ABUAD Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Physical Properties and Marshall Stability of High-Density Polyethylene and Rubber Crumb Modified Bitumen for Road Application

2024-10-14T15:16:13+00:00

Standard bitumen used in road construction may not meet engineering requirements due to it becoming brittle in cold weather and softening in hot weather. This study investigates the mechanical and physical properties of bitumen modified with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and rubber crumb for road applications. Bitumen sourced from Ilaje, Ondo State, Nigeria, underwent characterisation tests including penetration, softening point, ductility, and fire point. Waste HDPE and rubber crumb, collected from dumpsites in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, were sorted, washed, dried, and milled to a size of 600 microns. The waste plastic was then blended with the bitumen using an optimised mix design obtained from the design of experiment. Characterisation tests (Marshall stability, penetration, softening point, ductility, and fire point) were performed on the resulting waste plastic-modified bitumen. The test results showed that the stability of the road asphalt increases as the proportion of HDPE and rubber crumb used in the bitumen modification increases. The control group (100% bitumen) exhibited the lowest Marshall stability (19.81 kN, 13.12 kN, and 17.82 kN for samples A, B, and C, respectively). The stability of sample A increased by 62.2%, the stability of sample B increased by 75.6%, and that of sample C increased by 56.6%. Based on the research findings, modifying bitumen with waste materials offers several advantages for road construction, which are reducing material costs as waste plastics and tires are readily available, waste utilisation reduces environmental impact, and modified bitumen enhances road durability.

Upgrading and Optimization of Pyrolysis Oil from Corncob (Euphorbia mammillaris) and Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Shells by Liquid-Liquid Extraction Process

2024-11-02T20:14:50+00:00

The bio-oils from peanut shells and corncobs have limited applications due to high oxygen content, viscosity, acidity, and organic compounds, necessitating upgrading. This study employed liquid-liquid extraction to improve oil quality due to its affordability. Bio-oils were produced via intermediate pyrolysis in a fixed-bed reactor at 450 °C, followed by physicochemical and GC-MS analysis. The need for further treatment led to the use of a low-cost, simple liquid-liquid extraction method. A Box-Behnken experimental design was applied, considering temperature, time, and solvent as parameters. Extraction temperatures of 25 °C, 40 °C, and 55 °C were tested alongside extraction times of 30, 60, and 90 minutes using n-hexane and ethanol as solvents in a 1:2 ratio with bio-oil. N-hexane achieved higher phenolic compound extraction efficiency, yielding 68.21% for corncob bio-oil and 66.94% for peanut shell bio-oil, compared to 60.95% and 58.87% using ethanol at 55 °C. The process also improved pH values from 4.7 to 5.7 for peanut oil and from 4.5 to 5.8 for corncob oil, reducing acidity and operational costs. It was concluded that higher extraction temperatures increased bio-oil yield up to a critical limit, while n-hexane proved more effective than ethanol in enhancing oil quality and reducing acidity, thereby solving transportation and storage challenges.

Utilisation of Internet of Things to Design a Gas Detector Device for Monitoring Gas Leakages in Underground Mines

2024-10-28T12:49:15+00:00

The primary goal of the research was to design, evaluate, and fabricate a gas detection device using the Internet of Things (IoT). This subject matter was appropriate as it addressed a fundamental and significant facet of contemporary living in the mine. The objectives of the project were to design a gas detector device using an Arduino microcontroller, construct a gas detector device that rings a buzzer and sends an alert to an Android device on detection of harmful gas in the mine, and implement a gas detector device using the internet of things. Background data on gas detection technologies, pertinent standards and guidelines, field research, and durability factors related to the mines were gathered in order to define a test method. Arduino Uno was used as the control unit with other necessary components. Upon completion of the project, the gas detector device using the Arduino Uno was tested and found to work optimally.

Comparative Analysis of the Influence of Powder Factor and Energy Factor in Blast Design

2024-10-16T19:52:16+00:00

Blast design is critical to blasting operations' cost efficiency and productivity. A key factor in estimating the cost efficiency of a blast design is the powder factor, which measures the volume of rocks fragmented by a unit explosive. Debate on charge density's influence on blast productivity has led to assumptions that the energy generated by explosives should be considered rather than the mass. Thus, this study aims to compare the influence of energy and powder factors on blast design and determine the most appropriate approach to blast planning. Data obtained from existing quarries were the burden, drilled-hole diameter, spacing, drilled-hole depth, mass of explosives, stemming, number of holes blasted, and the uniaxial compressive strength. These data were used to estimate the power and energy factors. Multivariable regression analysis was used to predict burden using drilled-hole diameter, uniaxial compressive strength energy factor, and powder factor. The results show that the burden prediction model using energy factor has a coefficient of determinants (R²) value of 0.8741, a standard error of 0.24, and a significance factor of 3.47E-09., while the prediction involving powder factor value is 0.8781, the standard error is 0.24, and the significance factor is 2.52E-09. The study concluded that the powder and energy factors influence blast design similarly. However, in this study, the use of powder factor is recommended because of its ease of estimation.

Evaluation and Improvement of Traffic Flow and Delay at Eko-Ende Intersection in Ikirun, Osun State, Nigeria

2024-11-04T11:25:45+00:00

The rapid increase in traffic volume in Ikirun has led to rising congestion across the town’s road network. Stop delay, a significant indicator of intersection performance, is commonly used to assess the level of service (LOS) and capacity. This study investigated delays at the Eko-Ende intersection, a critical point in Ikirun’s traffic system that connects commercial hubs such as Ikirun Garage, Osogbo-Ilorin Road, Monday Market, and Alamisi Market. A geometric evaluation of the intersection showed approach widths of 7.2 m for Moshadek, 7.0 m for Kereje, 10.73 m for Sawmill, and 14.8 m for Nazeem. Traffic volume assessments revealed Sawmill as the busiest approach, with a weekly average peak-hour volume of 1,773 vehicles, followed by Moshadek and Kereje with 1,553 and 1,362, respectively, while Nazeem had the lowest volume at 876. The average peak-hour volume across the intersection was 5,566 vehicles. Delay studies indicated Sawmill had the highest delay (14.7 s), while Moshadek had the lowest (8.8 s), with an overall intersection LOS of B.

Analysis of Macro Element Composition in Organic Manure Derived from Cow Dung, Sawdust, and Charcoal for Enhanced Productivity of Arable Crops and Vegetables

2024-09-17T09:33:40+00:00

The increase in the cost of inorganic fertiliser and the danger it poses to the health of consumers when used to grow crops motivated the production of pelletised organic manure (OM) from fresh cowdung (CD), sawdust (SD), and charcoal (CH) at the demonstration farm of the Agricultural Technology Department, Federal Polytechnic, Ile Oluji. CD, SD, and CH were mixed based on weight ratios of 2:1:1 and 1:1:1, respectively, and allowed to decompose anaerobically for 21 days. OM produced was subjected to macro element presence and was discovered to be rich in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which were the major elements needed for growing arable crops and vegetables. The percentage of the NPK slightly increased as the weight of the CD increased. NPK contents were 1.21%, 0.83%, and 1.12%, respectively, for the CD, SD, and CH ratios 2:1:1, while it was 0.81%, 0.6%, and 0.73% for ratios 1:1:1, respectively. The temperatures of the OM were 38 °C and 36 °C for the two ratios, respectively, and the pH was 8.8 and 8.4, respectively, at the end of the 21 days of decomposition. Based on this analysis, the OM produced is recommended for growing arable crops and vegetables. It will equally give the youths employment opportunities and assist the nation in converting waste into wealth.

Solution of Radiative Casson Hybrid Nanofluid Flow in a Permeable Rotating Cone with Nanolayer and Mixed Convection

2024-11-01T13:09:19+00:00

The research investigates the MHD Casson hybrid nanofluid in the presence of thermal radiation, nanolayers, and mixed convection inside a porous, permeable rotating cone. A slip boundary condition was applied for the problem. The governing flow model describing the problem captures Darcy-Forchheimer, mixed convection, thermal radiation, and dissipation. The coupled PDEs representing flow are obtained and transformed to ODEs via similar variables. The obtained ODEs are solved numerically by the shooting method together with the order six Runge Kutta method. MAPLE mathematical software is used to code and simulate the problem. The effects of embedded flow parameters (tangential and azimuthal velocities, thermal field, Nusselt number, and skin friction coefficient) are presented graphically and in tabular form and discussed in details. The results reveal that higher interfacial nanolayer parameters increase the thermal field. The magnitude of heat transfer rate boosts via greater fluid material and thermal radiation values, while it diminishes through the Prandtl number and Eckert number.

Impact of Studio Spaces on the Academic Performance of Architecture Students: A Case of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)

2024-07-31T20:48:46+00:00

Due to the peculiarity of the architecture profession, architecture students usually work within environments that require specific spaces to function within design studios. Adequate spaces within a studio environment consist of drawing boards, sitting stools, drawers/lockers where drawings and other instruments are kept, and ample circulation space. The aim of this study was to investigate if the spaces provided for in architecture studios are adequate, based on the number of students per studio, and if these spaces are adequate, whether they have positive or negative impacts on the academic performance of the architecture students. The methodology involved gathering data on final year students’ academic performance for three different sessions involving three different studio spaces on ARC 501 (Advanced Architectural Design), which is a core course and the final design course of final year students before graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Nigeria. Findings from the study revealed that with the increase in the floor area of the studio spaces per student, there was no significant increase in their academic performance; rather, there was a gradual decline in the students’ academic performance. This study has proven that studio spaces may not have corresponding positive effects on the academic performance of architecture students, but rather have somewhat negative effects, and probably there are other factors not considered in this study that may be responsible for better academic performance of architecture students in universities besides spacious studio spaces. The study also found that while small studio spaces tend towards better academic performance, large studio spaces tend towards low academic performance in architecture design courses.

Evaluating the Influence of Blast Design in Quarrying Operations on the Environment

2024-10-21T15:15:29+00:00

Blasting operations in quarrying have significant environmental impacts that must be managed carefully. Ground vibrations, air blasts, and dust generation are primary concerns. Understanding blast design parameters' impact on fragmentation efficiency and environmental consequences is essential for advancing quarrying practices. The primary challenge in quarrying is to balance these competing demands: achieving optimal rock fragmentation while minimising adverse environmental effects. This research aims to evaluate the influence of blast design on the environment by providing a detailed assessment of how different parameters affect productivity and environmental impact. This research investigates how various blast design parameters—specifically charge weight, blast pattern, timing sequences, and explosive types—impact the environment. The results show that none of the selected quarries complied with the regulated standard. However, factors that promoted low blasting vibration effects on the environment were bench height of not more than 10 m, very low charge load density of approximately 2 tonnes, and consistent application of non-electric detonators and connectors. Locations with a high bench height of 13.8 m recorded noise levels of 105 to 110 dB, fly rocks within 225 to 280 m, and a backbreak of 3.5 to 6.0 m, while locations with a bench height of 10 m and below recorded noise levels of 79 to 91 dB at 300 m away from the centre of the blast, while the backbreak and the fly rock distances are within 1.6–2.2 and 170-216, respectively. Siting a residential building over 1000 meters away from the quarry is significant for the control and reduction of vibration effects to a negligible degree. Therefore, the government should contract quality control monitoring to private companies for effective monitoring.

Effect of Using Palm Kernel Shell Ash and Rice Husk Ash on Stability of Lateritic Soil for Road Pavement

2024-11-22T11:21:23+00:00

This study investigates the stabilization of lateritic soil sourced from a roadside along Iraa Road, near the Nigeria Navy School in Kwara State, Nigeria. The soil was sampled at a depth of 1 meter following the removal of topsoil. Initial testing revealed a California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of 27%, meeting the minimum requirements for subgrade suitability. The addition of 4% Palm Kernel Shell Ash (PKSA) and 2% Rice Husk Ash (RHA) significantly improved the CBR to 41%, reflecting enhanced load-bearing capacity. These findings align with previous research demonstrating the efficacy of PKSA and RHA in improving soil strength. However, stabilization beyond the optimal content of 4% PKSA and 2% RHA resulted in declining CBR values, underscoring the critical importance of maintaining optimal stabilizer proportions for effective performance. The study further observed an increase in the optimum moisture content (OMC) of the soil, rising from 12.60% to 16.10% upon the addition of stabilizers, consistent with the moisture requirements induced by pozzolanic materials. Similarly, the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) of the natural soil increased from 1.67 kg/m³ to 1.72 kg/m³ with the inclusion of 4% PKSA and 2% RHA, indicating enhanced compaction properties. These improvements correspond with established standards and corroborate findings from related studies. To comprehensively assess the effects of stabilization, the research also examined mixtures incorporating incremental proportions of RHA (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) combined with 4% PKSA, previously identified as optimal for enhancing soil properties. The goal was to improve the soil's CBR values, particularly for application in base course construction. The results demonstrate that while PKSA and RHA are effective stabilizers, exceeding optimal levels leads to reduced performance, emphasizing the need for precise proportioning to achieve desired outcomes in lateritic soil stabilization.

Evaluation of Traffic Congestion in an Urban Roads: A Review

2024-09-01T03:37:25+00:00

Urban traffic congestion significantly impacts economic productivity, environmental health, and residents' quality of life. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of traffic congestion in urban areas, focusing on recent innovations in traffic management, urban planning, public transportation, and technological advancements. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), incorporating real-time data and adaptive signal controls, have proven effective in reducing delays and improving traffic flow. The study underscores the importance of mixed-use urban planning in minimizing travel distances and traffic volumes. Expanding public transportation networks is highlighted as a critical strategy for alleviating congestion, with evidence indicating that cities with extensive transit systems experience lower congestion levels. Additionally, the environmental and health implications of traffic congestion are considered, linking high congestion levels to increased pollution and negative health outcomes. . Road construction as a policy intervention to reduce congestion is debated, with the understanding that road widening may sometimes increase traffic. Evaluating the technologies contributing to congestion is crucial for devising effective solutions. Urban transport is central to economic activity and the well-being of urban residents. The rising population and car ownership rates, coupled with unchanged natural land areas, exacerbate traffic issues, leading to accidents and increased carbon dioxide emissions. The article explores the complexities of urban road traffic, addressing transport infrastructure, organization, and the high share of car traffic. It discusses theoretical and practical aspects of traffic flow and design, as well as the role of driver behavior in traffic jams.