Category Archives: International Journal of Engineering and Emerging Scientific Discovery 2017

CONTENTS

Stabilization of Clay Soil with Cement and Sawdust Ash

Gana A. J. & Tabat J. B.……..…………………………………………………….…….1

Mechanical Properties and Durability of Plain and Blended Cement Concrete

Alhassan, A. Yunusa & Yunus Ballim…………………………………………….28

Mapping of Road Pavement Failure along Eyenkorin–Ogbomoso Road using Geographical Information System (GIS) Approach

O. M. Olaniyan,O .S. Olaniyan,M. B. Adediran,Adebimpe Esan & Adio Yusuf……..42

Structural Applications of Ferrocement for Water Harvesting Concrete

Gana A. J. & Emeka C. R……………….…………………………………..………56

Physical and Chemical characteristics affecting the Durability of Condensed Silica Fume (CSF) Blended Cement Concrete

Alhassan, A. Yunusa & Yunus Ballim…………………………..…………………82

Mundane Skills Improvement needs of Structural Steel Workers in the Construction Industry in Benue State

Benedict Iorzer Labe & Fanen Emmanuel Upwa……………………………….100

A Solid Mineral (Limestone) as a Potential Catalyst for Biodiesel Production from Yellow Oleander Oil (Thevetia peruviana)

Oyekunle Daniel Temitayo……….……………………………………………….113

Preparedness of Welders with Formal and Informal Training to Handle Structural Construction Jobs in Nigeria

Benedict Iorzer Labe &Terzungwe   Alaghde………..……………….…………128

A Paper on the Challenges of Electrical Installation Design for a Residential Building

Ukagu Stephen Nwachukwu & Onyegbadue Ikenna A.…………………….…151

The Importance of Compressive Strength in Sandcrete Block

Sheikh Yusuf, Hamza Aliko & Saleh, M. A.……………………………………160

Determination and Characterization of Crude Oil Properties produced from some selected Oil Fields in Olomoro Community

Akpoturi Peters & Idudje Henry……………………….……………………………178

Stabilization of Clay Soil with Cement and Sawdust Ash

 Gana A. J. & Tabat J. B.

Department of Civil Engineering

College of Science and Engineering

Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria

Email: doctorgana@yahoo.com; phildebo123@gmail.com

Corresponding Author: Gana A. J.

ABSTRACT

One of the most pressing needs for research in geotechnical engineering is the issue of the use of marginal soils for fills and as backfill material for walls and bridge abutments. It is therefore essential to come up with more economical methods of soils stabilization. Due to the poor disposal of sawdust in Nigeria, this study investigated the possible effect of the addition of sawdust ash and/or cement to the clayey soil on its basic geotechnical properties and strength characteristics. Geotechnical property tests were performed on the samples, both at the stabilized and unstabilized states by adding 1.5,3, 4.0, and 7.0% cement and also 1.5, 3.0, 4.0, and 7.0% cement-sawdust ash by weight of stabilizer to the soil. Results obtained show that cement and cement-sawdust ash mixture treatments resulted in significant reductions in the soil plasticity index and liquid limit. The plasticity index of the cement stabilized soil reduced from 18%to 3% at the addition of 7% cement. The compaction test carried out on the stabilized soil samples indicated that the use of cement and cement-sawdust ash for soil stabilization increases the optimum moisture content and decreases the maximum dry density with increase from 19.8% to 28.2% and 19.8% to 26.4% for cement and cement sawdust ash stabilized soil respectively. The cement alone when used to stabilize the clayey soil resulted in a significant increase in the unconfined compressive strength of the soil, whereas combining sawdust ash with cement resulted in a small but reasonable increase in the unconfined compressive strength of the cement and cement-sawdust ash stabilized soil increased from 185.1 Kpa to 1356.5kpa and 185.1 Kpa to 1003.8 Kpa respectively at optimum binder content. This research shows the viability of sawdust ash combined with cement as a suitable stabilization agent for soil.

Keywords: stabilization, clay soil, cement, sawdust Ash

Mechanical Properties and Durability of Plain and Blended Cement Concrete

Alhassan, A. Yunusa1 & Yunus Ballim2

1Department of Civil Engineering, Federal Polytechnic Idah, Nigeria

2School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Corresponding Author: Alhassan, A. Yunusa

ABSTRACT

The durability performance of Reinforced Concrete (RC) is influenced by those physical and chemical characteristics of concrete that control the diffusion of gases and liquids through its pores and ions dissolved in the pore water. In the present paper, properties of concrete made with plain and blended cement were characterized in terms of physical and chemical composition at early-age. In addition, the effects of inland exposure condition on the durability performance of the concrete were also investigated. Concrete cubes were made using various concrete mixtures of water-binder ratios (w/b) = 0.40, 0.50, 0.60, 0.75 and binder contents = 300, 350, 400, 450 kg/m3. Concrete cube of 100 mm size were cast and cured in water for 3, 7, or 28 days, then characterized at early-ages in terms of its physical and chemical properties. Companion concrete samples are exposed indoors or outdoors to undergo carbonation under natural environment. At the end of the varying exposure period, the concrete cube samples were characterized at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months in terms of carbonation depths. The results of the concrete early-age properties and medium-term durability characterisation were analyzed. The results show that, increased knowledge of concrete materials and concrete early-age properties is vital in durability considerations for RC structures.

Keywords: Reinforced concrete; Concrete durability; Pore structure; Pozzolans; Portland blended cement.

Mapping of Road Pavement Failure along Eyenkorin–Ogbomoso Road using Geographical Information System (GIS) Approach

¹O. M Olaniyan, ²O. S. Olaniyan,, ³M. B. Adediran,⁴ Adebimpe Esan , ⁵Adio-Yusuf

^{2, 3, 5}Department of Civil Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso

^{1, 4} Department of Computer Engineering, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti

Email: olatayo.olaniyan@fuoye.edu.ng

Corresponding Author: O. M. Olaniyan

ABSTRACT

Road transportation is one of the most promising and potent means for rapid industrialization and agricultural advancement. It plays an important role in economy of the country. This study accesses the pavement failure along Eyenkorin-Ogbomoso road using GIS approach. Coordinates of all failed portion along the alignment were located and describe while land use elevation map and road failure map were produced across the stretch were obtained with the use of Global Positioning System (Garmin 76GPS receiver) in UTM coordinate system. The dimensions of individual pavement failure was measured and recorded against their respective location coordinates, the imagery of the road was captured using Google Earth software. The imagery was geo-referenced and the failure coordinates plotted over the rectified imagery and the geo-database was evolved in ARCGIS 9.2 and the failure dimensions entered into the database. The length of the road is 47.6Km of single carriageway stretch between Eyenkorin – Ogbomoso transversing about fifteen communities. The pavement structure is made of 7.3m wide asphaltic concrete carriageway and 2.75m surface dressed shoulder on either side. The road has undergone series of palliative work since its existence. Presently, the road is in a very deplorable condition characterized by different failures such as cracks, peeling Edge, eroded shoulder, Potholes, Potholes, Rut, Raveling, and Washout etc. The outcome of this study reveals that adopting GIS to monitor road pavement failure is very advantageous for highways upgrading.

Keywords: Pavement Failure, GIS, GPS, Geo-Reference, Coordinates

Structural Applications of Ferrocement for Water Harvesting Concrete

Gana A. J. & Emeka C. R.

Department of Civil Engineering

Collage of Science and Engineering

Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara state

Email: doctorgana@yahoo.com, Phildebo123@gmail.com

Corresponding Author: Engr. Dr. Gana A. J.

ABSTRACT  

This study Examines the possibility of solving problem based on the effect of using different numbers of wire mesh layers on the flexural strength of the flat ferrocement panels and to compare the effects of varying on the ductility and the ultimate  strength of ferrocement  structures, with common problems  such as poor flexural strength, poor load bearing capacity, doubt  of durability, brittle failure when a break point occurs due to exceeding and physical cohesion of the ferrocement materials. The assignment on the application of ferrocement was done in order to solve problems of construction challengers such as high costs of construction difficulties and materials in the society. The study also provided other option for the design of different structural elements such as Beams, Slabs, etc in structural design.

Keywords:Structural Applications, Ferrocement, Water Harvesting

Physical and Chemical characteristics affecting the Durability of Condensed Silica Fume (CSF) Blended Cement Concrete

Alhassan, A. Yunusa & Yunus Ballim

Department of Civil Engineering, Federal Polytechnic Idah, Nigeria

School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg,   South Africa

Corresponding Author: Alhassan, A. Yunusa

ABSTRACT

The durability performance of reinforced concrete is influenced by those physical characteristics of concrete that controls the diffusion of gases and or liquid through its pores. These physical characteristics depend on the chemical composition and the microclimatic condition of the environment. In the present paper, properties of concrete made with Condensed Silica Fume (CSF) blended cement were characterized in terms of physical and chemical composition at early-age. In addition, the effects of inland exposure condition on the durability performance of the concrete were also investigated. Concrete cubes were made using various concrete mixtures of water-binder ratios (w/b) = 0.40, 0.50, 0.60, 0.75 and binder contents = 300, 350, 400, 450 kg/m3. Concrete cube of 100 mm size were cast and cured in water for 3, 7, or 28 days, then characterized at early-ages in terms of its physical and chemical properties. Companion concrete samples were exposed indoors or outdoors to undergo carbonation under natural environment. At the end of the varying exposure period, the concrete cube samples were characterized in terms of carbonation depths. The results of the concrete early-age properties and medium-term durability characterisation were analyzed. The results show that, increased knowledge of concrete materials and concrete early-age properties is vital in durability considerations for reinforced concrete structures.

Keywords: Reinforced concrete; Concrete durability; Pore structure; Pozzolans; carbonation; condensed silica fume; inland environment.

A Solid Mineral (Limestone) as a Potential Catalyst for Biodiesel Production from Yellow Oleander Oil (Thevetia peruviana)

Oyekunle Daniel Temitayo

Department of Chemical Engineering,

College of Science and Engineering,

Landmark University, Omu Aran, Kwara state, Nigeria

Email:  oyekunle.daniel@lmu.edu.ng, oyekunledanielt@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This work considers the use ofa solid mineral (limestone) as heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production from yellow oleander seed oil (YOO). Limestone was crushed and reduced to less than 200 µm, the crushed limestone was separated into eight samples, all of which were prepared by calcinating at 700^oC, and four samples were pre-soaked in methanol while the other four were not. It was noted that pre-soaking pulverized limestone in methanol and calcinating for 5 hours gave the highest calcium content of 58.48% as determined by EDXRF Spectrophotometer (EDX3600B). This was used for biodiesel synthesis. The biodiesel production was performed at catalyst amount of 4 g, reaction time of 70 minutes and methanol/oil ratio of 0.1. The biodiesel yield under this condition was 86.00 % (v/v) this was validated by running three experimental explicate. The physical state of the biodiesel was found to be liquid/reddish-brown at room temperature, acid value of 0.508 (mgKOH/g oil), FFA value of 0.254, iodine value of 73.20 (g I₂/100g oil), saponification value of 26.648 (mgKOH/g oil), cetane number of 234.580 among others. Qualities of the yellow oleander biodiesel (YOB) were compared to standards set by ASTM D6751 and EN 14214.

Keywords: Limestone, Catalyst, Biodiesel, Yellow Oleander Oil

Preparedness of Welders with Formal and Informal Training to Handle Structural Construction Jobs in Nigeria

Benedict Iorzer Labe &Terzungwe   Alaghde

Department of Vocational and Technical Education

Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State-Nigeria

Email: blabe@bsum.edu.ng

Corresponding Author: Benedict Iorzer Labe

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the level of preparedness of welders with formal and informal training to handle structural construction jobs in Benue State, Nigeria. To achieve the objective, six research questions were developed and answered while four null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study used cross-sectional survey research design that made use of a 39 item structured questionnaire. The population for the study consisted of 286 structural welders drawn from six major towns in Benue State, Nigeria. The structured questionnaire was face and content validated by three experts. The scale reliability of items in the questionnaire was found to have a Cronbach Alfa α = .759. The questionnaire was administered on a sample of 286 respondents. Data was analyzed using percentage, mean and standard deviation while t-test was used to test the hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that both skilled and unskilled structural welders are involved in the construction works. The conclusion was that majority of the structural welders handling structural works in Benue State had not undergone the minimum duration of practical training. They had low educational qualification, low mathematical skills to work out measurements, could hard read or interpret technical/engineering drawing. They also lacked the relevant theoretical knowledge in welding. Based on the findings of this study, some recommendations were made which include legislation requiring structural welders to be certified after undergoing a certain minimum period of formal training before they could be allowed to practice.

A Paper on the Challenges of Electrical Installation Design for a Residential Building

Ukagu Stephen Nwachukwu & Onyegbadue Ikenna A.

Department of Electrical Electronic Engineering

Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo state, Nigeria

Corresponding Author: Onyegbadue Ikenna A.

ABSTRACT

Load data was obtained from an existing building in the area for consideration. These data were keys in determining the distribution arrangement of the various loads in the distribution board. The capacities of the distribution boards used for the various blocks were calculated from the design. Cable sizing was also done in order to ensure an efficient connection of the different electrical accessories such as 13A and 15A sockets, lamp holders and even switches. The connecting cable to the distribution board for all blocks represented was calculated in the design. The information obtained from the design will ensure an efficient electrical installation for the building.

The Importance of Compressive Strength in Sandcrete Block

Sheikh Yusuf, Hamza Aliko & Saleh, M. A.

Department of Civil Engineering

Kaduna Polytechnic, P.M.B. 2021, Kaduna

Email: Ibnyusuf2005@yahoo.com

Corresponding Author: Sheikh Yusuf

ABSTRACT

The compressive strength of sandcrete block is a very important aspect of a block in a building. In many cases of building failures in Nigeria, the strength of the sandcrete block, has been figured as one of the causes of the failure. For this reason, in this research, some blocks were purchased from seven block producing industries in Kaduna Metropolis, and after curing, their compressive strength were determined in the laboratory by crushing them after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. There corresponding compressive strength are: 0.29, 0.32, 0.38 and 0.45 N/mm²(for sample 1), 0.35, 0.67, 0.82, and 0.95 N/mm² (for sample 2), 0.25, 0.33, 0.39, and 0.48 N/mm² (for sample 3), 0.56, 0.68,0.72 and 0.98 N/mm²(for sample 4), 2.25, 2.45, 2.82 and 2.74 N/mm²(for sample 5), 0.61, 0.77, 0.82 and 0.96 N/mm²(for sample 6) and 2.32, 2.46,2.78 and 2.95 N/mm² (for sample 7). From the results only sample 5 and 7 have certified the Nigerian Industrial Standard (N.I.S) of 2.5 N/mm², for individual blocks i.e.1.7 N/mm²; and 21 and 28 days results have satisfied the British Standards lowest requirements for individual block. The remaining samples 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 have not certified any requirement. When the control, with a cement ratio of 1:6 and water/cement ratio of 0.45, was produced and crushed after curing, the following are the results of the compressive strength after curing for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days: 2.82, 3.01, 3.28 and 3.44 N/mm². This shows that the control has satisfied the requirements of the N.I.S and the lowest requirement of individual block strength accepted by the British Standards.

Keywords: Sandcrete block, Compressive strength, Curing and Crushing, British Standards