FIELD REPORT

ON

APPLICATION OF ERT AND IP IN THE INVESTIGATION

OF THE CAUSES OF ROAD FAILURE ALONG IREUEKPEN-
OZALLA ROAD

WRITTEN BY
ANONYMOUS

SUMMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

(GEOPHYSICS) FACULTY OF PHYSICS SCIENCE
AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY EKPOMA

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 DEDICATION
I dedicate this work and grace to almighty God throughout my life and my parents who have
always stood by me throughout my education. they have impacted in me the mind and
wisdom to look forward in life and promo my intelligent of learning and help me, a lot with
financials to continue with my education. am humbly grateful for their love and support.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I sincerely appreciate the physics department for their continuous effort in promoting,
creating and impacting the knowledge of physics and geophysics in my life. And a big thank
you to Dr. S.O SALUFU for his remarkable contribution to geophysics and taking us to a
journey and helping us to have a field work experience.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT
TITLE PAGE I
DEDICATION II
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT III
TABLE OF CONTENT IV
ABSTRACT V
CHAPTER 1 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY 1
1.2 ROAD FAILURES AND CAUSES OF ROAD FAILURE 1
1.3 ELECTRICAL METHOD 1
1.3.1 IP 1
1.3.2 ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY METHOD 2
1.4 ELECTRODE ARRAY 2
1.4.1 POLE DIPOLE 2
1.4.2 DIPOLE DIPOLE 2
1.4.3 POLE POLE 2
1.5 LOCATION OF STUDY 2
1.6 AIM AND OBJECTIVES 2
1.7 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM OF STUDY 2

CHAPTER TWO 3
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW AND REGIONAL GEOLOGIC SETTING OF
ANAMBRA BASIN 3
2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW 3
2.2 REGIONAL GEOLOGIC SETTING 3
2.1.1 REGIONAL STRAITIGRAPHY OF ANAMBRA BASIN 3

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CHAPTER THREE 5
3.0 METHODOLOGY AND MATERIAL 5
3.1 IP TO IDENTIFY CLAY MINERAL 5
3.1.1 ERT TO IDENTIFY INCOMPETENCE AND COMPETENCE ROAD THAT
MAY CAUSE THE ROAD FAILURE 5
3.2 MATHEMATICAL THEORY 6
3.2.1 EQUATIONS OF METHOD 7
3.2.2 EQUATION OF ARRAY 8

CHAPTER FOUR 9
4.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION 9
4.1 RESULT PRESENTATION 9
4.2 DISCUSSION 12
4.3 RECOMMENDATION 13
4.4 CONCLUSION 13

CHAPTER FIVE 14
5.0 REFERENCE 14
5.1 THE PROBLEM 16
5.2 THE FINDING 16
5.3 THE CONCLUSION 17

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 ABTSRACT
The adverse effect of the road failure in many part of Nigeria has led to intense research
to the possible causes of the persistant widespread road failures. This project work was
carried out at Ireukpen Ozalla road axis ekpoma, Esan west Local Government. Using the
electrical resistivity tomography and induce polarization method to examine the cause of road
failure. The electrode were spread at predetermined distance and a terra-meter was also used.
The form of road failure identified in this study is due to subsidence associated with cloyey
material and the delineated clayey water absorbing sections which are major geologic factors
responsible for responsible for road failure in the area.
 CHAPTER 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Application of ERT and IP in the investigation of the causes of road failure along
Ireukpen Ozilla road.
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The project which was carried out at Ireukpen-Ozalla road axis Ekpoma , Esan West Local
Government Area Edo State, Nigeria. It has headquarters in the town of Ekpoma, with an ore
of 502km2 and a population of 125842 people according to the 2006 national census. the
Local Government Area is bounded on the south by Orhiorwon Local Government Area, on
the East, by Esan Central Local Government Area, on the West by Uhumwonde and on the
North by Owan West Local Government Area. The people of the Local government are
basically subsistent farmer and petty traders.

1.2 ROAD FAILURE AND CAUSES OF ROAD FAILURE

1.2.1 ROAD FAILURE
Road failure could be defined as discontinunity in a road pavement resulting a cracks,
potholes bulges and depressions (Aigbedion, 2007)
1.22 CAUSES OF ROAD FAILURE
The perennial road failure experience at iruekpen–Ozalla road axis Ekpoma, Esan West
L.G.A has been characterized by different problems, these include; loss of precious lives,
properties, transportation challenges and environmental degradation. Similarly, several cases
of gully erosion in the neighboring communities and its environs. Therefore finding the
causes why this road is constantly failing is the focus of this study.
1.3 ELECTRICAL METHOD
A geophysical prospecting method that depends on the electrical or electrochemical
properties of rock. The resistivity, spontaneous-polarize induced-polarization and inductive-
electromagnetic method are the powerful electrical methods.
1.3.1 INDUCED POLARIZATION
This is a geophysics imaging technique used to identify the electrical chargeability of
subsurface materials such as ore.

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1.3.2 ELECTRICAL AND RESITIVITY METHOD
The standard method of measuring electrical resistivity is through a four electrode
measuring in which we sure two current electrodes and two potential electrodes.

1.33 SELF POTENTIAL

This is one of the oldest geophysical techniques to investigate the subsurface of the
earth. Self-potential anomalies observed at the ground surface can be associated with a
causative distribution of current in the ground.
1.4 ELECTRODE ARRAY
This is a configuration of electrodes used for measuring either an electric current or
voltage, the common electrode are WERNER, SCHLUMBER and DIPOLE – DIPOLE .
1.4.1 POLE DIPOLE
A pole is a single transmitting electrode and a dipole is a pair of oppositely charge
electrode and a dipole is a pair of oppositely charge electrodes that are so close together. The
electric field seems to be single electrode instead of field from two different electric pole.
1.4.2 DIPOLE - DIPOLE
It’s used for mineral exploration with the induced polarization (IP) method. The
dipole – dipole method made it easier to visualize the collected data in the form of 2D and
handmade contour plots.
1.4.3 POLE – POLE
It’s corresponds to quadripole where electrodes B and N are place at the ‘’infinity’’ so
that their influence maybe ignored with respect to much closer electrodes A and M.
1.5 LOCATION OF THE STUDY
The study was done along-side IREUKPEN-OZALLA road Ireukpen belongs to Esan
West , Ozalla belong to Owan west, the road to lead to sabo, Ekpoma.
1.6 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The general aims to study is to introduce the students into how geophysical mapping is
carried out to achieve the following objectives.
 To investigate Ozalla – Ireukpen road .
 Identify the causes of the failure of this road, if it’s man-made or geologic structures.
 To provide solutions to mitigate the error for the nearest feature.
1.7 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM OF STUDY
The cost of farm products is high because of the bad road if this study is done it can be
on site on how the issue will be solved.
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 CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE PREVIEW AND REGIONAL GEOLOGIC SETTINHG OF
ANAMBRA BASIN
2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW
Road failure is an inevitable consequence of man’s activities and a natural phenomenon
as well. Road failure can be of these patterns, namely’
 Alligator cracking
 Rutting
 Chuck hole (patholes)
 Raveling
 Shear failure (block cracking)
In the particular three main section of the Iruekpen-Ozalla road have been experiencing
recurrent failure after the rehabilitations. In recognition of the devastating effects of these
high way problem in recent years, it has become imperative to use surface geophysics to
investigate these failed sections in other to identity the cause of the failures along this
highway. These are numerous case studies all over the world showing the effectiveness of
geophysical method in the detection of highways failures. Olorunfemi and Mesida, 1987,
Adesida and Omosuyi, 2005,Ozegien et al, 2007 Momoh et al,2008, Ojo, et al, 1990,
Ofomola et al, 2009, and the methods have been establish to play, complementary roles in
geotechnical studies, beside the fuet that they are less expensive and non-invasive. Ozegin
KO, AZ SO, Isiwele Do (2007) Geophysical investigation of Oke-Agbe-Oyin Road failure
using ULF and double Dipole.
2.2 REGIONAL GEOLOGIC SETTING
The Niger Delta is situated on the gulf of guinea on the west central Africa. It built
out into the Atlantic Ocean of the month of Niger-benue River system. The Delta’s is one of
the world largest with the sub-aerial portion covering about 75000km and extending more
than 300km from apex to mouth (short, K.G. and stable A.J.I,1967) Accumulating of marine
sediments in the basin probably commenced in Albian time, after the opening of south
Atlantic Ocean between Africa and south America continent through delta. It’s structure and
stratigraphy have been control by the interplay between rats of sediments supply and
subsidence. It is typical wave and tidal dominated delta is the sand, nature of the sediments.
2.2.1 REGIONAL TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF ANAMBRA BASIN
The Anambra basin is a cretaceous Interacratonic basin, trending NE-SW in the
southern part of Nigeria. The Basin is believed to have been formed during the Santonian
tectonic episode, which entire Benue Trough. It’s evolution was based on the theory of
separation of Africa and south American plates during the Mesozoic period (burke et al,
1972, Nwachukwu, 1972)

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2.2.2 REGIONAL STRATIGRAPHY OF ANAMBRA BASIN
The stratigraphic succession of the Anambra basin comprises the companion to
Maastriction Enugu/Nkporo/Owella formations. The formations of the companions Nkporo
Group reflect a shallow marine shelf. Anambra basin is situated west of lower benue Trough
and is often considered the youngest formation of the benue Trough. The basin is bounded to
the south by the Niger valley, Northward to the jos massif and North-eastward into lafia.

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 CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY AND MATERIAL
A Geophysical investigation using electrical resistivity and induce polarization method to
determine the causes of road failure. A terra-meter was used as the recording instrument and
four (4) remote electrode were spread at predetermine distances and one was left at his initial
point and the other three have been moved about the been tied to a ray of cable connect to the
terra- meter and the impact of a sledge hammer was used in hitting the electrodes into the
ground to generate readings. The form of road failure identified in this study is due to
subsidence association with clayey material and the delineated clayey water absorbing
sections which are major geologic factors responsible for failure in the area.
A clay is an incompetent rock, clay mineral has high chargeability, sandstone has low
chargeability.

3.1 IP TO IDENTIFY CLAY MINERALS

The IP method is not to determine the types of rock, but this method is used to know the
amount of conductive mineral found in the rock. The presence of clay greatly influences the
value of medium resistivity and chargeability. Chargeability is more likely due to clay
content of the soil content undergoing swelling due to increased water, researched on rock
samples showed that resistivity value was smaller exponentially and chargeability increased.
The presence of clay in rocks greatly influences the IP response, measured the effect of clay
grain size, electrolyte composition on the sample. The presence of clay interacting with
ground may induce polarization effect and minimize the resistivity.

3.1.2 ERT TO IDENTIFY INCOMPETENT AND COMPETENT ROAD THAT MAY

CAUSE THE TO FAIL
The 2D electrical resistivity method, utilizing electrical resistivity tomogram (ERT)
technique adopted for the investigation of the causes of road failure. The abundance of
clay/shale materials on the top segments of the road, clearly indicated and reveal the
incompetence of the top soil for road construction.
It is recommended that the clay/shale deposited that exist below the pavement must be dug
out to a reasonable depth and replaced with more competent materials such as clayey sand,
sandstone, granite and laterite before asphalts is laid. Geotechnical study is also
recommended for a comprehensive result to be achieved. ERT to identify incompetent and
competent road that may cause the road failure. Using pole dipole array.
 Mathematical theory
 Equation of method
 Equation array

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3.2 MATHEMATICAL THEORY
MATHEMATICAL THEORIES OF ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY OF METHOD
 VERTICAL ELECTRIC SOUNDING
VES is one of the most commonly used and cost effective resistivity survey
methods. Current is moved through the subsurface from one current electrode to
the other and the potential as the current moves is recorded. From this
information, resistivity values various layers is acquired and layer thickness can
be identified. The apparent resistivity value determine are plotted as along
function versus the log of the spacing between the electrodes. These plotted curve
identify thickness of layers. If there are multiple layers (more than 2) the acquired
data is compare to a master curve to determine layer thickness

 ELECTRICAL PROFILING
Where VES focuses on determining resistivity variations on a vertical scale,
electric profiling seeks to determine resistivity variations a horizontal scale.
Profiling can use the same electrode spacing configuration as VES. Since
changing the spacing between electrodes only affects the depth at which the
survey can reach, the profiling method does not involve manipulating electrode
spacing. Instead, the electrode spacing is kept constant and the entire survey is
moved along a line or a ‘’profile’’ to measure horizontal changes in resistivity.

 ELECTRICAL IMAGING
Both VES and electric profiling are limited to surveying in one direction. Electric
imaging is able to survey both vertical and horizontal changes in resistivity. This
method essentially combines the other two methods. Electrode spacing is
increased and the survey is moved along a profile in order to measure both
vertical and horizontal resistivity. These value are then used to create a
pseudosection.
The pseudosection can be used to generate an image of the subsurface. Image can
be done in both 2D and 3D.

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3.2.1 EQUATIONS OF METHOD
ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY METHOD WAS EMPLOYED FOR THE SURVEY

FIGURE 3.2.1 EQUATION METHOD

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3.2.2 EQUATION OF ARRAY
POLE DIPOLE WAS USED

FIGURE 3.2.2 EQUATION ARRAY

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 CHAPTER FOUR
4.1 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Fig 4.1
4.2

Fig 4.2

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Fig 4.3

Fig 4.4

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Fig 4.5

Fig 4.6

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4.2 DISCUSSION
FIGURE 4.1 shows that the resistivity of the road is very low, and this means that what
causes road failure in that section of the road is as a result of the presence of incompetence
rocks such as shale is found.
Figure 4.2 shows the presence of low resistivity. Also fig 4.3 shows that there’s a fault in this
area and this is why there is road failure in that sections of the road. Fig 4.4 shows us that the
resistivity of the road is very low. And this means that what causes road failure in that section
of the road is as a result of the presence of incompetent rocks as a shale is found. It’s just the
same as 4.1
Fig 4.5 and 4.6 shows that the resistivity of the rocks there are very high and this causes the
road to fail easily.

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4.3 RECOMMENDATIONS
I recommend that the Edo state Environment and the federal government should look
into this researches down and make show incompetent rocks are taken out of the ground and
the right construction company to handle the job.

4.4 CONCLUSION
The only way to go better and reliable road construction is if this road is constructed
appropriately with these various research at heart. Government should do her utmost best to
make sure that this road is fixed so that former and travelers on this road could have a smooth
drive and movement to other part of the country.

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 CHAPTER FIVE
REFRENCE
OZEGIN, K.O ADEOYINBO A.A, DEGEDE S.I AND OGUOSEYE T.T. (2016). Trouble
roads. Appreciation of surface geophysics to highway failures of the sedimentary terrain
(iruekpenifon road) of Edo state, Nigeria, International journal of physical sciences,
PROF. ISAAC, AIGBEDION (2007), road failure and the causes of road failure.
Equation and research from http|www.google.com and samphina.com.ng.

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5.3 PROBLEM AND FINDING
5.3.1 PROBLEMS
 Loss of precious lives
 Loss properties
 Transportation challenges
 Environmental degradation.
5.3.2 FINDING
as a result of the clay deposit at the subsurface of this road. Hence, there is the
possibility of surface water increase through the cracks and joints caused the clayey
materials, and this also include
 Bad road construction
 Poor usage of material
 Not having a good geotechnical knowledge
 Poor reading of the previous fault

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5.4 CONCLUSION
In the project work, ERT and IP method of subsurface investigation have been used to
determine the possible causes (5) of the failure of road at the investigating site. Subsequently,
possible depth of clay was found from the investigation obtained from the field, with regard
to this road could be as a result of the clay deposit at the subsurface of this road. Hence, there
is the possibility of surface water increase through the cracks and joints caused the clayey
materials, which could be the reason the road continues to fail.

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