Recent concerns over warmer temperature emphasize the importance of understanding the shrinkage behaviour of compacted clays. This paper investigates the influence of specimen preparation method on the shrinkage of a compacted bentonite–sand mixture. Three groups of compacted specimens were prepared to a similar density using standard proctor method in 3 layers (SP-3L) and in 5 layers (SP-5L), then a modified proctor method in 5 layers (MP-5L). The specimens were subjected to a free drying test. Results show that desorption rate, volumetric strain and crack propagation are largely influenced by the method of compaction. All the specimen went through primary and secondary desorption stages. In the primary stage, the desorption rate of the MP-5L specimen is 45% lower than that of the SP-3L specimen. The volumetric measurement shows that the MP-5L and SP-5L specimen both experienced about 33% shrinkage in volume while the SP-3L specimen shrinked by about 42%. The behaviour of the MP-5L specimen is attributed to its higher compaction effort and number of layers.
Teaching. Researching Inspiring
Creating solutions that elevate lives and landscapes — let’s build something great together.
Engineering the Mind, Engineering the Future
Hi, I’m Damilola Bashir Akinniyi—a Higher Education Professional, Geotechnical Engineer, and Researcher driven by a deep passion for learning, mentorship, and solving complex geo-environmental challenges. My work focuses on the very ground we build upon—soil, the unseen yet vital foundation of all infrastructure. In a world increasingly shaped by climate change, my research enhances the understanding and design of geotechnical systems—slopes, embankments, highways, and liners—under extreme and evolving environmental conditions. Through this work, I actively contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 9 (industry, innovation, and resilient infrastructure) and Goal 13 (climate action), ensuring that academic knowledge leads to real-world impact.
But beyond the numbers, models, and laboratory tests, lies my greater calling: engineering the mind. I believe that the most enduring structures we build are not physical—they are the lives we shape through knowledge, mentorship, and inspiration. Whether I’m lecturing in a classroom, mentoring a student, or writing reflective articles, my purpose remains the same: to guide others in cultivating clarity, purpose, and inner strength.
By bridging technical excellence with personal growth, I empower individuals to engineer not only the world around them but the world within them. Because when the mind is right, everything else aligns.
Research & Publications
Recent Publications
Effect of Specimen Preparation on Shrinkage Behaviour of Compacted Bentonite–Sand Mixtures
Recent concerns over warmer temperature emphasize the importance of understanding the shrinkage behaviour of compacted clays. This paper investigates the
Critical state parameters for a saturated lateritic clay
The critical state soil mechanics is the most useful framework for understanding responses of different soil type to mechanical stress.
View my blogs and Insights
Recent Posts
The Future of Geotechnical Engineering
In an ever-evolving world where urbanization, climate change, and technological advancements are reshaping the landscape of construction, Geotechnical Engineering stands
How to Make Engineering Research More Practical
Engineering research often finds itself caught between cutting‐edge theory and the need for tangible, real-world application. To bridge that gap,