Geotechnical properties and behaviour of Nigerian tar sand

A brief review of the geology of the tar sand areas of Nigeria is given. Analysis shows that the tar sand used for the tests consists of a well graded silty sand (cmf) with about 5% clay; and 3–5% bitumen. Results presented show a very high in situ compressive strength of about 450 kN/m², a high ratio of tensile to compressive strength of about 22%, peak shear strength parameters of C_p′=15kN/m²and φ_p′ = 19° and residual parameters of C_r =0, φ_r = 18°. The compacted tar sand behaved like an overconsolidated soil with a preconsolidating pressure, P_c of 140 kN/m2. In general, the results of the in situ strength tests indicate that the Nigerian tar sand behaved as a soft sandstone.