Using Approximate Method for the Construction of Mosque Domes

Domes remain a unique structure in building construction as a result of stylistic forms and composition in the field of architecture. They are important elements that adequately define the Islamic architecture. The construction of domes which is a doubly curved surface and formed by rectilinear structures always resulted in difficulties to get the curvilinear shape correctly. The study therefore made the use of an approximate method to develop the dome using materials that are provided in the locality. The knowledge of descriptive geometry in surface development was adopted to obtain approximation cone components that produce the hemispherical dome. The components were properly installed and supported by centering which composed eight equally spaced timber frameworks that were supported by planks. Lack of appropriate modern technological advancement should not be factor militating against production of perfect forms, thus appropriate technical drawing basic skills should be acquired by the builders to take the construction of dome from a poor to a good system of accurate centering with good quality control

Effect of Processing Parameters on Solvent Oil Expression from Loofah Seeds (Luffa cylindrica L.) using Response Surface Methodology

Luffah cylindrica plant grows in the wild, around uncompleted buildings and fenced walls. The percentage oil composition of its seeds is about 30% oil. The research focused was the extraction oil from loofah seed using a solvent extraction methodology. Optimum conditions for oil extraction were determined using Response Surface Methodology of Central Composite Rotatable Design. A total of 20 experimental runs were used to investigate the optimum condition considering three independent variables at five levels each: extraction temperature (55, 60, 65, 60, 75ºC), seed/solvent ratio (0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08 g/ml) and extraction time (4, 5, 6, 7, 8 hr.). An empirical model equation that could be used to forecast oil yield as a function of the independent variables was developed. The optimum oil yield obtained was 27.43% at the extraction temperature (74.05ºC), seed/solvent ratio (0.05 g/ml) and extraction time (5.35hr). The analysis of variance showed that extraction temperature and time had significant effect on oil yield (p = 0.05). The interaction of the independent variables with oil yield gave R2 and R2 adj. values of 0.98 and 0.93, respectively. The result showed that the selected independent variables had a significant effect on oil yield, thus an optimum condition was established

PROCESS OPTIMIZATION OF OIL EXPRESSION FROM WATERMELON (CITRULLUS LANATUS) SEEDS

Watermelon fruit contains large quantities of seeds and these seeds are under-utilized. It contains reasonable amount of oil (22%) which if expressed will serve as vegetable oil for human consumption or biodiesel for powering agricultural machines and boost the income of the farmers. The main objective of this research work is to study the interaction effect of operating parameters on the mechanical oil expression from the seed. The variables considered include applied pressure (85.00, 90.00, 95.00, 100.00 and 105.00 kN/mm2), roasting temperature (70.00, 80.00, 90.00, 100 and 110 °C) and moisture content (6.00, 8.00, 10.00, 12.00 and 14.00 %). A total sum of 20 batch experiments were carried out and the maximum oil yield was 13.49% (at corresponding moisture content of 6.00%, roasting temperature of 85.00oC and applied pressure of 105.00 kN/mm2 respectively) and minimum oil yield obtained was 9.41%.(at corresponding moisture content of 14.00%, roasting temperature 80 °C and applied pressure of 85.00 kN/mm2 respectively). While the optimum oil yield of 12.42% was obtained from the expression at corresponding moisture content of 6.00%, roasting temperature of 80.00ºC, and applied pressure of 105.00 kN/mm2. The result showed that the three independent variables had significant effect on oil yield and regression model equation was developed to predict the oil yield from watermelon seeds at known variables

Inhibition effect of cow bone soot on low carbon steel corrosion in artificial concrete pore environment

The corrosion inhibition of cow bone soot (BAS) at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% weight on low carbon steel (LCS) in artificial concrete pore solution was evaluated with potentiodynamic polarization and current-time displacement. BAS visibly decreased the corrosion rate of LCS from 7.31 x 102 mm/y at 0% BAS to 1.45 x 102 mm/y at 20% BAS concentration. Maximum inhibition performance of 80.18% was obtained at 20% BAS concentration. The inhibition mechanism of BAS was determined to be anodic type. Cathodic reduction of the polarization plot was significant due to decrease in O2 adsorption. Plot of current versus time shows BAS reduces the thermodynamic tendency of LCS to corr

Assessment of the Rheological properties of Aluminum dross in self-compacting concrete

This research assessed the rheological properties of aluminium dross in self-compacting concrete. Aluminium dross, solid waste from the aluminium processing industry, was used as a partial replacement for cement in the development of eco-friendly concrete. This was done in a bid to reduce the cost of management of this waste in track with the ‘waste to wealth’ initiative. In this article, aluminium dross was used as a partial replacement for cement at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20% content. The rheological test (workability) was carried out according to European Federation for Specialist Construction Chemicals and Concrete Systems (EFNARC) specifications. To this end the slump test, L-box, V-funnel and J-ring test was carried out at the replacement. The slump flow result indicated satisfactory result up to 20% addition, which indicates the good flowability characteristics of the concrete. The result of the research showed that aluminium dross, to a large extent, influenced the workability of the concrete produced. At 10% addition of this solid waste, the rheology was unsatisfactory from L-Box and V-funnel test result. The outcome of this research will guide researchers, engineers, and concrete users on the proper timing for mixing the special eco-friendly self-compacting concrete in the construction industry

Data analysis of the corrosion protection behavior of ginger, tea tree and grapefruit essential oil extracts on low carbon steel in H2SO4 solution

Application of corrosion inhibitors are the most versatile corrosion prevention methods of carbon steels in corrosive environments. Research on non-toxic chemical compounds are ongoing and results from pre-vious study have proven the effectiveness of the compounds. Data on corrosion inhibition of ginger (GG), tea tree (TR) and grapefruit (GF) oil extracts on low carbon steel in 0.5 M H2SO4 are presented. The extracts performed effectively with optimal values of 99.56 %, 98.17 % and 98.32 % at 2.5 % GG, 3.5 % TR and 3 % GF concentrations. Corresponding corrosion rate values are 0.28 mm/y, 1.16 mm/y and 1.49 mm/y. Corrosion rate at 0 % extract concentration is 63.33 mm/y. Performance of TR extract significantly varies with time and concentration with statistical value of 48.21 % and 23.02 %. GG and GF concentration where the only statistically relevant factors for GG and GF performance with statistical values of 68.42 % and 73.20 %. Standard deviation data for GG extracts varied minimally from mean values compared to TR and GF extracts. Results shows 92 %, 18 % and 63 % of GG, TR and GF extracts inhibition data are above 95 % inhibition value at margin of error of 6.99 %, 10 % and 12.19 %

PROJECTION OF CRITERIA AIR POLLUTANTS EMISSION FROM ON-ROAD VEHICLES IN THE MEGACITY OF LAGOS, NIGERIA

The increase in the mode of transportation has become a serious environmental threat that has resulted in the emission of criteria air pollutants (CAPs) into the atmosphere. These CAPs are sulphur oxides (SOx), particulate matter (PM), lead (Pb), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). This study examined the emission of CAPs from road traffic use in Lagos State. Data for the inventories of the production of these five sources were taken from 1997–2011 and were used to forecast CAPs emissions from 2012–2030. The petroleum products consumption data were sourced from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Five categories of CAPs were studied and their corresponding emissions from 1997–2011 were computed as follows: SOx: 209–15,358t, NOx: 2,038–25,692t, CO: 24,996–186,202t, PM: 155–995t, Pb: 0.8 4.5t. Projection and forecasting of CAPs emissions from 2012 to 2030 were carried out using the Box Jenkins ARIMA method. There were close similarities between the observed and forecast values. The predicted CAPs emissions between 2012 to 2030 will be 309t for SOx, 22,600 – 41,300t for NOx, 100,000 – 300,000t for CO, 414t for PM, and 0.7t for Pb. The study concluded that there is tendency for these CAPs emissions to increase if the authorities and stakeholders do nothing. Several mitigation measures aimed towards reducing future CAPs emissions in Lagos State were recommended for the various sources

Comparison of the Inhibition Effect of Cedrus Atlantica and Azadirachta Indica on Low Carbon Steel Corrosion: Data and Statistical Analysis

Comparative study of the corrosion inhibition effect of specific concentrations of cedrus atlantica (CA) and azadirachta indica (AI) oil distillates was performed on low carbon steel in 3M of C6H7O8 by coupon analysis. Data obtained showed both distillates performed adequately at all concentrations assessed with principal inhibition value of 94.31% and 99.59%. The performance of CA oil distillate was concentration dependent compared to AI distillate which showed limited variation with respect to concentration. Statistical computation by analysis of variance shows inspection time and inhibitor concentration influences the inhibition performance of both compounds. The margin of error values shows the performance values of both compounds above 70% inhibition efficiency is 100% (+0%). Results from standard deviation shows the inhibition efficiency data varied positively with respect inspection time

Recycled Aggregate in Pavement Construction: Review of Literatures

The built environment consumes a lot of energy and material. A huge demand of about 40 billion tonnes of aggregates is demanded for construction purpose. The cost of material accounts for more than 60% of the total project cost. However, 10% of construction material end up as demolition wastes yearly. Aggregate is a beneficial building component in construction. There is much need to develop ways to ensure it is utilized properly as construction and demolition waste contribute a large percent to landfills. This review of literature examined the generation of construction and demolition waste generated in developed countries, waste characterization, and utilization in pavement construction. Additionally, environmental, economic and social benefits of the reuse of this waste was espoused. The result of the review revealed that The initial construction material quality, scale of the project, contract and construction mode used affect the amount and quality of CDW. CDW are bulky and not suitable for composting and incineration. Ultimately, the utilization of this waste would reduce the amount of raw material used in construction leading to conservation. Also, there would be reduction in the energy cost associated with mining (quarrying), extraction and transportation of natural aggregates in track with the conservation of natural resources and the construction of cost-effective pavements

Lateritic Soil Improvement Using Lime and MOFIC

This study investigates the efects of mucilage from Opuntia fcus-indica cladode (MOFIC), a bio-modifer, on Lime stabilized Lateritic soil's durability and index features. Specifcally, this research assessed the alterations to the Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, California bearing ratio (CBR), index values and the unconfned compressive strength (UCS) properties of the soil samples and the stabilised samples through laboratory experiments. Lime+MOFIC was added to the soil at 0%, 2%, 4%, 8%, 12% and 16% wt (%) of soil. The result confrms alteration in the index and strength characteristics of the soil upon the addition of MOFIC to the Lime-treated Lateritic soil. The geotechnical characteristics of the soil improved from a subgrade soil to a subbase material upon the addition of 2% of LIME+MOFIC; with the presence of Lime+MOFIC at 2–4%, the bearing capacity of the soil improved from a subgrade material to a subbase material according to the Nigerian General Specifcation. The highest CBR value in Lime-stabilised was 56%, while the CBR value of Lime+MOFIC-stabilised soil was 70%. This represents a 20% increment in CBR. The presence of polysaccharides in MOFIC enhanced the soil binding attributes of the Lime and hence accelerated the strength properties of the soil. The promotion of green construction and reduction in environmental impacts of using Lime motivates the use of MOFIC in the study. Based on the result of the experimental research, MOFIC is thereby recommended as an eco-friendly alternative for enhancing engineering properties of pavements interlayers. The addition of MOFIC improved the index and strength properties of pavement interlayer material in road construction