Construction Technologies and Architecture Vol. 22

Abstract: In the quest for a sustainable engineering society, agricultural residues such as sorghum bagasse offer promising potential as eco-friendly reinforcements. This study explores the physicochemical and thermal properties of sorghum bagasse fibers for reinforcing Plaster of Paris (POP). The fiber demonstrated a tensile strength of 2.383 MPa, with an elongation at break of 1.319% and a strain at break of 1%, suggesting a moderate ability to withstand tensile forces. FTIR analysis confirmed major lignocellulosic functional groups (O–H, C–H, C–O), while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed a three-stage decomposition with major weight loss (approx. 69.5%) occurring between 287.6°C to 447.3°C, and a final char residue of 12.96%. SEM micrographs revealed a rough, fibrous morphology, and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) showed a composition rich in Carbon (52.03 wt.%) and Oxygen (39.92 wt.%), with Sodium (0.71 wt.%) retained post-treatment. These results suggest sorghum bagasse fiber is a viable, low-cost, and sustainable reinforcement for POP composites in non-structural construction applications.

Abstract: Concrete is a primary construction material consisting of aggregate, cement, and water. The significant demand for conventional materials is a major factor influencing housing delivery in Nigeria. This has driven research into the utilization of alternative construction materials. Coarse aggregate is a key component in the production of concrete used for various construction projects, including infrastructure development, residential buildings, and both low-and high-rise structures. This study focuses on utilizing coconut shells as coarse aggregate in concrete by replacing conventional coarse aggregate with coconut shells at varying proportions of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% by weight. A mix ratio of 1:2:4 was adopted, and a total of 72 concrete cubes of standard size were prepared.

Abstract: Water is a necessary element that is useful for survival of human being, animal and plants. Water exists as streams, rivers, lakes and oceans. Naturally, it is observed that overtime the volume of water that exists in the natural reservoirs of streams and rivers reduces due to inflow of sands, stone, debris and other sediments in the water. This sediment yield and concentration if not properly managed reduces water volume thereby causing scarcity. Modeling the sediment yield, sediment concentration in River Idemili in Anambra State is necessary to determine the rate and quantity of sediment inflow into the river so as to proffer solution on how to reduce the sediment inflow and solve water scarcity. The tools used for the modeling are GIS, Land use, soil maps and climate data such as temperature, humidity, rainfall data etc. The data were imputed into the MAPWINDOW GIS to analyze and predict sediment yield and concentration in River Idemili from the period of 1999 to 2021. Results from the analysis reveals that there are nine sub-basin in the catchment area. River Idemili falls within sub-basin 5 and 6. Result shows that maximum yield in the sub-basin are 23.3686t/ha and the maximum sediment concentration in the Idemili River stand at 38.709mg/c. Controling the sediment yield and concentration, the indiscriminant falling of trees, aggressive removing of vegetative cover should be reduced so that soil surface are not exposed to erosion that will carry the loose soil, silt and plant remains into the River Idemili.

Abstract: Black cotton soil (BCS) which is an example of expansive soil has present substantial obstacles to engineering projects. The seasonal volumetric changes in this black cotton soil led to swelling and shrinkage, thereby compromising its geotechnical properties and making it unsuitable for engineering project. In this study, black cotton sol was stabilized using various ratios of xl-Terrasoil and xl-Bond to enhance the soil's properties.. Xl-Terrasoil and xl-Bond are chemical product with stabilizing properties and commercially available. Samples of BCS were examined by varying percentages of xl-Terrasoil and xl-Bond to 1, 1.5 2, 5, 6 and 7%, of xl-Terrasoil with 2, 3, 4,10, 12 and 14% of xl-Bond. A variety of geotechnical tests, including the Atterberg limit, compaction, and California bearing ratio tests, were performed to evaluate the enhancement of soil characteristics. The results from the Atterberg limit test indicated a decrease in the liquid limit (LL) and an increase in the plastic limit (PL) when compared to the high values recorded in the control sample. The mix ratio of 7% xl-Terrasoil and 14% xl-Bond produced the highest maximum dry density (MDD) alongside the lowest optimum moisture content (OMC). For the California bearing ratio (CBR), the highest value was observed in the combination of 7% xl-Terrasoil and 14% xl-Bond, which demonstrated a more effective stabilizer mixture in this analysis. Conclusively, the properties of BCS have improved with certain proportions of these admixtures thereby making the soil more stable. Further investigation on the long term of these admixtures on environmental conditions is suggested.

Abstract: The usage of laterite is highly in the demand in all aspect of project. Assessing the index properties of lateritic soil from quarries in Kuje Area Council of FCT which can be used for construction needs. The characteristics of the laterite such as In-situ quality of laterite, color, Physical appearance, structure, and strength were examined by assessment. Quarried lateritic gravel from different quarry depths was enumerated for some index characteristics. Mechanical assessment of laterite from the location was performed to determine the amounts of the various characteristics, textures, and structures that were analysed by taking samples. The general characteristic including mechanical properties of laterite were however seen to be dependent on the soil in-situ profile characteristics, color, and general properties. The characteristics of laterite discovered to different totally concerning the area and depth of the quarry. There was an inquisition to understand the connection in between physical characteristics, and the general strength of the laterite. The results of the analyses are Atterberg Limit with Liquid limit 58% & 68% Plastic limits with 32% & 46% and plasticity index with 26% & 22%, other test are sieve analysis, with AASHTO A-7-5(5) & A-7-5(2) and Compaction test with O.M.C of 20.4% & 24.6%, M.D.D with 1.630 & 1.560, Soil specific gravity test with average 2.71 while permeability test has average 2.71 permeability. It is discovered that the samples needed to be stabilize so as to have strength to withstand imposed pressure or load after stabilization.

Abstract: The private construction sector in Abuja, Nigeria, despite contributing 4.7% to the national GDP, faces significant challenges in procurement and contract management that compromise project outcomes. This study examines the effectiveness of procurement methods and contract management strategies in Abuja's private construction projects, with particular focus on identifying operational challenges and improvement opportunities. Through a mixed-methods approach encompassing 133 industry professionals—including project managers, procurement officers, and contract managers—the research revealed several key findings. Design and Build procurement methods demonstrated superior effectiveness (3.94/5) in timeline reduction and cost predictability compared to traditional methods (3.56/5). However, traditional approaches still dominate, with 65% of projects, thereby contributing to significant inefficiencies, for example, having average delays of 150 days and 30% budget overruns. Risk management emerged as the primary challenge (impact score: 3.88), particularly in contractor selection and procurement planning. Contract-related disputes affect 40% of projects, stemming from inadequate enforcement mechanisms and imprecise agreement terms. Digital procurement systems show promising results, with implementing firms reporting 25% fewer contract disputes and 32% better documentation compliance, though adoption remains low at 35%. The study's findings indicate that integrating digital solutions, strengthening risk management protocols, and enhancing professional training could substantially improve project outcomes. Implementation of these recommendations could potentially reduce project costs by 25% and accelerate completion times by 30%. This research advances procurement theory within the context of Abuja's private construction sector while providing practical frameworks for aligning local construction practices with international standards.

Abstract: The persistent rise in inflation rates in Nigeria has introduced significant challenges for the construction industry, particularly in the housing sector. This study investigates the impact of inflation on the quality of housing estate construction projects in Abuja, with a focus on material quality, workmanship, project timelines, and overall construction outcomes. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative analysis of inflation trends and construction costs using correlation and regression analysis, with qualitative insights from industry stakeholders. Findings reveal a direct correlation between inflation rates and compromises in material quality and workmanship, as well as delays in project completion. The study further identifies adaptive strategies employed by construction firms to mitigate inflationary pressures. These findings contribute to understanding the multifaceted impacts of inflation and offer actionable recommendations for maintaining quality and sustainability in housing estate construction.

Abstract: The increasing complexity of building projects necessitates the integration of advanced planning and control mechanisms to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and safety throughout the construction and operational lifecycle. This paper explores the application of modern control and planning techniques—such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Energy Management Systems (EMS), and Smart Building Automation Systems (BAS)—across key domains, including energy optimization, lighting and occupancy control, and security and access management. The study highlights how predictive algorithms, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and artificial intelligence contribute to the development of intelligent building systems, or smart buildings, which adapt dynamically to environmental and user needs. Challenges such as financial constraints, technical integration issues, and workforce skill gaps are analyzed alongside emerging trends like autonomous construction, cloud-based planning, and integration with smart city infrastructure. The findings highlight the crucial role of integrated control and planning strategies in creating high-performance, cost-effective, and future-ready building environments.

Abstract: This study presents a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of formwork systems commonly used in the Nigerian construction industry. The research evaluated the economic viability and overall impact of traditional timber and prefabricated steel formwork systems in Nigeria construction projects. The study employs a quantitative method through data collection from questionnaires and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) analysis. The findings indicated that fabricated steel formwork is durable, cost-effective, and promotes environmental sustainability compared to traditional timber formwork. The initial cost of timber formwork was found to be 19.76% cheaper than the fabricated steel formwork. However, the LCC analysis suggests that the cost of timber formwork is 5% higher than that of fabricated steel formwork. Therefore, this research provides actionable recommendations for construction stakeholders to optimize formwork selection, enhance economic efficiency, and promote sustainable construction practices in Nigeria’s construction industry.