Journal: Engineering Heritage Journal (GWK)

Water is among the most vital natural resources that a nation must consistently protect, conserve, and manage sustainably. It is essential to all forms of life, and any significant shortage can result in a decline in the quality of life and substantial economic losses. Effective water resource management helps overcome this challenge. This study made use of System Dynamic Modeling (SDM) to examine the factor such as water demand, water supply, distribution leaks and water price, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the existing water supply system. A number of scenarios were evaluated, including water price increase, conservation campaigns and reduction of non-revenue water (NRW). Results show that over time, the groundwater supply will no longer be sufficient to meet the demand and that exploration of alternative water resource is recommended. Water conservation campaigns, price increase and NRW reduction will be able to help delay the depletion of the groundwater supply.

Predicting the porosity and permeability of hydrocarbon reservoirs is a key part of figuring out how much fluid is retained and how much moves through them. However, the absence of conventional porosity logs often complicates these predictions due to factors like borehole instability and logging challenges. This research looks at how well three machine learning algorithms—Linear Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), and Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—can predict porosity and permeability from well-log data in the Niger Delta basin. The well-log data includes gamma ray, caliper, density, and compressional sonic logs. The goal of the study was to create and improve machine learning models that could guess the properties of a reservoir without using traditional porosity logs. To get better results, hyperparameters for RF and XGBoost were tweaked, and the models’ work was checked using the coefficient of determination (R²) on training, validation, and blind testing datasets. Results indicated that XGBoost and RF outperformed LR in both porosity and permeability predictions, with R² values reaching 0.94–0.95 for porosity and 0.98–0.99 for permeability in test data. Blind testing further confirmed the robustness of the models, achieving R² values of 0.99 for porosity and 0.999 for permeability. This study adds to what is known in the oil industry by showing how machine learning techniques can be used to accurately predict key reservoir properties. These techniques can be used as a reliable alternative to traditional log data when they are not available, like in the Niger Delta basin. Furthermore, accurate prediction of reservoir properties can optimize operations and reduce uncertainties.

Shallow foundations are a popular and affordable foundation type for construction of buildings and engineering structures. Therefore, precise assessment of the underlying soil structure’s bearing capacity is critical for their successful application. In this study, a multi-deterministic technique has been used to evaluate the bearing capacity of a shallow foundation. Empirical estimation of allowable bearing capacity (BC) was based on data from cone penetration tests employing the Schmertmann’s approach. The BC generally increased with depth across all CPTs, aligning with the observed increase in cone resistance (qc) values. A strengthening soil profile was indicated by the overall rise in the average allowable bearing capacity with depth. The numerical modeling with Plaxis-3Dv24 software application accurately estimated the bearing capacity and settling behavior of the shallow foundation on lateritic clay. The findings are consistent with empirical estimates derived from CPT data, notably for allowable bearing capacity. The average bearing capacity estimated from CPT data was 604.98 KN/m², corresponding to an allowable bearing capacity of 201.66 KN/m². The numerical model predicted an ultimate bearing capacity of 620 KN/m², slightly higher than the empirical estimate, and resulting in an allowable bearing capacity of 206.67 KN/m² with a factor of safety (FoS) of 3 against shear failure. The calculated allowable bearing capacities from both methods are relatively close, indicating a reasonable level of agreement. In terms of settlement, the numerical model predicted initial settlement was 8.0 mm, well within the limiting settlement pressure, while for the empirical data settlement information was available for direct comparison. Therefore, the numerical model provided useful insights regarding settlement. It is critical to recognize that the numerical model’s accuracy is strongly reliant on the input soil parameters (unit weight, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, cohesion, and friction angle), which were estimated based on field research data and engineering appraisal. Therefore, future research could use advanced constitutive models or laboratory testing to refine these values for more precise numerical simulations. The multi-deterministic technique can be extended to a broader range of case studies involving shallow foundations on lateritic clays, resulting in a more comprehensive database of design variables.

Construction management is a complex and multifaceted discipline that plays a pivotal role in the successful execution of construction projects; despite advancements in technology and project management methodologies, construction projects continue to face a range of common issues that can significantly impact timelines, budgets, and overall project outcomes; this paper provides an in-depth review of the most prevalent challenges encountered in construction management, with a focus on identifying the root causes and proposing practical solutions; key issues explored in this review include delays in project timelines, cost overruns, quality control deficiencies, labor shortages, and communication breakdowns among stakeholders; delays, often resulting from unforeseen site conditions, regulatory approvals, and supply chain disruptions, are analyzed in detail, highlighting their cascading effects on project costs and schedules; the paper also examines the persistent problem of cost overruns, delving into factors such as inaccurate initial estimates, scope changes, and the underestimation of risks; quality control is another critical issue discussed, with a focus on how lapses in adherence to standards and specifications can lead to costly rework and long-term performance issues; the review also addresses the challenge of labor shortages, which have become increasingly prevalent due to demographic shifts and changing industry dynamics, impacting productivity and project delivery; furthermore, the paper explores how communication breakdowns between stakeholders, including contractors, subcontractors, and clients, can lead to misunderstandings, errors, and delays, ultimately affecting the project’s success; by synthesizing insights from a broad range of case studies and industry reports, this paper not only identifies the most common issues in construction management but also offers evidence-based strategies to mitigate these challenges; emphasizing the importance of proactive planning, robust risk management, and effective communication, this review aims to provide construction professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of modern construction projects successfully; the findings underscore the critical role of continuous improvement in construction management practices to enhance project outcomes and ensure the long-term viability of the construction industry.

Net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) represent a paradigm shift in sustainable architecture and construction, aiming to balance energy consumption with renewable energy generation on-site, thereby minimizing environmental impact. This review explores the concept of NZEBs as a path to sustainable living, highlighting key principles, benefits, and challenges. NZEBs strive to achieve a delicate equilibrium between energy consumption and production, typically relying on a combination of energy-efficient design, passive solar techniques, and renewable energy systems. By generating as much energy as they consume over the course of a year, NZEBs significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on non-renewable energy sources. The benefits of NZEBs extend beyond environmental considerations. These buildings often provide superior indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and daylighting, enhancing occupant health and well-being. Additionally, NZEBs can lead to long-term cost savings, as reduced energy consumption and reliance on external energy sources result in lower utility bills and operational costs. However, achieving net-zero energy status poses several challenges. The upfront cost of implementing energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy systems can be prohibitive for some projects, requiring careful planning and investment. Additionally, designing NZEBs requires a high level of expertise and coordination among architects, engineers, and builders to ensure that all elements work together seamlessly. Despite these challenges, the momentum behind NZEBs is growing, driven by increasing awareness of climate change and the need for sustainable living solutions. Governments, industry stakeholders, and communities are increasingly embracing NZEBs as a viable path to reducing carbon emissions and building a more sustainable future. In conclusion, NZEBs represent a transformative approach to sustainable living, offering a blueprint for reducing energy consumption, lowering carbon emissions, and enhancing occupant well-being. While challenges remain, the benefits of NZEBs are clear, making them a compelling option for a sustainable built environment.

Globally, our environments (soil, water and air) are increasingly exposed to heavy metals (HMs) contaminations through natural and anthropogenic activities. Thus, it is a matter of great significance to remediate these metals from the ecosystem in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment. The research was carried out to evaluate the phytoextraction capacity of Racinus communis (L) grown on contaminated soils with HMs obtained from three sites in urban Kano. The physicochemical parameters of the soil samples were analysed using Near-Infrared spectrometer (NIRS D-2500) and other standard procedures. The HMs concentrations were analyzed using Micro Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (MPA-ES, Model 4210). The degree of HMs contaminants were evaluated using Mueller’s Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo). Data were statistically analysed using one way Analysis of Variance at P<0.05. The physicochemical results revealed that all the soil samples were sandy-loam in texture and slightly acidic with pH values ranging between (6.11±0.02-5.02±0.06). Other concentration of soil physicochemical parameters varies across the soil samples. The results of the HMs analyses across the soils revealed highest concentrations of Fe (311.02 ±0.04 mg/kg), Cu (208.62±0.01 mg/kg) and Zn (112.04±0.04 mg/kg) in soil sample A, Pb (34.03±0.16 mg/kg) and Cr (4.63±0.03mg/kg) were observed to be higher in soil sample C, while the highest concentration of Cd (1.20±0.00 mg/kg) was recorded in soil sample B. Relatively all the concentrations of HMs in the contaminated soil samples after the experiment were defined uncontaminated to moderately contaminated based on Igeo values. The findings provide scientific evidence that R. communis can be used as a veritable tool for the control of HMs pollution in the soil.

This study focuses on the exploration of mineralization potentials in Kaltungo-173, Guyok-174, Lau-194 and Dong-195 in the Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria, using high-resolution aeromagnetic data obtained at an altitude of 100m along a flight line spacing of 500m oriented in NW-SE and a tie line spacing of 2000m. The maps generated are on a scale of 1:100,000 and half-degree sheets contoured mostly at 10nT intervals. The data was then processed and analyzed using Geosoft Oasis Montaj software to identify areas of high magnetic anomalies. The results show the structural trends of rocks in the area are in the E-W, NE-SW, and N-S respectively which represent the various episodes of deformation from the youngest to the oldest, several positive signals from several places in the analytical signal map which is an indication of an intense igneous activity occurring as a near surface intrusion or very shallow basement from Basement outcrop in the south region. Pwana, Bajama, Pupule, Gorra, Bille, Jambutu, Didngo, Lau, and Tau, and the basement occurrences as intrusion within the sedimentary section covering the north, north-eastern, north-western in regions such as Kwya, Kashere, Lamumgu, Polapindi, Kaltungo Tula Wange, Kulani, Dunma Guyuk and Sabon Layi Jessu in most part of the study area. Sediment thickness between -2200m to -83m was established over the area. The findings show that this area has a high potential for mineralization, making it a prime location for future mining or extraction operations. This information can be used by researchers and companies looking to invest in the mineral resources of Nigeria. The abundance of intrusive bodies in the study area renders this part of the Northern Benue trough where our study area falls in within the Nigerian sedimentary basins unattractive for petroleum exploration but the area possesses high potential for large accumulation of base metal mineralization.

Integrating hydroponics and aquaculture into a single system, aquaponics can be an effective strategy that fight against regional and global issues like food scarcity, soil erosion, climate change, and population growth. This review focuses on how aquaponics can enhance food production and resource utilization based on the subject’s theoretical principles, the type of systems, and sustainability aspects. Hydroponics or aquaculture, which is the production of plants without soil and the farming of water animals respectively are examined in respect of their enhancing benefits in aquaponic systems. The benefits and drawbacks of each important system design are analyzed: Nutrient film technique (NFT), deep-water culture (DWC), and media-based grow beds (MGB). Thus, though NFT systems provided the lowest nitrate removal efficiency and overall lettuce yields, these systems were preferred by the users because of their cheap and rather simplistic construction. At the same time, MGB systems offered stability and were adequate for relatively small-scale projects, but required constant care and attention. Aquaponics Systems required large structures, but were extremely water conserving and low-profile. Each system has been estimated in terms of performance, easy to use, and maintenance. Nitrifying bacteria, plants, and fish share mutual interactions that help in water purifying the nutrient cycling process. Nutrients are used by plants to grow, which cleans the water. The purified water is immediately cycled again into the fish tank, ensuring that the scientific basis of aquaponics is followed to in all systems. This review also looks at the economic feasibility of aquaponics and limitation before concluding that it is a sustainable means of carrying out agriculture and it highlights the opportunity of using aquaponics for sustainable food production and environment preservation.

Industrialization had been a major driver of the global socio-economic development and its ecosystems but rest on energy security for its sustainable process. Nigeria’s industrialization drive has largely been challenged with inadequate supply of energy due to poor implementation of energy frameworks and infrastructural challenges in the energy sector among others. More than 70% of the industries in Nigeria operate on self-generated power which had always been via fossil-based system that is both finite in supply and environmentally unfriendly. This also affect the competitiveness of light industries resulting in their closure. According to the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), more than 800 small and medium scale industries closed down between 2009 and 2011 due to energy related issues (PremiumTimes 2012). Meanwhile, Nigeria has a high renewable energy potential which could be harnessed to close the energy supply gap for the industrialization drive. This study assesses the potentials and prospect of renewable energy exploitation for industrialization in Nigeria with focus on the applicability of the current frameworks on renewable energy and industrialization process. Despite the huge renewable energy potential and a number of policy and institutional frameworks on renewable energy, the study found poor implementation of the policy due to no clear leadership in the implementation, hence it recommends energy commission of Nigeria to take a coordinating role. The current industrial policy is also found to be obsolete and recommended to be reviewed while there should be development of home-grown advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) system to utilize low-to-medium density energy obtainable from renewable sources for industrialization in Nigeria

Filter aids is a salicaceous inert material for separation of liquid and particulate matters. In general filter aids are obtained from mining where diatomaceous earth and perlite are dominantly used as filter aids for industrial applications. The filter aid has important properties of its rigidness, chemically inertness, insoluble, porous, high permeability, and remove finest particles at high rate. Due to its good stability, less impurities, it is on high demand for separation of high purity products of food, beverages and pharmaceutical industries.