Category Archives: International Journal of Environmental Studies and Safety Research , volume 7, number 2, 2022

Properties of Concrete Produced with a Blend of Groundnut Shell Ash and Periwinkle Shell Ash as a Binder, Partially Replacing Ordinary Portland Cement

I. M. Oyemogum; M. E. Gukas & E. E. Ekwueme
Department of Building
Faculty of Environmental Sciences
University of Jos, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

The current global issues of pollution, environmental degradation and global warming of which construction activities contribute a large percentage has become so serious that construction practices and materials are being reviewed to minimize the danger that could result from this. The use of renewable or waste materials for construction work will lessen energy consuming activities as well as allow for proper waste disposal. Groundnut shell and Periwinkle shell, as natural materials, are obtained as waste. Chemical analysis of Groundnut Shell Ash (GSA) and Periwinkle Shell Ash (PSA) was carried out and identified as having desirable pozzolanic and
cementitious properties. The study, therefore, investigated the effect of a
blend of Periwinkle Shell Ash (PSA) and Groundnut Shell Ash (GSA) as partial replacement for cement in concrete production. The Specimens were designed to attain to target strength of 20N/mm2. A concrete grade M20 with a mix of ratio 1:1.5:3 was used for this research work with the
introduction of GSA and PSA in 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% of the total weight
of the concrete constituents. The test cube specimens used in the research
was of 150mm moulds. Compressive strength was tested at 7, 14 and 28 days.The result obtained showed that optimal replacement level of 30% will
produce concrete with acceptable compressive strength. The study
concluded that a 30% blend of GSA and PSA content is suitable replacement
for cement in structural concrete

Professionals’ Perception of the Challenges of Sustainability of Green Materials for Construction Projects in Abuja, Nigeria

Zubair Ahmed
Department of Quantity Surveying, School of Environmental Studies.
The Federal Polytechnic, Idah.
Email: zubairahmed6295@gmail.com.

ABSTRACT

The clamour for sustainable development and reduction of greenhouse gases led to the green concept which in recent times, has gained significant momentum. It is a well-known fact that housing play an essential role in the wellbeing of people because it is only place where people can fall back to relaxed and re – calibrated to put body and soul together. The purpose of this study was to investigate professionals’ perception on the challenges of sustainability of green materials for construction projects in FCT Abuja and to identify the challenges militating against green materials for construction projects. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from various respondents who were construction professionals. The survey was conducted using random sampling techniques were used to select one hundred and twenty (120) respondents out of which (90) of them were suitable for analysis, which represent a potential responses rate of seventy five percent (75%) of the total. The data were analyzed using simple percentile and mean item score. The research shows that built environment professionals need more sensitization to
raise the level of awareness is recognized. The finding revealed that green
features lack of awareness, human neglect, limited accessibility to relevant
information, social economic influence, climatic and weather influence, client’s preference, non availability of local materials, no standard for structural control of the green building, lack of adequate knowledge and technical know –how by professionals to handle the job, lack of interest in sustainable building development. In conclusion, there is need to educating the relevant parties to raise awareness of the green concept is vital to overcoming several challenges in the dissemination of sustainable practice such as lack of awareness and knowledge of these methods.
Keywords: Green materials, Challenges, Construction projects.

Territoriality and Territorial Conflict in North Central Nigeria: Implication for National Development

Adah, Paul Danladi & Joy Anwuli Jegede
Department of Urban and Regional Planning,
Federal Polytechnic, Idah. Kogi State
Email: adahproject@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The research is on the concept of territoriality and
Territorial conflict in Nigeria; and its implications for national
development. The objective of the study is to examine the concept of
territoriality and its impacts on development. A qualitative approach was
adopted for the study. The data collected for the study were from
secondary sources and were analysed using content analysis. The finding of the study shows that the concept of territoriality has both positive and
negative tendencies. That conflict arises when a particular space (land) is
contested by an intruder laying claim to land and its resources. Resistance
in defence of the claim results in a dispute over territorial space. The
study shows that the impact of herdsmen’s activities inflicting injuries and
death is higher compared to other perpetrators of violent attacks. In
conclusion, no nation can develop in crisis and confusion; therefore, the
urban planning approach can be adopted in resolving the claim and
counterclaim through territorial planning. The secularity of Nigeria’s state
and federal system of government provides avenues for territorial
planning. The paper, therefore, recommends territorial planning in
resolving the conflict. Keywords: Conflict, Ethnic, Territorial, Territoriality, Territorial Planning and Nations Development

THE TRADITIONAL SETTLEMENT PATTERNS IN THE JOS METROPOLIS AND THE CHALLENGES TO THE “GREATER JOS MASTER PLAN” OF THE 21ST CENTURY.

Emmanuel Sambo Kudu

Department of Urban and Regional Planning

University of Jos, Nigeria.

E-mail:emmanuelsambokudu@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Before its growth to urban status, where today, is called the Jos metropolis had been settled by indigenous populations (Berom, Anaguta, Rukuba and Afizere). As elsewhere in the Middle Belt area, Jos was dotted here and there with traditional settlements linking one settlement to another by narrow footpaths. The advent of colonialism and attendant mining activities introduced into the Jos area some semblance of modern settlement, with wider motorable roads. However, this development had continued but at a “snail pace”. The problem today is how a truly modern pattern of settlement can be developed, to replace the stubbornly surviving traditional settlement pattern. The problem has lingered through the ages with one master plan to another, with just some minimal successes. This has triggered in the following questions: what has been the actual problem besetting the implementation of the Greater Jos Master Plan? What does the Greater Jos Master Plan involve? What has been the reaction of the indigenous populations to the plan? These and many more constitute the focus of this paper. The method adopted here involved the use of questionnaire, administered to selected elders of the Jos metropolis and staff of the Ministry of Land Survey and Town Planning. Responses were matched against a few existing written reports for objective appreciation of the problem and what suggestions can be made. The findings showed that in addition to reluctance to pay compensation, there has never been a programme of enlightenment.

PERCEPTION OF CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS ON THE EVALUATION OF CONTRACTORS’ SELECTION CRITERIA ON BUILDING PROJECTS IN NORTH CENTRAL, NIGERIA

Zubair Ahmed

Department of Quantity Surveying,

Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi state. Nigeria  

Email: zubairahmed6295@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Underlying the selection of contractors is the use of contractor pre-qualification data in order to identify the most qualified contractor. This research was aimed at evaluating the criteria for selecting contractors for construction projects on the basis of their order of importance and ease of usage respectively. Primary data was elicited from a sample size of 77 clients, 83 consultants and 65 contractors spread across the six states of North-Central Nigeria. Frequency distribution tables, percentiles, mean item score, and analysis of variance constitute the tools for data analysis. The study revealed that the major rationale for stakeholders’ adoption of contractor selection criteria is to meet clients’ objectives. While technical competence constitutes a major driver for contractor selection, the study unveiled that only financial reputation exhibits statistical significance with respect to ease of use towards selecting competent contractors in the study area. It was recommended that stakeholders should pay serious attention to technical competence and the quality of past performance which are essential determinants for contractor pre-qualification; reason being that a technically competent contractor with track record of quality project delivery will automatically pass the assessments tests with respect to indices of financial reputation and managerial capacity.

Keywords:  Objectives of contractor selection, Criteria for contractor selection, Multi-criteria evaluation