Statement of the Problem
A detailed and comprehensive geotechnical investigation is an essential requirement for the
Design and construction of civil engineering projects. The proper design of civil engineering
structures like foundation of buildings, retaining walls, high ways, etc. requires adequate
knowledge of sub surface conditions at the sites of the proposed structures. Many damages to
buildings, roads and other structures founded on soils are mainly due to the lack of proper
investigation of substructure condition (Fasil, A., (2003)
Investigations of the underground conditions at a site are prerequisite to the economical design of
the substructure elements. It is also necessary to obtain sufficient information for feasibility and
economic studies for a proposed project (Bowles J.E.1996
Hosanna is one of the developing towns in Ethiopia. At the moment new buildings and university
are on the way of construction. Furthermore, the town is expanding in different direction in order
to accommodate the increasing population. By nature soil properties varies from place to place.
Therefore, the study of soil properties has great importance to save money for maintenance of the
structures.
Hosanna is one of the fast growing town in SPNN regional state. Due to its nearest location
from capital city of AddisAbaba, about (234 Km),there is best product of crops around the town
as raw material for different factories like food complexes and its suitable topographical location
and weather conditions Hossana is preferred by investors. Thus, there are many ongoing
constructions and as stated by administration the town has a vision to become one of the
developed town in the country in every aspect. However, the engineering property of the soil in
the town is not studied and there is no well-organized data base under sub surface condition of
soil found in the town. This research is therefore directed to the study of the basic engineering
properties of soils i.e. investigating the index property and consolidation as well as swelling
characteristics of the soil .Finally to investigate as much as possible all most all engineering
properties of soil found in Hosannatown and to prepare soil mapand well organized data base for
the town under sub surface condition.