite Underlying Soil Samples 49

Table 4.9: Consolidation Test Result for Dumpsite Underlying Soil Samples 50

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3.1: Map Showing the Existing Open Dumpsite. 31

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 LIST OF PLATES

Plate 3.1: Area picture of Igbatoro dumpsite 32

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