Abstract
The chances of earthquake occurrence in Ogoni, Rivers State of Nigeria was investigated via Resonant column and Bender element (RC/BE) tests on compacted soil obtained from various soil depths. From the tests, frequency, shear modulus, shear wave velocity, accelerometer output and damping ratio of the soil samples were determined at various confinement pressures. The test results revealed that confinement has effects on soil dynamic properties. Thus, the frequency (vibration) of soil increased with increasing confinement pressure, while the RC/BE tests at various confinements revealed high variations in shear modulus, shear wave velocity, accelerometer output and damping ratio. The shear modulus and shear wave-velocity generally increased as confinement pressure was increased, while damping ratio decreases as confinement pressure was increased. The variations in RC/BE test parameters showed that the Ogoni land of Rivers State, as an oil and gas bearing area, is susceptible to earthquake. Hence, continuous monitoring and assessment of oil exploration activities are recommended to ensure geological data are collected, especially when seismic activities occur in the areas, for prevention of factors that lead to earthquake occurrence.