An application of the 2–D D.C. Resistivity method in Building Site Investigation – a case study: Southsouth Nigeria.

Abstract

A 2-D D.C resistivity method was employed in the investigation of a building site in south- south Nigeria using the double-dipole technique. The aim was to establish the existence of a subsurface geologic structure in the study area. Two profiles were occupied and the resulting pseudosections delineated four distinct geologic layers. The first layer indicates the presence of clay; the second layer indicates the presence of highly weathered rock materials, the third layer indicate the presence of partly weathered/ fractured basement materials and the fourth layer constitute the fresh bedrock material. The presence of a geologic structure which is most probably a fracture was established and it was concluded to be a potential source of building failure in the site especially if the building is constructed across the geologic structure.

Key words: Resistivity, Geologic structure, Building site, Failure.