Faculty of Engineering
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Item Characterization and assessment of selected agricultural residues of Nigerian origin for building applications(COGENT ENGINEERING, 2024-12-22) Esther Nneka Anosike-Francis; Gina Odochi Ihekweme; Paschal Ateb Ubi; Ifeyinwa Ijeoma Obianyo; Seun Jesuloluwa; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Prabhu Paramasivam; Azikiwe Peter Onwualu; Rasoamalala VololonirinaThe high rate of agricultural residue generation in Nigeria in recent times poses a serious environmental hazard. Thus, there is a need to valorize these residues for various engineering applications. Five Nigerian agricultural residues (okro, plantain, jute, kenaf, and sisal) were studied to determine their potential for forming natural fiber composites for building applications. The samples were subjected to a process of peeling and immersion in water for 15–20 days to facilitate the degradation of microbial cells and ease the extraction of fibers. Proximate and lignocellulose analyses of the samples were conducted according to the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specifications. The physico-mechanical and thermal properties of the agricultural residues were examined using an Intron universal testing machine and a thermogravimetric analyzer. The fiber phase analysis revealed a crystallinity index range of 41.20–66.08% and a crystallite size of 30.79–84.00 nm, indicating that the fibers were thermally stable above 280 °C. Fourier Transform Infrared analysis provided conclusive evidence of the presence of distinct chemical compositions and their associated functional groups. The study contributes a reliable database for agricultural residues in Nigeria, particularly for construction applications. It is also being utilized to inform the design and implementation of manufacturing processes for roofing tiles and boards intended for general applicationsItem Enhancing Construction Claims and Dispute Resolution in the Nigerian Building Sector: Insights from Thematic Analysis.(NJEAS, 2024-04-22) Muhammad Zailani; Onyebuchi Mogbo; Musa Umar KoloThe study investigates the mechanisms of construction claims and dispute resolution within the Nigerian building sector, employing a thematic analysis to uncover insights that could enhance these processes. The research methodology involved semi-structured interviews with professionals from leading construction companies in Abuja, Nigeria. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, ensuring they possessed relevant experience in managing construction claims and disputes. The data collected was rigorously analyzed using thematic analysis, which facilitated the identification of prevalent challenges and the evaluation of current dispute resolution methods. The findings reveal that contractual ambiguities, communication failures, and cultural differences are the primary sources of disputes, leading to significant project delivery issues such as cost overruns, schedule delays, and quality defects. Traditional dispute resolution methods, including negotiation, arbitration, and litigation, are commonly utilized, yet the study identifies a notable gap in the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) techniques. Barriers to ADR implementation, such as lack of awareness and trust among professionals, were highlighted. The study contributes to knowledge by providing a comprehensive understanding of the dispute sources and by evaluating the effectiveness of existing resolution methods. It also offers strategic recommendations for the development of a structured framework for claims management, tailored to the Nigerian context. The implications of this research are far-reaching, suggesting improvements in contractual clarity, communication training, and policy reforms that could significantly benefit the construction industry.Item Geotechnical Investigation of Road Failure Along Abuja- Lokoja Road(NJEAS, 2024-05-10) Solomon Agbo; Amuda Akeem; Musa Umar KoloA comprehensive investigation of soil properties along the Abuja-Lokoja Road, focusing on samples A and B located between KM51 + 300 to KM51 + 200 and KM45+100 to M51+000 respectively utilizing site analysis, laboratory testing, and comparative analysis, the study identifies critical distinctions in soil composition and engineering behaviours. Sample A, classified as CH (clay of high plasticity), exhibits a moisture content of 12.6% and a density of 1.940 g/cc in contrast, Sample B, classified as GM (gravelly material), has a higher moisture content of 13.8% and a denser structure at 2.100g/cc. Despite differing compositions, both samples demonstrate comparable load-bearing capacities, reflected in California Bearing Ratio (CBR) values at 100% moisture content. Sample A records 32.7% (unsoaked) and 24.6% (soaked), while Sample B exhibits 32.7% (unsoaked) and 26.2% (soaked), indicating similar strength under specific moisture conditions. Further analysis reveals a slightly higher Liquid Limit (LL) for Sample A at 41% compared to Sample B's 40%, with closely aligned Plasticity Index (PI) values, suggesting comparable plasticity characteristics. These findings align with established trends in cohesive and gravelly soils from past research. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for informed construction practices. The study recommends tailored engineering strategies, based on precise soil characterization, to optimize infrastructure performance and longevity in diverse soil environments. The emphasis on soil analysis and tailored engineering approaches underscores their significance in enhancing infrastructure stability and durability across varying soil conditions.Item The Use of Polymer for Road Surfacing as a Strategy for Waste Recycling in Maiduguri(ICMEAS, 2023-11-01) Abubakar Damaramma Abbari; Musa Umar Kolo; Onyebuchi Mogbo; Petrus Nzerem; Ayuba SalihuThe road network in Maiduguri, Borno State in Nigeria has been continuously deteriorating due to the ongoing rise in traffic combined with insufficient maintenance due to a lack of funding. Various actions, such as securing finances for maintenance, improving roadway design, using better quality materials, and using more efficient construction techniques are reported to be useful in reducing this process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of polythene on the characteristics of asphalt and concrete for road surfacing as well as strategy for waste recycling. Hot bitumen and waste polymer were combined at 160°C using a strong mechanical stirrer; plastic was added to the bituminous mix using wet process techniques to create polymer-modified bitumen. Base bitumen with a penetration grade of 60/70 was used for the laboratory tests. To achieve consistency in the mixture, all the polymers were heated and chopped into pieces. 2%, 4% and 6% volume of polymer were used with a control volume of 0%. Different tests such as the Viscosity test, Flash and fire point test, Penetration test, Marshall Test, and Ductility test were all conducted using standard procedures. The test results for penetration, ductility, viscosity, flash and fire points, indicate that the material is becoming less consistent and more resistant to temperature variations. The marshal test findings showed that the modified combination had higher stability and a lower % of VMA (Voids in mineral aggregates) than the traditional plain mixtures. This would significantly increase these mixes' resistance to rutting.Item Engineering Characterization of Rocks from Selected Quarries in Abuja, Nigeria.(NJEAS, 2024-04-19) Vandi Daniel; Timothy Iyendo; Bakma Garta; Musa Umar KoloThe study aims to understand the strength, durability, and suitability of Abuja rock for planning, design, and construction of engineering projects. Three quarries in Abuja (Kubwa, Mpape, and Lugbe) were selected, and four samples were observed to be the most dominant, covering 90%-95% of the rock used in manufacturing aggregates for engineering construction. Geotechnical engineering properties of these rocks were analyzed in an engineering laboratory. Experimental tests included uniaxial compression test, Schmidt hammer rebound test, Los Angeles Abrasion test, Water absorption/moisture content test, and Specific gravity test. The compressive strength ranges from 21.32Mpa to 28.91Mpa, classified as sedimentary rock with moderate hardness. Schmidt rebound numbers range from 21.94 to 35.28, providing immediate access to rock strength. This shows on correlation with R²= 0.409 means the uniaxial compressive strength value is nearly proportional to the Schmidt rebound number. The specific gravity and water absorption relationship showed a negative correlation, with values of 2.43, 2.32, 2.32, and 2.28 on specific gravity and 0.15%, 0.22%, 0.20%, 0.17% on water absorption/water content from porphyritic granite, porphyroblastic gneiss, biotite granite, and granite gneiss, respectively. It shows in a correlation that water content is inversely proportional to the specific gravity with value of R²=0.400. Los Angeles abrasion values were within the allowable range (20-30) which reveals values from 21.00 to 23.00. The study reveals that the engineering characteristics of the sampled rocks are within the standard range for construction purposes. Porphyritic gneiss and granite gneiss are suitable for building and road construction due to their higher compressive strength and low water absorption, providing good strength and durability under different prevailing environmental conditions.Item Geotechnical investigation of soil bearing capacity a case study of Nile university of Nigeria(NJEAS, 2024-05-11) Jamilu Abdulmumini; Amuda Akeem; Musa Umar KoloGeotechnical investigation was conducted within Nile University soil with the aid of the master plan showing areas awaiting future developments. This is as a result of the university planning for infrastructural expansion due to such in student’s population. Each time a building construction is to be taken place, the university management spent another set of money on conducting geotechnical investigation. There are no comprehensive geotechnical information of the soil bearing capacity that can represent the whole of Nile university space/area of 1,153,208,008?2. In-situ and laboratory test were carried out. Three boring point were established using map at a regular interval and drilled to a depth where basement was encountered. In each test sample were collected at 1.5m interval. The standard penetration procedure consist of split spoon and u-tube as set forth in ASTM-1990. The test involves counting the number of blows required to drive a spoon sampler by 300mm, using a weight of 64kg hammer with a free fall of 76mm on the anvil of a rod arrangement. An initial penetration of 150mm is allowable on the sampler known as sitting blows before counting the subsequent blow for the required 300mm. another six trial pit were evenly spread at regular interval at different location within the university. It was manually excavated by hand, undisturbed and disturbed sample were extracted by hand auger and shovel. Sample were extracted at 1.5m depth, properly labelled and taken to laboratory. The laboratory test of the extracted soil sample include moisture content, grain size distribution, liquid limit, plastic limit, consolidated drained test and unified soil classification system was adopted. It was observed that the results obtained from Standard Penetration test indicates variance in allowable bearing capacity with depth, between 0.0-0.5m is 56??⁄?2, 0.6- 1.0m is 112??⁄?2, 1.5- 2.0m is 215??⁄?2, 3.0 – 3.5 is 279??⁄?2, 4.5 – 5.0m is 273??⁄?2. The soil type were predominantly medium dense to very dense inorganic silty sand with clay content less than 5%. Point of refusal was encounter at 6m depth, boring was then terminated. The Direct shear box test analyses obtained from site BC and CH gave the allowable bearing capacity values of 250??⁄?2 at pit one, 211.2??⁄?2 at pit two, 798.1??⁄?2 at pit three, at pit four, 798.1??⁄?2, at pit five, 918??⁄?2 , at pit six 960.5??⁄?2, but with the results obtained from oedometer test show that we cannot adopt this allowable bearing capacity value due to it high settlement rate beyond the acceptable settlement rate set by Development Control in Nigeria, which is 100mm. therefore based on the result from oedometer test the allowable bearing capacity of 120??⁄?2 was adopted with a safe consolidated settlement of 52mm at site BC. While an allowable bearing capacity of 100??⁄?2 with safe consolidated settlement of 55mm was adopted for site CH. Site BC is predominantly underlain by Sandy Silt. While site CH the predominant soil type was Clayey Sand. Pad footing at 1.5m depth and 210??⁄?2 allowable bearing capacity should be adopted. It is recommended that for both site BC and CH pad foundation at 1.5m having maximum individual column load less than 600??⁄?2 with a ground beam adopted.Item Comprehensive Characterization of Some Selected Biomass for Bioenergy Production(ACS Omega, 2023-11-08) Asmau M. Yahya; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Petrus Nzerem; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Salihu Ayuba; Hauwa A. Rasheed; Abdullahi Gimba; Ikechukwu Okafor; Jude A. Okolie; Prabhu ParamasivamThere is a lack of information about the detailed characterization of biomass of Nigerian origin. This study presents a comprehensive characterization of six biomass, groundnut shells, corncob, cashew leaves, Ixora coccinea (flame of the woods), sawdust, and lemongrass, to aid appropriate selection for bio-oil production. The proximate, ultimate, calorific value and compositional analyses were carried out following the American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence were employed in this study for functional group analyses, thermal stability, and structural analyses. The H/C and O/C atomic ratios, fuel ratio, ignitability index, and combustibility index of the biomass samples were evaluated. Groundnut shells, cashew leaves, and lemongrass were identified as promising feedstocks for bio-oil production based on their calorific values (>20 MJ/kg). Sawdust exhibited favorable characteristics for bio-oil production as indicated by its higher volatile matter (79.28%), low ash content (1.53%), low moisture content (6.18%), and high fixed carbon content (13.01%). Also, all samples showed favorable ignition and flammability properties. The low nitrogen (<0.12%) and sulfur (<0.04%) contents in the samples make them environmentally benign fuels as a lower percentage of NOx and SOx will be released during the production of the bio-oil. These results are contributions to the advancement of a sustainable and efficient carbon-neutral energy mix, promoting biomass resource utilization for the generation of energy.Item Understanding casting behaviour of low carbon high manganese steel through detailed characterization of mould powder and mould top slag(Taylor and Francis, 2023-02-02) D. Paswan; J. K. Ansu; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; C. T. Christopher; T. K. Roy; P. Palai; M. MalathiThis study focused on multistage characterization techniques in developing an understanding of the abnormal casting behaviour of low carbon high manganese (LCHMn) steel. In addition to raw mould powder used for casting LCHMn steel, mould top slag samples were also collected for normal and abnormal casting conditions. Raw mould powder and top slag samples were characterized using XRF, XRD, and SEM-EDS to determine chemical composition, crystallinity and morphology. The chemical composition results revealed deviation of normal and abnormal behaviours from the mould powder due to the pickup of oxides of Al, Mn, and Ti. The SEM analyses of raw mould powder showed different granular particle sizes while pores and glassy/crystalline structure were seen for normal and abnormal behaviour at casting. CaF2, CaSiO3, and Na2CaSi3O9 were revealed as the mineralogical phases. There was a modified crystalline phase present in the abnormal behaviours at casting due to pickup of other oxides.Item Comparative studies of machine learning models for predicting higher heating values of biomass(Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), 2024-06-29) Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Adeyinka Adedigba; Steve Adeshina; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Mohammed S. Lawal; Adebayo Isaac Olosho; Halima S. Yakubu; Temitayo Samson Ogedengbe; Petrus Nzerem; Jude A. OkolieThis study addresses the challenge of efficiently determining the higher heating value (HHV) of biomass, a crucial parameter in large-scale biomass-based energy systems. The conventional method of measuring HHV using an oxygen bomb calorimeter is time-consuming, expensive, and less accessible to researchers, particularly in developing nations. To overcome these limitations, we employed four machine learning (ML) models, namely Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). These models were developed by using proximate and ultimate analysis parameters as input features. Up to 200 datasets were compiled from literature and used for the ML models. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of all ML models in accurately predicting the HHV of biomass materials. Notably, the XGBoost model exhibited superior performance with the highest R-squared (R2) values for both training (0.9683) and test datasets (0.7309), along with the lowest root mean squared error (RSME) of 0.3558. Key influential input features identified for HHV prediction include carbon (C), volatile matter (Vm), ash, and hydrogen (H). Consequently, this research provides a reliable alternative for predicting HHV without the need for costly and time-intensive experimental measurements, facilitating broader accessibility in biomass energy research.Item Determination of the Optimal Blend Ratio of Hydrogen in Natural Gas System Using Physical Properties as Basis(ICMEAS, 2023-11-01) Ayuba Salihu ; Ikechukwu Okafor; Aniezi Okoro Daniel; Abdullahi Gimba ; Petrus NzeremThe Determination of the optimal blend ratio of hydrogen in natural gas systems using physical properties as a basis is an important research topic given the increasing use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel source. This research aims to determine the optimal blend ratio of hydrogen in a natural gas system using physical properties such as its Composition, Heating Value, Density, and Wobbe index as the basis of evaluation. Samples of consumer-grade Natural gas and clean Hydrogen gas were sourced in Nigeria. Both samples were used for blending and laboratory analysis. The blend volume ratios of Natural Gas (NG) and Hydrogen analyzed were 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, 6:4, & 5:5 using a Gasometer and Gas Chromatography Machine (CG). The experiment results provided valuable insights into the potential feasibility of replacing natural gas systems with a Hydrogen-Natural gas blend. The result obtained indicated about 2.06% reduction in percentage methane content, 26.35% reduction in gas density, 19.97% reduction in heating value (HHV), 5% reduction Wobbe index for every 10% increment of Hydrogen Ratio. This implies that blending carbon-neutral hydrogen gas into the natural gas systems for the purpose of decarbonization requires adequate compensation for expected changes in properties like heating value, flow dynamics, and process handling. The EUROMOT specification recommends that the percentage change in the wobbe index should be within the limit of +4% and -4% as an acceptable limit of interchangeability of fuel gas. Using the EUROMOT specification on Wobbe index, further numerical analysis affirmed that Natural Gas blended with as much as 25.74% Hydrogen can effectively be a substitute for fuel gas systems that are presently using Natural Gas.