Journal: Engineering Heritage Journal (GWK)

A geophysical study of the failed portion of the Ado-Ikere-Ekiti road along Km5 was conducted to investigate the causes of its failure and proffer appropriate solutions to stop the failure. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), and Electromagnetic (EM) impact survey using Schlumberger, Dipole-Dipole, and Gradient arrays respectively were employed for the study. VES data were interpreted quantitatively by partial curve matching and computer-assisted forward modeling using the IPI2Win(R) software. The geo-electric parameters obtained from the VES interpretation were used to generate a geo-electric section beneath the traverse. The 2-D subsurface resistivity structures of the failed portion of the road were obtained by processing and interpreting the data obtained from the ERT quantitatively employing the inverse modeling with DIPRO for Windows software. The EM survey electromagnetic fields were transmitted into the ground at varying frequencies to generate an output of frequency effect in percentage which is interpreted as apparent resistivity. The 1D EM geo-section generated by the instrument was used to delineate different formations like clayey/weathered, partly weathered, fractured basement, and fresh basement. The VES soundings produced different geo-electric curve types including the H, K, HA, HK, and KHA types. The geo-electric section revealed four subsurface geo-electric layers including the topsoil, weathered zone, fresh basement, and fractured basement. The topsoil resistivity values ranged from 249-685 ohms-m with a thickness range of 0.6 – 12.8 m. The topsoil is made up of lateritic-sandy soil. The second layer is the weathered zone with resistivity values ranging from 52 – 230 ohms-m and thickness from 0.7- 31.2 m. The third layer is the fresh basement with resistivity values ranging from 532-2866 ohms-m. The fourth layer constitutes the fractured zone of the study area with resistivity values of 269 – 422 ohms-m. The dipole-dipole arrangement revealed a hollow structure that suggested the possibility of a buried stream channel across the study area in an East-West direction. The EM survey confirmed the findings of the electrical resistivity surveys revealing highly weathered zones and the occurrence of deep fractured bedrock even at greater depth. It further confirmed the possibility of the buried river channel in the area. This study showed the possible causes of road failure to be the presence of a thin competent lateritic layer underlain by the thick weathered zone, the presence of fractured zones beneath the weathered zone, and lack of proper drainage at the road embankment. Suggested solutions to this problem include employing stabilization methods (compaction, grouting, or chemical stabilization) for the weathered zones, rock bolting, and grouting for the fractures and putting up drainage systems at the road embankments.

This study shows the influence of garnet’s content (Cg) of metamorphic rocks on the formation of lateritic materials and their geotechnical road parameters according to the standard test methods of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Less than Cg (10 percent) involves the formation of fewer nodules, small sizes with a percentage of fines (˂ 80 μm) as high as 61.9 percent. 20 to 25 % of Cg induced the formation of more and larger nodules and low fines (17.0 to 5.9 percent) in lateritic gravel (LG). These values of fines (%fines) are opposed to the optimum dry density values of compaction γdopm (2.000, 2.430 and 2.460) at the modified Proctor optimum and bearing capacity CBR to 95 % (36, 60 and 68 %) of GL. Thus, GL can be used gradually in sub-base for T2, T3, T4 traffic and base for T1, T2 traffic. The Multiple Determination Coefficients (MCD) are 0.966 with R2 = 0.933 for γdopm, 0.743 with R2 = 0.552 for ω (%) and 0.961 with R2 = 0.924 for CBR according to Cg and %fines. Thus, Cg influences the compaction parameters and %fines of lateritic materials derived from garnet metamorphic rocks. The higher Cg of the parent rock, the best of geotechnical properties of GL derived.

This study used the recorded daily rainfall, available and monitored during 38 years (from January 1, 1978 to December 31, 2015) in total of 8 rain stations and the meteorology station of Ha’il. The purpose of this study is to analyze the variations and trends of rainfall events through a statistical analysis of data recorded. The analyze the rainfall variability has been processed using the coefficient of variation (CV) and Standardized Analyze Index (SAI) and plotted. While the rainfall trends have been analyzed by three statistically methods widely used: Simple Moving-Average (SMA), Homogeneity of variance (Hartley’s Fmax-ratio) and Semi-averages. The trends analysis of rainfall show that the fluctuations or variations in climatic parameters is a recurring phenomena in the studied stations. Inter-annual variability of rainfall and the cumulative frequency of rainy days are characterized by the high coefficients of variation. In addition, the values of Chi square test reveals the significant Standardized Anomaly Index (SAI) of rainfall. Accordingly, the results contain a total of 18 increasing trends (37.5%) and 30 decreasing trends (62.5%). These results indicate that the aspects of climate change in Ha’il region accelerating in recent decades. This situation may have severe socioeconomic repercussions in many sectors especially the agriculture and surface water resources.

Traffic congestion resulting from the escalation in the number of vehicles in cities, as a result of the increase in population and building density, requires the provision of appropriate infrastructure, especially transportation and logistics systems, that meet the necessary needs of the population, to meet the current multiple challenges, through the introduction of various means of transportation. This is done according to plans that complement each other, such as using environments that encourage pedestrians and cycling and their own lanes, light rail, metro, rapid buses, in addition to public transport buses and others, through the development of high-level road projects, such as annual and main roads and others, in a way Integrated with city planning, and adopting modern technology such as smart applications in transportation, which will facilitate access and participation in developing the city, and achieving transportation integration. Therefore, the research problem is that there is no clear vision of the developments in transportation systems that have increased over time, whether public transportation systems or private transportation, which should be made possible through sustainable planning and design standards in cities. The importance of research is highlighted in trying to diagnose the obstacles of current transportation systems and their contemporary developments, and trying to evaluate them and maximize their potential by applying international standards and approved studies in this field.

3D laser scanning technology has been applied in mining subsidence monitoring to some extents. Based on the existing observation conditions in the experimental area, the laser point cloud data was collected; Then the methods of point cloud data denoising, registration, filtering and subsidence basin extraction were discussed. Finally, the processing results were analyzed and tested. The results show that: (1) The orientation method has better applicability in mining subsidence monitoring based on TLS, and can avoid the error accumulation caused by the registration method; (2) The error rate of the Irregular Triangulation filtering method with additional constraints on the selection of ground points is 4.22%, which is better than the fitting method; (3) The subsidence basin obtained by TLS has high accuracy, and the mean square error of the difference between TLS and surface subsidence measured by leveling is 3.3 cm.

Solar energy stands as a transformative force in addressing the world’s energy needs while mitigating the effects of climate change. This comprehensive review paper explores solar energy adaptation and efficiency across diverse climates, focusing on Nigeria, a nation grappling with energy access disparities and environmental challenges. The paper surveys technological advancements, climate-specific considerations, policy and regulation, environmental and economic impacts, challenges, and future directions in solar energy. Real-world case studies from rural Nigeria to Canada illustrate the versatility of solar technologies, while policy frameworks and regulatory approaches are analyzed to provide insights into effective solar energy promotion. The paper underscores the interconnected nature of environmental and economic benefits. It emphasizes the importance of tailored solutions and community engagement. Technological innovation, policy alignment, and capacity building address challenges such as intermittency, climate-related factors, and upfront costs. Future directions emphasize technological innovation, policy alignment, energy access, capacity building, international collaboration, public awareness, and monitoring and evaluation. As Nigeria and the world navigate a sustainable and solar-powered future, the sun emerges as a boundless energy source, illuminating homes, powering industries, and fueling economic growth while preserving the environment for future generations.

In recent years, the oil sector has witnessed a paradigm shift towards environmental stewardship, with green drilling strategies emerging at the forefront. This paper seeks to delineate the rise of technical expertise and the adoption of environmentally friendly drilling strategies in the oil sector. The study is grounded on a comprehensive literature survey that explores the theoretical foundations of green drilling and environmental stewardship, coupled with an analysis of practical implementations and case studies. The methodology adopted in this research encompasses a meticulous literature search strategy, involving the selection of pertinent databases, formulation of keywords, and determination of search criteria. This approach facilitated the identification of inclusive and exclusive criteria for green drilling literature, paving the way for a robust data extraction and synthesis process. The study aims to evaluate the environmental impact of green drilling strategies, identify and analyze the existing challenges and opportunities, and delineate the scope of future trends and developments in this domain. Findings from the study reveal that green drilling strategies, underpinned by advanced technical expertise, have significantly mitigated the environmental footprint of oil extraction activities. These strategies have fostered a new era of environmental stewardship, characterized by reduced greenhouse gas emissions, minimized waste generation, and the conservation of natural habitats. Moreover, the study unveils a promising future outlook, where continuous innovations in green drilling technologies are anticipated to further enhance environmental sustainability. In conclusion, the paper offers strategic recommendations for the oil sector to foster the adoption of green drilling strategies. It advocates for collaborative efforts among stakeholders, investment in research and development, and the formulation of policies that promote environmental conservation. The study posits that integrating green drilling strategies is vital for environmental preservation and instrumental in sustaining the oil sector’s viability in the long run.

Hard water can cause scaling concerns in pipes, turbines, boilers, and heat exchangers used in mining, oil and gas, and industrial applications. It also interferes with nearly every housekeeping chore, from laundry and dishwashing to bathing and personal hygiene. ENRTL-SR and PITZER property models in Aspen Plus V8.8 were chosen during the modelling and simulation of soft water production from a hypothesized hard water stream containing sand. Findings show that, under normal conditions, about 3 m3 of soft pure water can be generated from approximately 40 m3 of raw water using right unit configuration and treatment solvent proportion. Drawbacks which would have address several limitations faced during the simulation, as concluded, can be solved using suggested alternative software tools. Water treatment scientist should try to simulate the same process using Aspen Plus utilizing real data from an existing water treatment facility to correctly test for effectiveness of the software tool. Modification of several existing water treatment plants across the globe to soften water produced is recommended, given its suitability for both domestic and industrial use.

Assessment of building construction material on building sites is a function that critically contributes to the achievement of the project goals. Poor construction materials in construction projects sites has many issues which contribute to it such as: wastage of construction materials, and improper handling on site. This work aims to consider the evaluation of construction materials on project sites. Questionnaires from field survey, interview and site observation were the source of data collected. Descriptive statistics including frequency and mean index score method was used for the study. The study reveals that most problems such as conditions of weather, management of excess materials as well as low response from company to site were identified with mean value above the average mean of 3.32. The study also indicated that most wastage, such as: change in design, improper scheduling of work plan, and lack of supervision in usage of materials observed with mean value above the average mean of 3.37. From the results of the study, it was concluded that, most activities on management of construction materials which are challenging that has to do with wastage in building construction project sites and management of construction material, were identified in the study area. Thus, the study recommends that the consultants, contractors, clients and other professionals that work in the building construction industry should upgrade their commitment toward staff training as well as developing the necessary skills needed in the industry.

This comprehensive review elucidates the intertwined relationship between safety, quality control, and sustainability within the construction sector, highlighting the critical need for integrating these elements to promote optimal project outcomes and long-term industry advancement. The study commences with an in-depth exploration of existing literature, focusing on diverse methodologies, strategies, and frameworks employed to enhance safety and enforce stringent quality control, thus contributing to the overall sustainability of construction projects. Safety is identified as a paramount concern in construction, significantly influencing both quality and sustainability. The lack of safety not only jeopardizes human lives but also results in cost overruns and project delays, undermining the overall quality and sustainability. Quality control, herein, is discussed in relation to its pivotal role in minimizing errors and rework, ensuring adherence to standards, and facilitating the attainment of sustainability goals through resource efficiency and waste reduction. Sustainability in construction is dissected through its three foundational pillars: economic viability, social equity, and environmental integrity. This review details how the integration of safety and quality control significantly impacts these pillars, highlighting the synergy between construction practices, resource optimization, stakeholder well-being, and ecological preservation. Empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and case studies form the basis of this review, providing a multifaceted understanding of the interdependence between safety, quality control, and sustainability in construction. The assessment reveals that the construction industry is progressively acknowledging the inherent connection between these components, with contemporary practices and policies increasingly reflecting an integrated approach. The article concludes by underscoring the imperative for continuous research and development, innovations, and policy interventions to strengthen the nexus between safety, quality control, and sustainability in construction. It also advocates for a holistic approach that unifies these elements to drive industry resilience, promote sustainable development, and ensure the well-being and prosperity of communities and the environment.