The Feasibility of Shallow Foundations for Low-Rise Buildings in Reclaimed Areas of Lagos: A State of the-Art Review

Lagos, Nigeria, a prominent commercial center, has witnessed extensive land reclamation along its coastal corridors, including Victoria Island, Lekki Peninsula, and the Eko Atlantic project. This development aims to accommodate rapid urbanization and high-value real estate. However, these reclaimed lands introduce unique geotechnical challenges for foundation design, characterized by heterogeneous fill materials underlain by thick sequences of soft, highly compressible organic clays and peats. This state-of-the-art review critically examines the feasibility of employing shallow foundations for low-rise buildings, specifically 1-3 storeys, in these challenging reclaimed terrains. The study synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed geotechnical investigations, geophysical surveys, and relevant international case studies published between 2000 and 2026. The comprehensive analysis indicates

that conventional shallow foundations, such as strip and isolated footings, are generally infeasible without significant ground improvement measures. This conclusion is primarily driven by factors such as reclaimed fill thicknesses varying from 2 to 12 meters, exhibiting low Standard Penetration Test (SPT-N) values typically ranging from 4 to 15, and the pervasive presence of underlying soft clay layers. The review underscores the necessity for advanced geotechnical considerations and potential ground modification techniques to ensure structural stability in such environments.

Message: Hi FE, I need help with “The Feasibility of Shallow Foundations for Low-Rise Buildings in Reclaimed Areas of Lagos: A State of the-Art Review” in “Civil Engineering”