General Geotechnical Issues in West Africa - A Case Study of Problematic Soils in the Dakar Peninsula (Senegal)

摘要

The purpose of this paper is to survey recent general geotechnical and environmental problems that have been faced in West Africa, and one case study in Senegal is presented. Senegal lies between latitude 12.5° -16.5° North and longitude 12° -17° West, at the Western most extension of the African continent. Many reported geotechnical incidents, at different locations in Dakar area (capital of Senegal), showed that problem of cracking on structures is indeed serious and in many cases costly. In this research, field and laboratory investigations were carried out to study the geotechnical properties of the soils and thus, to determine the possible causes of distress, and suggest practical techniques that can be used to such issues. It has long been recognized that swelling and shrinkage of expansive soils cause severe damage overlying residential structures, after experiencing moisture changes. The techniques were (a) to bypass the swelling soil by isolating the foundation from the ground surface, (b) eliminate surface water infiltration around the structures.