E-ISSN 3026-930X
 

Original Research 


Influence of Subgrade Soil Conditions on Pavement Distress: A Case Study of Satellite Town Roads in Abuja

Abubakar Danmallam, Dr. Anthony Muoka, Dr. Akeem Gbenga Amuda, Stephen Okojo Otronyi.


Abstract
Pavement distress remains a major issue on Nigerian roads, especially in rapidly urbanizing satellite towns. This study examines the impact of subgrade soil conditions on pavement failures along Arab Road in Kubwa and Idu Railway Road in Abuja. Field assessments identified rutting and potholes as predominant failures. Soil samples from depths of 0.5–1.5 m were tested for moisture content, particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, compaction, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) according to ASTM and AASHTO standards. Arab Road soils, classified as A-6, showed moderate moisture sensitivity, an MDD of 2.03 Mg/m³, OMC of 9.6%, and a CBR of 17.35%, indicating limited support for heavy traffic. Idu Railway Road soils, classified as A-7-6, had higher moisture content, plasticity, and fines, with a CBR of 37.12%. Despite good laboratory strength, high moisture sensitivity and inadequate drainage threaten long-term stability. Overall, moisture-prone subgrades, heavy axle loads, and poor drainage are the main causes of premature pavement failures in Abuja’s satellite areas. Improved drainage and detailed geotechnical investigations are essential for durable pavement design and sustainable road performance in similar environments.

Key words: Pavement distress; Subgrade soils; Satellite town road; Geotechnical investigation; Abuja roads; Moisture sensitivity.


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Danmallam A, Muoka DA, Amuda DAG, Otronyi SO. Influence of Subgrade Soil Conditions on Pavement Distress: A Case Study of Satellite Town Roads in Abuja. NJEAS. 2025; 3(1): 304-316. doi:10.5455/NJEAS.287746


Web Style

Danmallam A, Muoka DA, Amuda DAG, Otronyi SO. Influence of Subgrade Soil Conditions on Pavement Distress: A Case Study of Satellite Town Roads in Abuja. https://www.nilejeas.com/?mno=287746 [Access: June 23, 2026]. doi:10.5455/NJEAS.287746


AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Danmallam A, Muoka DA, Amuda DAG, Otronyi SO. Influence of Subgrade Soil Conditions on Pavement Distress: A Case Study of Satellite Town Roads in Abuja. NJEAS. 2025; 3(1): 304-316. doi:10.5455/NJEAS.287746



Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Danmallam A, Muoka DA, Amuda DAG, Otronyi SO. Influence of Subgrade Soil Conditions on Pavement Distress: A Case Study of Satellite Town Roads in Abuja. NJEAS. (2025), [cited June 23, 2026]; 3(1): 304-316. doi:10.5455/NJEAS.287746



Harvard Style

Danmallam, A., Muoka, . D. A., Amuda, . D. A. G. & Otronyi, . S. O. (2025) Influence of Subgrade Soil Conditions on Pavement Distress: A Case Study of Satellite Town Roads in Abuja. NJEAS, 3 (1), 304-316. doi:10.5455/NJEAS.287746



Turabian Style

Danmallam, Abubakar, Dr. Anthony Muoka, Dr. Akeem Gbenga Amuda, and Stephen Okojo Otronyi. 2025. Influence of Subgrade Soil Conditions on Pavement Distress: A Case Study of Satellite Town Roads in Abuja. Nile Journal of Engineering and Applied Science, 3 (1), 304-316. doi:10.5455/NJEAS.287746



Chicago Style

Danmallam, Abubakar, Dr. Anthony Muoka, Dr. Akeem Gbenga Amuda, and Stephen Okojo Otronyi. "Influence of Subgrade Soil Conditions on Pavement Distress: A Case Study of Satellite Town Roads in Abuja." Nile Journal of Engineering and Applied Science 3 (2025), 304-316. doi:10.5455/NJEAS.287746



MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Danmallam, Abubakar, Dr. Anthony Muoka, Dr. Akeem Gbenga Amuda, and Stephen Okojo Otronyi. "Influence of Subgrade Soil Conditions on Pavement Distress: A Case Study of Satellite Town Roads in Abuja." Nile Journal of Engineering and Applied Science 3.1 (2025), 304-316. Print. doi:10.5455/NJEAS.287746



APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Danmallam, A., Muoka, . D. A., Amuda, . D. A. G. & Otronyi, . S. O. (2025) Influence of Subgrade Soil Conditions on Pavement Distress: A Case Study of Satellite Town Roads in Abuja. Nile Journal of Engineering and Applied Science, 3 (1), 304-316. doi:10.5455/NJEAS.287746