Rippability Potential of the Near Surface Deposits of Jubilee Homes Parkland, Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

Seismic refraction method of geophysical investigation has being used over the years in investigating subsurface formations and most importantly in identifying depth to bedrock. This has found application in both engineering and geoscience disciplines. Ripping or removal of rock beds for construction purposes may be due to urbanization or industrialization which is basically an environmentally influenced approach to optimizing operation, safety and durability. This study analyzed the rippability potential of sedimentary rocks of a parkland in Southwest Nigeria. Seismic refraction survey was employed to realize velocity of various lithology units the generated shock waves traversed and based on this, the rippability potential was inferred. Most profile location has three layers delineated while a fourth layer was delineated in some few locations. Average velocity for layers are 740 m/s, 1535.21 m/s, 2310 m/s and 2900 m/s for layers 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The maximum vertical thickness is in excess of 12 m. The rock units are highly-weathered to weathered, therefore rippability is between easy and hard and achievable.

Keywords: Seismic; refraction; rippability; density; sedimentary rocks; construction; groundwater