THE EFFECT OF MOISTURE CONTENT ON PAVEMENT FAILURE ALONG LAGOS – IBADAN EXPRESSWAY

Highway pavement failure in Nigeria has increased in the past decades despite the huge amounts of money appropriated annually for rehabilitation. Apart from losses due to fatalities and disruptions to normal daily activities, annual loss to structural deficiency, functional obsolescence and operating cost is about ₦133 billion. One of the causes is associated with inadequate moisture in pavement materials. This study aimed at examining the effect of moisture on other geotechnical parameters as the factor of pavement failure along Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Samples were collected at the failed and stable portions on some selected road segments and subjected to laboratory tests including Natural Moisture Content (NMC), Linear Shrinkage (LS), particle size distribution and California Bearing Ratio (CBR). Pavement Distress Score (PDS) was also determined on these road segments. Data generated were subjected to statistical analyses and Models for predicting road pavement performance were also developed. The NMC along the failed sections was on the high side (ranged from 13.11% to 26.89%) compared with the stable sections (ranged from 11.11% to 16.40%). The maximum dry density(MDD) for the samples at failed and stable sections ranged from 1550 kg/m3 to 1860 kg/m3; 1650 kg/m3 to 1980 kg/m3 respectively while the Optimum Moisture Content(OMC) ranged from 8.30% to 20.30%

Assessing the Role of Legislation in the Development of Nigerian Solid Mineral Sector

This study assesses the role of legislation in the development of the Nigerian solid mineral sector. The aim of the assessment is to determine how well Nigeria mining companies comply with some key provisions of mining and mineral legislation and also to determine the influence of these legislations on the mining industries. For the purpose of this study, the Mining Act of 2007; The Mining Regulations of 2011; The explosives Act of 1964 and Explosives Regulations of 1967 which are the major legislations governing the activities of mining in Nigeria were reviewed, some specific provisions were extracted and compliance to theses extracted provisions were assessed. Thirty mining firms were assessed with the aid of a questionnaire in order to determine the level of their compliance to the identified provisions of mining legislations. Data acquired and assessed include compliance of these mineral industries with the provisions of the mining legislations on explosives magazines administration; Safety and health requirements; Production reporting and royalty payments. The results indicate that the mining industries assessed comply with most of the requirements on safety and health and also with royalty payments. It is however revealed that most of the provisions of mining legislations on explosives magazine administration are not well complied with

Characterization Of Major Intersections in Akure, Nigeria

Three Tee intersection (RN1, RN2, RN3), and two Cross intersections (RN4, RN5) critical to traffic flow in the study area were selected. Data on geometric features were collected using odometer; while data on critical gap and follow up time were collected with video camera placed at an elevated vantage point from the selected intersections. Average carriageway width of 7.20 m, 7.0 m, and 7.15 m were obtained for RN1, RN3, and RN5 respectively which is less than 7.30 m, specified by the Nigerian Highway Capacity Manual 1976; which reduces the Level of Service (LOS). The operating LOS for the Tee and Cross intersections, were “LOS E” and “LOS F” respectively indicating that travel speeds were substantially restricted and roadway operations were with extreme delays when compared with the standard in Highway Capacity Manual 2000 (HCM 2000). The analysis of the critical gap using logit and Raff methods yielded average values of 7.46 sec, 8.02 sec, and 8.07 sec respectively for RN2, RN3 and RN4 which are higher than the recommended value for left turning in the HCM 2000; indicating that the subject vehicle drivers were conservatives and appeared to choose a gap that were sufficiently long to avoid a collision or major conflict. However, the values of 6.33 sec and 6. 87 sec were obtained for RN1 and RN5 respectively signifying that the drivers were aggressive at the intersections. Intelligent transport systems is recommended for traffic management in the study are

Construction practitioners’ perception of key drivers of reputation in mega-construction projects

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to commence the discourse on the non-inclusiveness of the dynamics of reputation within the construction industry by identifying and examining the key product and process drivers of reputation in mega-construction projects. Design/methodology/approach: Data was collected through an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach which commences with a qualitative study and culminates with a quantitative study to identify product and process drivers of reputation in mega-construction projects. Findings: The findings suggest that “project quality”, “robust social and environmental sustainability plan”, “project team competence and interpersonal relationship” and “project process efficacy” are the four key drivers influencing the reputation of mega-construction projects. Research limitations/implications: The findings of this study are solely based on the perception of UK construction practitioners; therefore, the results may only be considered valid in this context. The identification of these key drivers provides a pathway where stakeholders, professionals and organisations can identify and prioritise critical issues associated with enhancing and sustaining the reputation of mega-construction projects. Originality/value: Findings of this research make a significant contribution to the discourse on the concept of reputation within the construction industry by identifying its specific drivers of reputation

Assessing the Methods of Valuing Contaminated Land in Rivers State, Nigeria

The practice of environmental valuation for compensation has raised serious concerns among estate surveyors and valuers (ESVs) practicing in Nigeria due to the challenges posed by the enabling laws and other factors. This study examined the methods adopted by ESVs in carrying out the valuation of land contaminated by oil spill in Rivers State. The study focused on ESVs practicing with registered firms in Rivers State. Primary data was obtained by administration of questionnaires on 120 ESVs out of which 80 questionnaires were retrieved and used for the analysis. Also, semi-structured interviews were conducted with estate surveyors and valuers identified to be experienced in the subject of study in order to obtain data on their practice and experience. The primary data was analysed using, percentages, relative importance index (RII) and principal component analysis as well as coding and narrating for the interviews. The findings indicated that the methods adopted for valuation are the income capitalization, predetermined compensation rate, sales comparison, market prices and depreciated replacement cost approach. The study therefore recommends that professional bodies should continuously train and develop ESVs in this aspect of valuation

Effects of Housing Modifications on the Management of Pigs and Growth Performance

Pig industry in Nigeria is an important arm of the livestock sub-sector in the overall agricultural sector. The comfort of Pigs is determined by effective environmental temperature. It combines the effect of air temperature, flooring, and bedding. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of different intensive housing systems on the feed consumption level, weight gain and welfare of pigs fed with the same feed (diet) under different housing systems for 8 weeks. Nine Pigs were purchased from a reputable commercial farm and were divided into 3 treatment groups, T1, T2 and T3. T1 is a well built pen with cemented wall and floor. T2 is a pen built with bamboo wall, and cemented floor. T3 is built with bamboo wall without cemented floor – bare loamy soil. The Pigs were raised for eight weeks. The feed given and weight gained for eight weeks were recorded and analysed using ANOVA. Considering the consumption levels of all treatments, T2 had the lowest feed intake compared to other treatments. T2 had the highest weight gain while T3had the lowest. It is hereby concluded that T3 presented the best result as regards feed consumption, cost of construction and ease of management. Although it presented the lowest weight gain which is attributable to the initial weight and tipping of the feed trough (feed wastage). However, feed wastage can be minimized by using firmer feed trough

Frailty and mortality among older patients in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria

Background: This study determined the frailty status and its association with mortality among older patients.Design: A prospective cohort design.Setting: Study was conducted at the medical wards of University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Participants and study tools: Four hundred and fifty older patients (>60 years) were followed up from the day of admission to death or discharge. Information obtained includes socio-demographic characteristics and clinical frailty was assessed using the Canadian Study of Health and Aging (CSHA) scale. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out using SPSS version 21 at a p <0.05.Results: Overall, frailty was identified in 285 (63.3%) respondents. Mortality was significantly higher among frail respondents (25.3%) than non-frail respondents (15.4%) p=0.028. Logistic regression analysis showed factors associated with frailty were: male sex (OR=1.946 [1.005–3.774], p=0.048), non-engagement in occupational activities(OR=2.642 [1.394–5.008], p=0.003), multiple morbidities (OR=4.411 [1.944–10.006], p<0.0001), functional disability (OR=2.114 [1.029–4.343), p=0.042], malnutrition (OR=9.258 [1.029–83.301], p=0.047) and being underweight (OR=7.462 [1.499–37.037], p=0.014).Conclusion: The prevalence of frailty among medical in-hospital older patients is very high and calls for its prompt identification and management to improve their survival.Keywords: Frailty, Mortality, Older patients, in-hospital, NigeriaFunding: The study was self-funded by the author

EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF COMPLIANCE WITH CONSTRUCTION DESIGN MANAGEMENT (CDM 2007) REGULATIONS BY CLIENTS IN NIGERIA

The study evaluated the level of compliance with Construction Design Management (CDM) regulation by Nigerian clients based on the main duties of the client as stipulated in CDM regulation specification. To achieve this goal, sixty (60) questionnaires were distributed among construction firms and clients involved in the execution of projects in Lagos State in Nigeria. The survey showed that the client`s level of compliance based on the CDM regulation on client duty’s requirement has not been encouraging. The regulation requires that enough information should be given by the client; the study found that clients did not give enough information especially on building and number of the floor to be constructed also on the units of accommodation, land survey and report on soil investigation. Most of the respondents believed that the problem associated with the level of client compliance to CDM, includes poor level of communication and inadequate time allowed by the client at every stage in the construction process. In addition, some of the amenities that exist on the construction site are toilets and changing rooms while the sickbay which is important is the least to be found in the construction sites. Also the necessary amenities and are not place in the construction sites. The level of awareness of CDM regulation among the construction workers is low but client is meant to make the information available adequately as contained in the CDM regulation. It should be noted that however, that the problems on the health and safety might have effect on performance of the construction industry in terms of cost, time and quality of the construction. It is therefore concluded that Construction Design Management (CDM) regulation is not fully known among the construction industry’s client, contractors and site workers. The study recommended that for improved services, efforts should be made by project managers to create the awareness 42 Covenant Journal of Research in the Built Environment (CJRBE) Vol. 1, No. 1 (Maiden Edition), June, 2014.while clients attend short course and seminars on CDM regulation.The consulting firms of the project manager are enjoyed to improve on the necessary amenities available on the construction site and at the same time, the construction design management regulation should be conspicuously placed so that construction workers can have access to and be fully aware of the regulations. Finally, the client should appoint a CDM co -coordinator for each project site and that there should be agencies to monitor the implementation of the CDM regulation

Development and evaluation of a drill re-grinding fixture

Generally, manual method of re-grinding drills poses the dangers of damage and accidents. This paper reports the method used in the design, fabrication and testing of the drill re-grinding fixture. The fabricated fixture can withstand maximum normal and tangential forces of 121.34 N and 87.76 N respectively. The developed fixture shows it is suitable as work holding device for re-grinding drills bits with diameter of at least 4.5 mm and above without breakage and difficulty. The average time for complete re-grinding is about six minutes (loading and unloading time inclusive) and no injuries were recorded. The grinded surfaces conform to the standard tool geometry for a twist drill. Hence, the use of this drill re-grinding fixture in the engineering workshops obviates the rigor of manual handling of drills during grinding.Keywords: design, evaluation, drill, fixture, grinding, cost