ABUAD Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences

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

Waleola Ayo AKINFIRESOYE — 2024-12-31

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.

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

Reuben Peters OMALE — 2024-12-31

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.

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

Sunday Ojoajogwu IGOMU — 2024-12-31

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.

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

Patrick Adeniyi ADESIDA — 2024-12-31

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 of Traffic Congestion in an Urban Roads: A Review

Sulaiman Olayinka SUBAIR — 2024-08-30

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.