Browsing Research articles (Dept of Civil Engineering) by Issue Date
Now showing items 1-20 of 43
Next Page-
Ngowi, A.B. (Elsevier, NaN, 1997)[more][less]
Abstract: The traditional developed earth as one of the most important construction materials by taking cognizance of the strength requirements, durability of resulting structures and the environmental concern in processing and using the material. Overthe years, however, modern earth construction has replaced the traditional methods. Unfortunately,these methods are also accompanied by high energy consumption and environmental degradation.This paper examines the methods of improving earth construction in two major villages in Botswana.Tests with different stabilizers showed that only certain proportions were effective and it was concluded that the traditional earth construction may be improved by using certain ratios of cement and lime as stabilizers. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/606 Files in this item: 1
Ngowi_CBM_1997.pdf (968.2Kb) -
Ngowi, A.B. (Taylor and Francis, http://www.pdfserve.informaworld.com/940578_73138570, NaN, 1997)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper examines the strategy of employing a hybrid combination of indigenous and modern housing construction technologies. Using a Botswana village as a case study, this paper examines four traditional house types in relation to the household income, skills, materials and aspects which could be improved by adapting industrialized methods. Using experimental houses, the case study provides the costs, benefits, potential problems and implementation considerations. The paper discusses the weaknesses and virtues of traditional construction technologies, how appropriate aspects from modern technologies can be incorporated or adapted into traditional methods and the implications for developing appropriate, affordable housing technologies URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/370 Files in this item: 1
Ngowi_1997_BRI.pdf (800.7Kb) -
Ngowi, A.B. (MCB University Press; Emerald Group Publishing Ltd; http://www.emeraldinsight.com/, NaN, 1997)[more][less]
Abstract: The design and construction of infrastructure facilities such as road network, water supply and sewage disposal in Botswana, have often been done in a top-bottom fashion where the government or local authority decides what is good for the community. While the design and construction of infrastructure facilities require technical knowledge, heavy equipment and proper supervision, their management hardly requires these resources to the same extent. This offers the beneficiaries of the facilities an opportunity to manage their day-to-day operations and maintenance. Reports on an approach adopted to engage the community in the management of local road network, water supply and sanitation in three major villages in Botswana. It analyses the method previously employed in managing these facilities and outlines the benefits which will accrue when this approach is fully operational. Concludes by underlining the fact that, for community-managed facilities to work, the people in the community need to participate in all the stages of the project (i.e. planning, design, construction and eventually maintenance). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/257 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb) -
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) -
Raju, V.C.C. (University of Botswana, NaN, 1998)[more][less]
-
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) -
Abadjieva, T. (University of Botswana, NaN, 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: Investigations of the influence of various factors on the modulus of elasticity and deformability of different types of lightweight concrete are presented.The results show that the modulus are not constant and decrease with the increase of the level of applied stress. Aggregate proposity and volume fraction effects the modulus of elasticity and the modulus of deformability of concrete. Using different concrete mixes of varying strength, it was confirmed that the the modulus of elasticity and the comprehensive strength of concrete are directly proportioned. The modulus of elasticity per unit strength decreases with the age of concrete. As lightweight concrete is a heterogeneous, multiphase material, the volume fraction and modulus of elasticity of the principal constituents influence the modulus of elasticity of the composite material. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/611 Files in this item: 1
Abajieva_BJT_1998.pdf (1.208Mb) -
Ngowi, A.B.; Mselle, P.C. (MCB University Press http://www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/02632779810233511, November NaN, 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: By involving the beneficiaries of a facility such as housing or an irrigation scheme, at the various stages of the project, it is possible to build their capacity in relation to the facility, which may contribute to the sustainability of the project beyond the disbursement period. A study carried out in Botswana found that the intensity of community participation at the various stages of facility development is influenced by the complexity of the technology adopted and the willingness of the facility managers to involve the community from the early stages of the project. Based on these findings, this paper proposes a framework which may be followed to achieve this end. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/407 Files in this item: 1
Ngowi_Fac_1998.pdf (382.5Kb) -
Rekha, A.; Raju, V.C.C. (University of Botswana, NaN, 1999)[more][less]
Abstract: The stress-attention in cascade reliability has been studied when both stess and strength follow Rayleigh distribution. The expression for the relaibility R(n), for a system survive with the first (n-1) components failed and the n component active, is obtained R(n) is calculated numerically, for n=1,2,3 and 4, for different values of the parameter p and the attention factor k. It has been found that with lower attention factors in high degree of reliability can be attained. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/677 Files in this item: 1
Rekha_BJT_1999.pdf (887.1Kb) -
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) -
Ganesan, C.T. (University of Botswana, NaN, 1999)[more][less]
Abstract: Water scarcity in arid and semi-arid countries such as Botswana; call for judicious planning and economic use. In this connection many water saving components and appliances have been devised. One such system for example is the partial flushing unit fitted to water closets, which cause the volume and flow of water in the drainage system decrease, compared with the ordinary systems. To maintain a sufficient transportation in drainage pipes connected to low flush water closets (water closets with a flow less than 6 litres per flush)it is necessary to follow a set of rules used in conventional systems. Author suggests that in countries like Botswana where availability of water is unpredictable only 4 litres per flush can be allowed for successful operations. In this paper certain rules for design and dimensioning drainage pipes for water saving systems are proposed. Besides the paper presents a complete general survey of the influence of branches and bends illustrated by means of drawings and descriptions. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/618 Files in this item: 1
Ganesan_BJT_1999.pdf (1.079Mb) -
Ssegawa, J.K. (University of Botswana, http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 1999)[more][less]
Abstract: By the turn of the century, Botswana will be 34 years old as an independent nation. Reflecting on the past, is a background of tremendous achievements from a socio-economic development perspective. The achievements could not have been possible if it was not for the contribution. The construction industry’s (CI) contribution to socio-economic development may be viewed from many areas, among them, creating employment, wealth and demand for manufactured goods, infrastructure and producing factors of production (e.g. office space, factory shells, roads, etc) for other sectors. However, the relationship between the general economy and the CI has not been established explicitly despite numerous studies. Using Botswana’s CI and the economy, some of the paradigms proposed in previous studies revisited. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/843 Files in this item: 1
Ssegawa_BJT_1999.pdf (1.185Mb) -
Kanyeto, O.J. (University of Botswana, NaN, 1999)[more][less]
Abstract: Advantages of using Finite Element Method (FEM)in structural engineering practice are presented in this paper.A brief description of the method is given with the aim to illustrate the rich solid mathematical basis that makes its foundation.The paper then presents some guidelines on how to build a good model for Finite Element Analysis (FEA) purposes. The guideline emphasises the need for the analyst to have a clear understanding of the physical problem and of the behaviour of the elements he employs to carry out the analysis.A practical example presented in order to illustrate the type of analysis and results that can be obtained from a commercial FE software package. This example forms part of the research work that was carried out by the author.And finally, it is recommended that all practicing structural engineers must learn the basics of finite element method, and be equiped with some FE software packagess. Since it is the most commonly used and trusted method in the world of engineering today. In order to keep up with the rest of the world in engineering advancements, the author finds it vital to equip all engineers with the latest engineering software packages and to elevate continuing engineering education. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/681 Files in this item: 1
kanyeto_BJT_1999.pdf (1.860Mb) -
Mwewa, W.L. (University of Botswana, www.ub.bw, NaN, 1999)[more][less]
Abstract: The demand for adequate training of artisans and apprentices in the construction industry cannot be over emphasized in view of the rapid changes the industry is undergoing. Many of of these changes are continously taking place especially in the areas of utilization and maintainability of construction materials. The local vocational institutions should vigorously embark on reviewing the vocational education and training. This will result in the supply of cadres with acceptible quality of training in order to meet the challenges of the building industry. In spite of the ten years of involvement by the local vocational institutions in the training of artisans and apprentices there is still shortage of skilled manpower. The aim of the paper, therefore, is to assess the relevance of the vocational training programs and the trends of output of artisans and apprentices trained before and after the second construction boom from boom from 1986 to 1990 and 1992 to 1996. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/882 Files in this item: 1
Mwewa_BJT_1999.pdf (1.091Mb) -
Ssegawa, J.K. (University of Botswana http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 1999)[more][less]
Abstract: By the turn of the century,Botswana will be 34 years old as an independent nation. Reflecting on the past, is a background of tremedous achievements from a socio-economic development perspective.The achievement could not have been possible if it was not for the contribution from the various sectors of the economy, such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing and of course, construction. The construction industry's (CI) contribution to socio-economic development may be viewed from many areas, among them, creating employment, wealth and demand for manufactured goods, infrastructure and producing factors of production(e.g. office space, factory shells, roads, etc.) for other sectors. However, the relationship between the general economy and the CI has not been established explicitly despite the numerous studies. Using Botswana's CI and the economy, some of the paradigms proposed in previous studies revisited. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/706 Files in this item: 1
Ssegawa_BJT_1999.pdf (1.950Mb) -
Nair, S.; Vokolkova, V.; Abadjieva, T. (University of Botswana, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: The percentage of students, especially women in engineering, is very low in Botswana and the country is still heavily dependent upon foreign human resources. The objective of this research has been to study the gender differences in education, which might have caused the current poor representation of women in engineering.The secondary school results of 749 students were statistically analyzed per gender. Three main factors were identified by factor analysis: the science ability, the general aptitude and the memory ability factor.As to the general-aptitude and memory ability factor, it was found that no statistically significant difference between boys and girls exists. However, there is a difference in the science-ability factor. To strengthen this factor for girls, it requires to make the studies of Mathematics and Science courses attractive to girls at early stage so that they are not limited in their options at the level of secondary education and thus in their career choice. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/624 Files in this item: 1
Nair_BJT_2000.pdf (1.543Mb) -
Ngowi, A.B. (MCB University Press, http://www.emerald-library.com, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: Total quality management (TQM) as an integrated approach to management that represents a holistic management philosophy, rather than a series of techniques, is embedded with cultural values and assumptions that are consistent with its culture of origin. This study aims to determine the outcome of implementing TQM in a place that does not share its cultural base. A survey of 100 construction firms in Botswana found that, although the values embedded in TQM could be adopted within the organisations into which it is implemented, the cultural context of the greater society resisted some of the values. It was concluded that, for TQM to be successful in a particular cultural setting, it has to take on some of the host cultural values URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/350 Files in this item: 1
Ngowi_2000_JEIM.pdf (915.4Kb) -
Ngowi, A.B. (MCB University Press; Emerald Publishing Group Ltd; http://www.mcbup.com/research_registers/quality.asp, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: Total quality management (TQM) as an integrated approach to management that represents a holistic management philosophy, rather than a series of techniques, is embedded with cultural values and assumptions that are consistent with its culture of origin. This study aims to determine the outcome of implementing TQM in a place that does not share its cultural base. A survey of 100 construction firms in Botswana found that, although the values embedded in TQM could be adopted within the organisations into which it is implemented, the cultural context of the greater society resisted some of the values. It was concluded that, for TQM to be successful in a particular cultural setting, it has to take on some of the host cultural values. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/170 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)ngowi1.pdf (97.37Kb) -
Sahu, B.K.; Jayaram, S. (University of Botswana, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: Alarmingly high accumulation of fly ash has led geochemical engineers into finding a solution for the use of flyash as a construction material in the recent past. As of now, although the material has been used in a limited way in the construction of roads, embarkments,dykes and by cement industries, most of it is still dumped as a waste material. There is a general opinion mongst teh Geochemical engineers that fly ash is a non-hazardous material. However, the authors felt that it may not be entirely true due to the fact that fly ash does contain quite a significant proportion of soluble salts. These salts would leak into water if fly ash comes into contact with water or if the ground water leaked through a bed of fly ash. The investigation revealed that Dissolved Oxygen of fly ash polluted tap and clean water is reduced to a level far below the permissible limit for aquatic life. The author would like to emphasise that the findings of the present investigation are being submitted to open an agenda on the issue of water pollution by the fly ash leachate, may it be ground water, water in the vicinity of the ash being used in the construction of dykes,dams, river training structures or for reclamation on sea shores. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/601 Files in this item: 1
Sahu_BJT_2000.pdf (863.8Kb) -
Nair, S.; Vokolkova, V.; Abadjieva, T.; Michalek, J. (University of Botswana, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: The percentage of students, especially women in engineering, is very low in Botswana and the country is still heavily dependent upon foreign human resources.The objective of this research has been to study the gender differences in education,which might have caused the current poor representation of women in engineering.The secondary school results of 749 students were statistically analyzed per gender.Three main factors were identified by factor analysis:The science-ability, the general aptitude and the memory ability factor.As to the general aptitude and the memory ability,it was found that no statistically significant difference between boys and girls exists.However, there is a difference in the science-ability factor. To strengthen this factor for girls,it requires to make the study of mathematics and science courses attractive to girls at early stage so that they are not limited in their options at the level of secondary education and thus in their career choice. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/647 Files in this item: 1
Nair_BJT_2000.pdf (1.021Mb)
Now showing items 1-20 of 43
Next Page