Compositional Characteristics and Industrial Assessment of Some Clay and Shale Deposits in Okigwe and Environs, South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the industrial potential of clays and shales in the Okigwe area, Southeastern Nigeria. The soil investigation involved field study and laboratory analyses, collecting samples from various geological formations. A total of 5 samples were collected from clay and shale deposits at various depths, including Imo shale, Nsukka, Mamu, and Ezeaku Formations, in the field. The samples were examined and packed in polythene bags for laboratory analysis, which included tests for geotechnical index properties, chemical and mineralogical compositions. For Atterberg limits, the values of LL for the five samples (Ihube, Leru, Amuro, Lokpaukwu and Umulolo) were 35.01, 53.50, 44.11, 42.10 and 46.00 % respectively indicating Leru shale with the highest value and Ihube shale as the least.PL was 21.60, 29.45, 25.29, 27.40 and 23.40 % at the five locations respectively also indicating Leru shale with the highest value and Ihube shale as the least. While the PI were 13.41, 24.05, 21.22, 23.11 and 22.00 %. The values of linear shrinkage for the five samples were 4.10, 7.20, 9.13, 8.25 and 9.17 %. While the values for net moisture contents were 23.11, 20.12, 23.25, 20.14 and 22.81 %.These indicate that the clay samples meet specifications for industrial usage, providing valuable insights into their geotechnical properties for material selection and the design of safe and stable structures in industries such as construction, geotechnical engineering, mining, and waste management. Chemical analysis

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