Using resistivity surveying methods for geotechnical study of subsurface properties for foundation design

Authors

  • Adetoyinbo Adedeji Adegoke
    Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
  • Bello Adekunle Kazeem
    Department of Physical Sciences, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria
  • Ogunseye Titus Taofik
    Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
  • Egbeyale Babatunde Godwin
    Department of Physics and Material Science, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria
  • Surajudeen Hadi Ademola
    Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
  • Adeleke Ayinla Ayooluwa
    Department of Physics, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

Keywords:

Subsurface features, Foundation stability, Geotechnical evaluation, Electrical resistivity

Abstract

The evaluation of subsurface properties plays a pivotal role in understanding geological formations and assessing their suitability for various engineering and environmental applications. In this work, the subsurface properties of open ground were investigated. Two constant separation traversing (CST) profiles were measured using the Wenner array electrode configuration, with electrode positions ranging from 0 to 150 m depending on the profile, and ten vertical electrical soundings (VESs) were conducted using the Schlumberger array electrode configuration, with half-current electrode separation (AB/2) ranging from 1 to 55 m. The topsoil resistivity ranged from 186.9 to 1222.0 Ω m, with an average of 422.5 Ω m, and its thickness ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 m. The weathered layer showed resistivity values between 13.6 and 70.0 Ω m, with a mean of 29.6 Ω m, thicknesses between 1.4 and 9.9 m, and depths between 1.9 and 10.9 m. These variations in resistivity and layer thickness indicate the presence of weathered and fractured zones that must be taken into account during foundation design.

Dimensions

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Published

2026-07-08

How to Cite

Using resistivity surveying methods for geotechnical study of subsurface properties for foundation design. (2026). African Scientific Reports, 5(2), 473. https://doi.org/10.46481/asr.2026.5.2.473

Issue

Volume 5, Issue 2, August 2026

Section

PHYSICS SECTION
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2026 Adetoyinbo Adedeji Adegoke, Bello Adekunle Kazeem, Ogunseye Titus Taofik, Egbeyale Babatunde Godwin, Surajudeen Hadi Ademola, Adeleke Ayinla Ayooluwa

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Using resistivity surveying methods for geotechnical study of subsurface properties for foundation design. (2026). African Scientific Reports, 5(2), 473. https://doi.org/10.46481/asr.2026.5.2.473

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