Civil and Structural Engineering
http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/266
2024-03-29T12:18:16ZEvaluation of Factors Affecting Road Maintenance in Kenyan Counties Using the Ordinal Priority Approach
http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2007
Evaluation of Factors Affecting Road Maintenance in Kenyan Counties Using the Ordinal Priority Approach
Kiptum, Clement Kiprotich; et al.
Improving Kenya’s complete road network has been used to alleviate poverty and achieve the Vision 2030 goals. Roads enhance all
areas of social development, including demand for and access to information, health, and education, in addition to poverty alleviation. However,
themajority ofKenyan highways are plagued by a variety ofmaintenance concerns. This study aims to rank counties according to critical severity
based on factors affecting road maintenance using an ordinal priority approach. Five challenges that could have an impact on road maintenance
were looked at fromthe views of three decision-makers. The results of the study show that road materials are the least challenging aspect affecting
road maintenance performance, while procurement practices are the most problematic. The studies also revealed that Nairobi County is most
affected by these factors, whereas Nakuru County is least affected. In light of the findings, recommendations were made to assist both the
government and the road sectors in dealing with these difficulties.
2022-08-01T00:00:00ZAn Excel Application for Analysis and Design of RC Low-Rise Structural Elements using British Standards and European Codes
http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1904
An Excel Application for Analysis and Design of RC Low-Rise Structural Elements using British Standards and European Codes
Kisasati, Kisasati Wekesa Jacob; et. al...
There is an increasing demand for tools that can simplify the design process and improve the
accuracy and efficiency of the design calculations in structural engineering. This paper presents an Excel
application for the design and analysis of reinforced concrete low-rise structures using British standards and
European codes. The application aims to assist structural engineers in the design process as it provides a set of
pre-programmed calculations for the analysis of slabs, beams, columns, footings and stairs. The application
incorporates the relevant design equations and guidelines from both standards and allows the user to input the
required parameters and generate concise design outputs such as load capacity, stress analysis results and design
recommendations. In developing the application, a combination of VBA programming and yield line method
was used. The application has been tested using different design scenarios and the output compared to manual
calculations. The application offers significant time savings, increased accuracy, and improved efficiency over
manual methods
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZSYNTHESIS: SMART RAINWATER HARVESTING, STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION TO ENHANCE WATER SECURITY
http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1901
SYNTHESIS: SMART RAINWATER HARVESTING, STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION TO ENHANCE WATER SECURITY
Okemwa, Sam; et. al...
This paper presents a novel approach to establish water security through autonomous rainwater
harvesting, storage, and distribution mechanisms. The primary focus of the research is on developing a reliable and
cost-effective method for harvesting, storing, and distributing rainwater in an autonomous manner, whereby the
system is self-regulating in terms of harvesting, storing, and distributing water in response to localized and
customized needs or conditions, more especially to communities that are struggling to meet their minimal water
demands. The paper aims to develop an integrated and automated system that is capable of collecting, storing, and
distributing rainwater in a sustainable manner, with the goal of increasing water security in areas with limited or
unreliable water supply as exhibited in arid and semi-arid lands or places with poor water infrastructure conditions.
The research will initially explore existing rainwater harvesting systems, including both conventional and innovative
designs, in order to identify the most effective methods for harvesting rainwater. This will include looking at
appropriate storage, filtration and distribution systems, as well as considering the economic, environmental, and
social impacts of these systems, identifying the benefits and drawbacks of their system design deployment. Following
this, the research will focus on developing an autonomous rainwater harvesting system that is capable of responding
to economic, environmental and social factors in an efficient and cost-effective manner. This will involve the
development of an integrated and automated system for collecting, storing and distributing rainwater, with an
emphasis on sustainability and water security. The research will consider issues such as water scarcity, resource
management, and environmental protection in order to ensure that the autonomous rainwater harvesting system is
designed with these considerations in mind. Additionally, it will analyze the cost-effectiveness of the proposed system,
and explore potential areas of application for the system. Finally, the paper will provide an assessment of the overall
impact of the autonomous rainwater harvesting system on water security and consider the potential for further
development and improvement of the system if sustainable.
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZA Comprehensive Study on Pavement and Geometric Design of Dispensary-Kerio-Gate B (University of Eldoret, Kenya) Road and Upande- Kimumu-Peris Road
http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1900
A Comprehensive Study on Pavement and Geometric Design of Dispensary-Kerio-Gate B (University of Eldoret, Kenya) Road and Upande- Kimumu-Peris Road
Wangai, Benson Kamau Ndung’u; et. al...
This study examines the pavement and geometric design of the Dispensary-Kerio-Gate B (University of Eldoret, Kenya) Road
and the Upande-Kimumu-Peris Road. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the current pavement conditions and geometric design
of the road links, identify the existing problems, and recommend suitable solutions by developing an economical and practicable design
that satisfies the standards. The study included field investigations, topographic data collection, traffic count, pavement design,
geometric design, materials computation and analysis. The results demonstrated that the pavement conditions and geometric designs
of the two-road links were deficient, resulting in frequent accidents, traffic congestion, and vehicle damage. The study recommended a
number of measures to enhance the pavement and geometric designs of the roads, such as upgrading to bitumen standards, widening
the roads, enhancing drainage systems, and adopting suitable design standards. The study's findings will assist road designers,
engineers, and policymakers in enhancing road conditions and safety, as well as the overall transportation system
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZAn Integrated Decision Support Model for effective Institutional Coordination Framework in Public Transportation Planning
http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1834
An Integrated Decision Support Model for effective Institutional Coordination Framework in Public Transportation Planning
Ndiema, Kevin Maraka; et al.
The lack of coordination among global institutions responsible for planning public
transportation is a persistent issue. To tackle this issue, three strategies aimed at promoting
sustainability have been proposed. However, there is a significant deficiency in preferentially
prioritizing them, which poses a significant issue for local governments. In this study, a twostage
model is established by combining the Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis and
the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution methods into a unique
interval-valued spherical fuzzy framework. This allows for determining the criteria weights and
ranking the strategies. The results of our investigation show that effective institutional
coordination in public transportation planning can be achieved through the implementation of
good governance principles. By doing so, Nairobi's local government can tackle the unexpected
division of public transportation agreements among different institutions and guide the various
sectors in executing their transportation plans while still adhering to the established policy
objectives
2023-02-01T00:00:00ZCALIBRATION AND VALIDATION OF SWMM MODEL IN A SUB CATCHMENT IN ELDORET TOWN, KENYA
http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1426
CALIBRATION AND VALIDATION OF SWMM MODEL IN A SUB CATCHMENT IN ELDORET TOWN, KENYA
Rotich, Abraham Mettoa; Kiptum, Clement Kiproticha; Chessum, Emmanuel
Flooding in Eldoret town has been occurring during heavy downpours resulting in loss of property, live and interruption of transportation systems. This study aimed at determining the catchment characteristics in Eldoret town for the calibration and validation of SWMM5 model. This model was developed by US Environmental Protection Agency. The model has been evolving from Version 1 in 1971 to Version 5 of 2005 called SWMM5. It can simulate runoff quantity in any given catchment. Rainfall was measured using rain gauge while discharge was measured using current meter. Digital Elevation Model of the study area was also obtained. The results showed that the catchment drained an area of approximately 696.5 hectares with a total of 23 sub catchments. The average slope was found to be 2.57% and the mean average imperviousness was 25.72%. The drain base flow was found to be 0.002 m3/s. However, during prolonged rainfall, the discharge increased up to 32.4 m3/s. The maximum rainfall observed during the study period was 32.4 mm which resulted in the maximum average discharge of 0.131m3/s and resulted in overflow in the drain. Calibrated model had N-Imperv of 0.45, Dstore-Imperv of 2.5 and Dstore-Perv of 8. ISE values of 1.9 and 1.4 were observed for calibration and validation, respectively. NSE values of 0.97 and 0.99 were observed for calibration and validation, respectively. This meant that model excellently simulated rainfall-discharge relationship in the study area and can be used for final design by the Eldoret town engineers. Future study is required to calibrate the model based on more measurements of rainfall and their discharges in the catchment.
2020-04-01T00:00:00ZChallenges Facing Graduate Structural Engineers in the Building Construction Industry in Kenya
http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/971
Challenges Facing Graduate Structural Engineers in the Building Construction Industry in Kenya
Bett, Barnabas; Simiyu, John; Dimo, Herbert
Despite a number of challenges, training institution Kenya has produced structural engineers in the
building and construction field. As a result, there have been problems facing these apprentices that
have led to questions concerning their competencies in the Kenyan building and construction
industry. Mitigating such foreseeable problems, require proper policy planning, which can only be
enacted after findings of facts have been adduced. The purpose of this study was therefore to
determine the challenges facing university trained structural engineers in the construction industry
in Kenya. The research design in the study was cross-sectional survey research design. Purposive
sampling was employed in collecting the data. The study population comprised practicing structural
engineers trained at the universities offering building construction, civil engineering and structural
engineering. Questionnaires were used to collected data from the sampled respondents in the
building industry. Proportional analysis techniques and statistical chi-square test was used to
analyze the data. Information on problems facing the engineers and perception of the engineering
graduates concerning university training were collected from 89 Kenyan university trained
practicing Structural engineers. The data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for
Social Science (SPSS 23.0) presented inform of descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations frequency distribution, cross-tabulation and Chi-square (2
) tests. The results obtained revealed
that, graduates had problems related to initial choice of the course, for which they did not have
interest in and hence poor content coverage. These results demonstrate the need for
establishment of a clear policy aimed at regulating the learning resources for structural engineers
at the universities appropriately. Moreover, there is need for standard resources for the teaching of
the programme and the need for higher educational funding scheme for research in the
universities.
2019-01-01T00:00:00ZDesign and Fabrication of a Pedal Powered Paddy Rice Thresher International
http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/563
Design and Fabrication of a Pedal Powered Paddy Rice Thresher International
Mutai, Emmanuel; Ochieng, Macmillan; Swaleh, Mohammed
The main objective of this study was to design and fabricate a hand operated pedal powered thresher for threshing, separating, and cleaning rice paddies. The major components of the machine include threshing, separation and cleaning units. Threshing operation is achieved by rotational motion of a cylinder fitted with beater spikes above a stationary grid which results in the removal of the paddies from the bulk straws. After being beaten out, the grains fall into the cleaning unit which consists of a sieve that undergoes a reciprocating motion. The machine is simple, less bulky and the ergonomic considerations in the design allows for comfortable use and can easily be operated by either male or female. The designed and fabricated pedal powered paddy thresher fitted with winnowing equipment substantially reduces human drudgery in threshing at an affordable cost and also reduces the time used for threshing operation on small farms. Threshing was efficient for moisture content between 20% and 23%. Total power required by the machine was 84 watts operating at 400 rpm. This power is produced through human operated pedal mechanism. Performance test revealed that the efficiency of the machine was 92% with a through put of 90 kg per hour.
2018-01-01T00:00:00ZAnalysis of Energy Storage and Return foot stiffness by Coupling Musculoskeletal and Finite Element Simulation
http://41.89.164.27:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/562
Analysis of Energy Storage and Return foot stiffness by Coupling Musculoskeletal and Finite Element Simulation
Ng'etich, Gilbert
Transtibial amputees currently have numerous prostheses in the market which are aimed at improving the control, cosmetics and comfort. Each of the three categories of prosthetic feet namely; conventional, energy storage and return, and bionic feet have different characteristics. Current studies reveal that energy storage and return feet offer better performance as compared with conventional prostheses. In this study, evolution of the prosthesis and the significance of mimicking human ankle-foot biomechanics is highlighted. Lower limb amputations occur due to Peripheral Vascular Disease, Diabetes, War and accidents .It is associated with mortality, morbidity, and disability. Transtibial amputees exhibit loss of plantar flexor musculature [1, 7] resulting in greater intact leg stance times [12]and asymmetrical gait comorbidity in their residual and intact legs [2, 7].Below-knee amputees lose the functional use of the ankle muscles, which are critical during walking to provide body support, forward propulsion, leg-swing initiation and mediolateral balance [3, 7]. During early and pre-swing, amputees exhibit increased hamstring and rectus femoris activity on residual leg [12].Prosthetic foot do not allow sufficient dorsiflexion even on levelterrain and possess inertia asymmetry. Further improvements ought to be incorporated to adjust the degree of dorsiflexion [4], absorb shock on impact [10], and improve inertia gait. Unilateral, transtibial amputees’ clinical efficacy is dependent on appropriate prosthetic foot stiffness [6].Proper prosthetic foot selection with appropriate design characteristics is critical for successful amputee rehabilitation. Use of laminated composites in the manufacture of prostheses is vital due to their high stiffness and low density.Many researchers have reported that unilateral below-knee amputees (BKA) walk asymmetrically and differently from able-bodied people [1-10, 17].Researchers have given varied reasons. It is generally believed that socket fit, prostheticalignment, and prosthetic components (including prosthetic parts' weight and design) can all influence the gait of amputees [2-7,12,18-19].Others argue that due to loss of plantar flexor muscles, there would be greater intact leg stance times and asymmetrical gait comorbidity in their residual and intact legs. Moreover, degenerative changes in the lumbar spine and knees would occur due to the asymmetrical walking that overloads the musculoskeletal system [7, 12].This research will come up with an analysis of the energy storage and return foot coupling musculoskeletal and finite element analysis with aim of improving amputee gait. The analysis of the foot is performed using the boundary conditions of ISO-10328 and ISO-22675.The prosthetic foot serves to substitute the loss of tendons and muscles of the intact foot due to amputation. Further series of computer simulation of ESAR foot is performed using Altair Hyper works 14.0 to investigate the effect of stiffness on the tibia section of foot, muscleactivity, residual and intact ground reaction forces with aim of coming up with an optimal design.The results of this study would add to the core knowledge regarding prosthetic feet features and their effects on gait, making them directly relevant to prosthesis design and prescription.
2018-01-01T00:00:00Z