Browsing Research articles (Dept of Civil Engineering) by Title
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Now showing items 31-43 of 43
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Malumbela, G.; Sebusang, N. (Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Botswana, www.ub.bw, April NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Concrete is the widely used construction material worldwide. Therefore, for structural safety as well as to provide economic design, it is essential to understand well, its performance. Whilst in most developed countries extensive research has been done to characterise concrete, little is known about the performance of concrete in Botswana. This paper reviews previous work carried out in other countries to assess performance of their concrete. Focus is on influence of aggregate type. It is shown from the review that there is great need to study influence of aggregate on performance of concrete in Botswana, particularly comprehensive strength. A brief description of the needed research is outlined. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/889 Files in this item: 1
Malumbela_BJT_2011.pdf (934.5Kb) -
Raju, V.C.C. (University of Botswana, NaN, 1998)[more][less]
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Garg, A.K.; Van Tonder, R.; Joubert, R.J.O. (Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. http://www.inderscience.com/browse/index.php?journalID=235, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: In order to analyse the strategic issues with regard to the South African Platinum Group of Metals (PGM) industry, a risk analysis and an assessment of the competitiveness of the industry were conducted. The analysis of risk related to market conditions indicates a relatively low risk rating driven by increased demand for jewellery and autocatalysts, while the industry is exposed to moderate risk for raw materials and supporting services, which is expected to remain moderate in future. Overall, the current risk for production factors was found to be moderate and is expected to remain moderate over the medium term. The results of industry risk analysis indicate that the PGM industry is currently exposed to moderate risk. Applying Porter’s diamond model (Porter, 1990), the research found that the South Africa’s PGM industry has a very strong platform and is expected to become more competitive in future, although increased cooperation will still be evident. The competitiveness of South African producers is expected to increase over the medium term, since most of the expansion will come on stream in the near future. The paper also discusses the development potential of South Africa in line with the exploitation of PGM. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/295 Files in this item: 1
Garg_IGICBM_2007.pdf (2.472Mb) -
Kanyeto, O.J.; Fried, A.N. (Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Botswana, www.ub.bw, April NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The paper aims to compare predictions by different methods of analysis of the lateral load capacity of unreinforced masonry walls, and to determine whether a relationship can be drawn between theory and experiments. Several analysis methods were employed to predict failure loads of a number of wall panels, and the results were compared with test values. It is concluded that boundary conditions play a major role in the accuracy of analytical methods. When the boundary conditions assumed in the analysis most nearly match the real conditions of the test panels, predictions are most accurate. The authors conclude that finding a rational analysis and design procedure for laterally loaded masonry walls is possible. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/890 Files in this item: 1
Kanyeto_BJT_2011.pdf (1.581Mb) -
Stephenson, D.; Kgomotso, A.K.; Matladi, T. (University of Botswana, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Water reservoir storage requirements are a function of demand and variation in inflow. The greater the variation the greater the storage required to meet a specified draft. The selected recurrence interval of failure also affects the storage required. It is found that the variation in flow increases the lower the average flow. Arid countries such as Botswana are therefore more vulnerable to drought than low mean annual flows would indicate. Rainfall and river flow records for Botswana were analyzed to produce maps that show the coefficients of variation (COV's) over the country.Examples of the use of the charts are given.The COV of river flow is significantly higher than for rainfall. This means that it is theoritically more economic to harvest rain than to attempt to store river flow. There is also less evaporation from rain tanks owing to the smaller surface area to depth ratio. However, the scale of storage also affects economics and rain harvesting affects catchment water balance. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/625 Files in this item: 1
Stephenson_BJT_2006.pdf (1.089Mb) -
Gizejowski, M.A.; Barszcz, A.M.; Branicki, C.J.; Uzoegbo, H.C. (Elsevier http://www.linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0143974X05001057, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Three groups of methods for the inelastic analysis of steel plane frames with semi-rigid joints are considered in this paper. The first one consists of simplified second-order (or P–Δ) plastic-hinge methods for the determination of member internal forces in semi-continuous frames subjected to moderate sway deformations. For these methods, a set of notional loads to simulate second-order effects in the first-order plastic-hinge analysis is used. The second group of methods presented in the paper refers to the general second-order methods of analysis. These methods are based on the concept of a refined plastic hinge in the form of a two-surface degradation model or a spring-in-series model. Refined plastic-hinge methods allow the simulation of the combined effect of gradual joint-stiffness degradation, and distributed plasticity along the member length as well as across the member sections. Finally, the third group consists of more general advanced analysis methods. They are based on second-order refined plastic-hinge methods of analysis in which the effects of residual stresses and geometric imperfections of individual members are accounted for in the global analysis. This type of analysis has recently become more important, since modern design codes (e.g. Eurocode 3: part 1.1) now require the structural engineer to address more rigorously instability problems of real structural systems. An illustrative example is presented. Conclusions are drawn regarding methods of analysis currently used in the design of sway frames, and their future development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/417 Files in this item: 1
Gizejowski_JCSR_2006.pdf (1.547Mb) -
Matshediso, I.B. (Elsevier http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=MImg&_imagekey=B6VBM-4HMXJJS-1-1&_cdi=5930&_user=778200&_orig=search&_coverDate=09%2F30%2F2005&_sk=999699996&view=c&wchp=dGLbVlz-zSkWb&md5=2b0e6a95538c49f439dba7e43fe1ee22&ie=/sdarticle.pdf, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Botswana’s mineral policy objective is primarily to maximize the national economic benefit from the development of mineral resources. In 1999, the government replaced the old mining code of 1977, which was out of tune with prevailing economic philosophies with a new mining code. Although, the old act had its shortcomings it served the country reasonably well for 20 years, during which time the country was transformed from being one of the poorest of the world’s poor to a middle income country. One of the cornerstones of the new and old mining codes is that government does not subscribe to privately owned minerals rights. The Botswana government attempts to provide a fair balance between the various stakeholders. There are, however, areas in the mineral policy and mining codes that need to be critically reviewed as outlined in this paper. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/377 Files in this item: 1
Matshediso_RP_2005.pdf (616.8Kb) -
Ngowi, A.B. (Elsevier Ltd; http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/296/description#description, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The ensuing globalization of the construction industry as well as the highly fragmented and divisive nature of the industry are among the forces that are influencing it to seek management approaches such as strategic alliances that could leverage the capabilities of the various participants. This paper reports on a study that investigated the factors considered by firms when selecting alliance partners, and the influence of trustworthiness in deciding the governance structures of the alliances. A study of key partners in existing and potential construction alliances in Botswana that was carried out using a postal questionnaire and structured interviews determined that firms consider complementarity, similar status, indirect prior alliance experience and reputation before they make a selection of an alliance partner. The study also determined that partner trustworthiness eliminates the need of contractual clauses in the operation of the alliances. The paper concludes that trustworthiness of a partner is an influencing factor in all stages of the alliance development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/260 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Ngowi, A.B. (Elsevier Ltd; www.elsevier.com/locate/buildenv, May 4, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The ensuing globalization of the construction industry as well as the highly fragmented and divisive nature of the industry are among the forces that are influencing it to seek management approaches such as strategic alliances that could leverage the capabilities of the various participants. This paper reports on a study that investigated the factors considered by firms when selecting alliance partners, and the influence of trustworthiness in deciding the governance structures of the alliances. A study of key partners in existing and potential construction alliances in Botswana that was carried out using a postal questionnaire and structured interviews determined that firms consider complementarity, similar status, indirect prior alliance experience and reputation before they make a selection of an alliance partner. The study also determined that partner trustworthiness eliminates the need of contractual clauses in the operation of the alliances. The paper concludes that trustworthiness of a partner is an influencing factor in all stages of the alliance development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/171 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)ngowi2.pdf (118.4Kb) -
Ganesan, C.T. (University of Botswana, NaN, 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper is the outcome of students'project work guided by the author. An attempt has been made to design and develop a solar still for rose water production in India. This unit has the following features:i) possibility of tilt adjustments to suit the different altitudes of sun,ii)specially designed stepped basin for conveniently keeping the rose petals and water in an inclined position and iii)cover which can be opened to facilitate the cleaning operations.This unit supplied 3.7litres of rose water in three days during winter in Madras, in India. The sunshine and solar radiation particulars of Botswana are shown to indicate that a better climatic conditions prevail here for a higher production rate. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/640 Files in this item: 1
Ganesan_BJT_1998.pdf (345.3Kb) -
Ganesan, C.T. (University of Botswana, http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper is the outcome of students'project guided by the author. An attempt has been made to design and develop a solar still for rose production in India. This unit has the following features:i) possibility of tilt adjustments to suit different altitudes of sun,ii) specially designed steep basin for conveniently keeping the rose petals and water in an inclined position and iii)cover which can be opened to facilitate the cleaning operations. This unit supplied 3.7 litres of rose water in three days during winter in Madras, in India. The sunshine and solar radiation particulars of Botswana are shown to indicate that a better climatic conditions prevail here for a higher production rate. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/684 Files in this item: 1
Gaesan_bJT_1998.pdf (2.287Mb) -
Ntshwene, K.; Kashiwagi, J.; Kashiwagi, D. (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors http://www.rics.org fileID=4956&fileExtension=PDF, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: The Project Management Section at the University of Botswana has been undergoing a test to transform the section from an education based faculty to a research based faculty. The test was initiated by a Fulbright Scholar (FS) from the Performance Based Studies Research Group (PBSRG), bringing a new research model, a new risk management (RM)/project management (PM) model, and a concept of a research based graduate education that had been very successful at PBSRG. They proposed increasing the level of research activity of the UB PM section by merging the graduate MPM program and the industry research effort. They proposed using a research based graduate program, treating the graduate students from industry as a resource instead of a student, and their organizations as a potential testing laboratory. The mechanism to make the effort a success is the very powerful technology of the Performance Information Procurement System (PIPS) and the deductive logic of the Information Measurement Theory (IMT). This paper captures the case study results and future potential of the concept, highlighting the operational model to sustain the research platform in an underdeveloped country in a resource starved environment. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/477 Files in this item: 1
Ntshwene.RICSCOBRA_2009.pdf (1.199Mb) -
Rwelamila, P. D.; Talukhaba, A .A.; Ngowi, A.B. (Emerald http://www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 1999)[more][less]
Abstract: The lack of 'ubuntu'(African group solidarity) between project stakeholders in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) public building sector has been surrounded by controversy and strongly held opinions. The work reported in this paper attempts to indicate some salient issues affecting the relationshps between project stakeholders. The Botswana public building sector is used as a main case study and follwo-up studies are carried out involving another eight SADC countries. The paper addresses two propositions.First, that the lack of 'ubuntu' between project stakeholders is primarily due to an inappropriate project organizational structure.Second, that a default traditional construction procurement system (TCPS) provides a poor relationship management system. Information is obtained on the research areas through questionnaires to confirm executives, contract managers, site managers, trade foremen and skilled tradeperson on the dominant procurement system used in Botswana. Furthermore, senior technical officers of Public Works Ministries of another eight SADC countries are interviewed as a follow-up to the Botswana study. The primary conclusion to be drawn is that the building procurement system purported to be in use in the SADC public building sector differs significantly from that recommended in the theory, resulting in poor relationships between project stakeholders. This is primarily due to the use of inappropriate building procurement systems. In general, the TCPS in the SADC public buiding sector is used as a 'default system.' This has led to a situation where project management is a 'firefighting' activity, where group solidarity between project stakeholders is out of reach. Salient steps are proposed with proviso that the SADC public building sector should establish appropriate methods of selecting building procurement systems as a prerequisite in formulating appropriate project organizational structures which will bring the spirit of real co-operation between project stakeholders towards project success. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/612 Files in this item: 1
Rwelamila_ECAM_1999.pdf (1.580Mb)
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Now showing items 31-43 of 43