ABSTRACT
This study investigates five clay samples obtained from the Imo Formation in Okada community. Preliminary assessments encompassed property testing and elemental analysis, integrating X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques. The XRF analysis revealed the highest content of Silica (SiO2) at 56.79 wt.%, with MgO registering the lowest at 0.14 wt.%. Other oxides included Al2O3 (18.79 wt.%), Fe2O3 (8.95 wt.%), CaO (8.04 wt.%), and minor amounts of K2O (1.87 wt.%), P2O5 (1.11 wt.%), and TiO2 (1.68 wt.%). Trace elements Ni, Ag, Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn were uniformly detected in all samples. XRD analysis indicated quartz as the dominant mineral in the clay samples, accompanied by subordinate quantities of muscovite, orthoclase, and montmorillonite. Additionally, Locations 1, 2, and 3 exhibited kaolinite and illite, while Locations 4 and 5 revealed the presence of albite minerals. The prevalence of montmorillonite suggests classification as Bentonite Clay, known for its swelling properties. XRF further identified the samples as calcium bentonite, a low-swelling type originating from volcanic ash deposits in freshwater environments. This type exhibits enhanced strength due to heightened concentrations of calcium oxide (CaO) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). These findings align with the typical mineralogical composition of calcium bentonite. The geotechnical analysis indicated notably high moisture content. High moisture content in clay indicates that the clay is saturated with water or is in a highly hydrated state.This means that clay particles are already expanded to some degree. This high moisture content is a key factor contributing to the swelling behavior of clay. When more water is added, the space between the clay particle can fill with water molecules, causing the clay to swell even more. The high swelling in clay can be related to the presence of montmorinolite. Montmorinolite are characterized by their exceptional ability to swell when they absorb water. The geotechnical analysis indicated notably high moisture content. High moisture content in clay indicates that the clay is saturated with water or is in a highly hydrated state.This means that clay particles are already expanded to some degree. This high moisture content is a key factor contributing to the swelling behavior of clay. When more water is added, the space between the clay particle can fill with water molecules, causing the clay to swell even more. The high swelling in clay can be related to the presence of montmorinolite. Montmorinolite are characterized by their exceptional ability to swell when they absorb water.
