Evaluation of the water retention curve of Abidjan Quaternary aquifer

Abstract

Objectives: This study examines the occurrence of mold in homes and road damage related to soil permanent humidity in the south part of the Abidjan city. The causes of permanent humidity are sought through the study of the water retention curve (WRC) of the aquifer materials. Methods and Results: The water retention curve is difficult to measure in situ on large sites like this aquifer. Kovac’s modified model to predict the water retention curve is tested. Predicted curves are compared with in situ measurements points. The results show that, overall, the model predicts well the water retention curves. The study of the WRC showed an important wet area above the water table in the case of fine sand and clay and sand mixtures. In these areas, there is a capillary rise of water in houses under-basements and other infrastructure. Conclusions and application of results: This work allowed identifying risk areas for the houses and roads construction in the south part of Abidjan city. It also highlights a method for predicting water retention curve of aquifer soil materials of Abidjan. This model has the advantage of using soil physical parameters easy to determine. The results of this study are useful to define a general development plan of the Abidjan city. They highlight potentially wet areas on which precautions must be taken before building infrastructure.

Key words: water retention curve, quaternary aquifer, capillary rise of water

J. Appl. Biosci. 2013