Browsing Faculty of Engineering and Technology by Title
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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) -
Dimitrova, J.; Slivkov, G. (University of Botswana, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, http://ajol.info/index.php/bjt, April NaN, 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper presents an examination of the possibility of using wind turbines generating electricity for households in the remote rural areas of Botswana. On the basis of theoretical consideration of the wind system generating electricity, and the power demands of a typical Botswana rural household, some types of possible advanced systems are recommended. Comparative information is given about the costs of solar (photovoltatic) and wind power systems. From an analysis of the magnitude and the distribution of the wind in Botswana, conclusions are made about the areas where the wind system for electricity generation could be used during the whole or part of the year. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/664 Files in this item: 1
Dimitrova_BJT_1998.pdf (2.728Mb) -
Loukanov, I. A.; Uziak, J.; Michalek, J. (Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences http://agriculturejournals.cz/web/RAE.htm, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: The power requirement of tillage implements is an important design consideration particularly for animal-drawn implements where the power is limited. The paper presents the possibility of reduction in the draught requirements of animal-drawn mouldboard plough by using enamel coating on the soil-engaged components such as the mouldboard, share and the landside. Trials were conducted to compare enamel-coated Maun Series single mouldboard plough (manufactured by Zimplow Limited, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe) with similar uncoated plough, both animal-drawn, under comparable working conditions. Experiments were done at 25% and 32% d.b. soil moisture content on a red clay soil in Zimbabwe. The parameters measured in evaluating the draught performance of both ploughs were the tractive effort(pull),speed of ploughing,depth and width of ploughing,and soil conditions(i.e.soil moisture content,soil bulk density and soil penetration resistance). It was found that for similar working conditions the enamel coating reduced the specific draught by 20 to 26% depending upon soil moisture content. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/705 Files in this item: 1
Uziak_RAE_2005.pdf (504.4Kb) -
Anderson, G.O.; Mokgwathi, T.S. (University of Botswana, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: Engineering and training play an important role in the technical, economic and social progress of society.A number of factors influence the education and training of engineers, from the nature and form of curricular to needs of employers and the changing patterns of professional employment. Key issues are being raised by changes in technology, in society and by the impact of developments in information technology on industry and commercial development, on the engineer profession, on the educational institutions and on education and training of engineers. The paper considers the education and training of engineers using data and information from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology(FET), University of Botswana as a case study. Historical background is introduced.Student enrolment in terms of gender and foreign students are presented.Also presented are the academic programs and staff structures.The goals of the Faculty have been highlighted and strategies to be applied to achieve these goals have been recommended. The paper could be of interest to staff of FET and UB, Engineering Institutions in Africa and also to the Botswana Ministry of Finance and Manpower Development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/674 Files in this item: 1
Anderson_BJT_2000.pdf (1.982Mb) -
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) -
Oladiran, M.T.; Meyer, J.P. (Elsevier http://www.elsevier.com, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The energy-utilization over a 10-year period (1994–2003) has been analysed for the South African industrial sector, which consumes more primary energy than any other sector of the economy. Four principal sub-sectors, namely iron and steel, chemical and petrochemical, mining and quarrying, and non-ferrous metals/non-metallic minerals were considered in this study. Primary-energy utilization data were used to calculate the weighted mean energy and exergy efficiencies for the sub-sectors and then overall values for the industrial sector were obtained. The results indicate that exergy efficiency is considerably lower than energy efficiency in all the sub-sectors, particularly in mining and quarrying processes, for which the values were approximately 83% and 16%, respectively. The performance of exergy utilization in the industrial sector can be improved by introducing various conservation strategies. Results from this study were compared with those for other countries. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/957 Files in this item: 1
Oladiran_AP_2007.pdf (792.0Kb) -
Meyer, J.P. (Elsevier Science Ltd, http://www.elsevier.com/locate/apenergy, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The energy-utilization over a 10-year period (1994–2003) has been analysed for the South African industrial sector, which consumes more primary energy than any other sector of the economy. Four principal sub-sectors, namely iron and steel, chemical and petrochemical, mining and quarrying, and non-ferrous metals/non-metallic minerals were considered in this study. Primary-energy utilization data were used to calculate the weighted mean energy and exergy efficiencies for the sub-sectors and then overall values for the industrial sector were obtained. The results indicate that exergy efficiency is considerably lower than energy efficiency in all the sub-sectors, particularly in mining and quarrying processes, for which the values were approximately 83% and 16%, respectively. The performance of exergy utilization in the industrial sector can be improved by introducing various conservation strategies. Results from this study were compared with those for other countries. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/668 Files in this item: 1
Oladiran_AE_2007.pdf (589.3Kb) -
Oladiran, M.T. (Elsevier Science Ltd, http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/269/description#description, NaN, 1995)[more][less]
Abstract: Botswana depends heavily on imported petroleum products for all premium applications. However, there is an abundant reserve of coal and other alternative sources of energy. This paper presents the energy trends and the various options for harnessing the resources. The importance of energy conservation is also discussed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/670 Files in this item: 1
Oladiran_ECM_1995.pdf (958.6Kb) -
Uziak, J.; Loukanov, I. A. (Dalhousie University, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
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Foster, J. D. G. (Tempus Publications http://www.ijee.ie/, NaN, 2002)[more][less]
Abstract: The economy of Botswana has grown rapidly since it became independent in 1966, but the population is only 1.7 million. Engineering construction projects are of large scale. The University of Botswana offers engineering degrees in four disciplines, under programs that cover ten semesters. The particular challenges to engineering education in Botswana, as well as the structure of the present and future University of Botswana programs, are described in this paper. Emphasis is placed on a wide range of student individual investigation and design work, and the benefits of a particular project to the student and the program are stated in an illustration. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/704 Files in this item: 1
Uziak_IJEE_2002.pdf (769.0Kb) -
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) -
Daka, J.S.J. (University of Botswana, NaN, 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: There are many instances where a telephone call charge needs to be avaialable immediately after a call is made. Usually, for a fee a telecommunication provider can provide call charge for a particular call. Call charging systems provide this information automatically without recourse to a telecommunications service provider. The application of call charging systems include private automatic branch exchange line cards, home telephone bill monitoring, monitoring telephones in a telephone cafe booth or payphones. This paper examines the design of hardware and software of the sub-systems for a subscriber based call charging system. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/616 Files in this item: 1
Daka_BJT_1998.pdf (1.141Mb) -
Mosha, A.C. (United Nations Centre for Regional Development, http://www.uncrd.or.jp, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Botswana, with a population of nearly two million is a democratic, landlocked and prosperous country with one of the highest economic growth rates in the world with the bulk of its economy coming from minerals and cattle. Social and line infrastructure has reached most people in the country. This development has been brought about through careful national development planning as well as through sub national planning. Sub national planning, the subject of this paper, has been through the preparation of economic development plans (district development plans), spatial regional plans (district settlement strategic plans, regional plans and land use plans) and specific subject area plans. Through these plans, in which rural communities fully participate in their planning and implementation, the rural areas have seen marked change and natural resources have been carefully exploited for the benefit of all people. However, in spite of these achievements, their implementation has faced limitations, constraints and challenges which are difficult to overcome. The constraints relate to plan formulation, implementation and monitoring, administrative guidance and problems with vertical and horizontal communication that has created a gap between the intention and reality of bottom-up planning. The paper concludes by putting forward suggestions on how to overcome these problems and chart a way forward for rural development. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/646 Files in this item: 1
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Ssegawa, J.K.; Masambaji, C.N. (Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Botswana, www.ub.bw, April NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: To deliver project effectively is of paramount importance because most of the world population depend on services delivered by projects. Reports from various countries around the world, including Botswana, still indicate poor project delivery. Several causes may be advanced including ineffective project control. Devising means to alleviate the control problem is therefore, of great importance. Scholars and practitioners have suggested various techniques that monitor and keep track of projects. One of them is the earned value analysis(EVA) which touted by many as an efficient yet effective control system because of its ability to control scope, cost and time. Based on this premise, the study reported in this paper investigated possible use of EVA in building projects in Botswana. The investigation was two fold, firstly, through a questionnaire, quantity surveyors (QSs) were requested to indicate whether they have use the EVA on any building project in Botswana. Results from this survey indicated that EVA is not used at all in Botswana. In fact, majority (63%) of the QSs have not heard of the system before. The second phase of the study investigated its possible use, that is, if using EVA is more adventageous than the convectional control method (CCM). Results indicated that EVA system provide quality information that was well structured, more objective, and easily accessible to all key stakeholders in a timely and understandable manner. However, to use EVA system several challenges were also indentified which included firstly, the need to train the key players in the EVA technique.; the need to change the project regime from arms-length to a cooperative on to allow transfer and sharing of information in the design and construction phases of a project; increasing the use of IT; completing design before tendering even for other trades; and nominating sub-contractors as soon as the main contract is appointed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/875 Files in this item: 1
Ssegawa_BJT_2011.pdf (2.489Mb) -
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) -
Uziak, J.; Foster, J.D.G. (University of Botswana, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, http://ajol.info/index.php/bjt, October NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: In this paper a method is presented which enables the solution of the equation of motion of the slider-crank mechanism. Expansion of functions into Fourier series is used in this method, whereby the solution of the equation of motion is also obtained in the form of Fourier series. This method enables also the determination of the coefficient of speed fluctuation of the slider-crank mechanism. The method creates the basis for an analysis of the influence of various factors, e.g. the working conditions or the construction parameters of the system, on the coefficient of speed fluctuation. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/665 Files in this item: 1
Uziak_BJT_2001.pdf (2.257Mb) -
Uziak, J.; Foster, J.D.G. (University of Botswana, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: In this paper a method is presented which enables the solution of the equation of motion of the slider-crank mechanism. Expansion of functions into Fourier series is used in this method, whereby the solution of the equation is also Fourier series. This method enables also the determination of the coefficient of speed fluctuation of the slider-crank mechanism. The methods create the basis for an analysis of the influence of various factors, e.g. the working conditions or the construction parameters of the system, on the coefficient of speed fluctuation. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/702 Files in this item: 1
Uziak_BJT_2001.pdf (999.6Kb) -
Khartchenko, N.V.; Oladiran, M.T.; Douglass, G.W. (University of Botswana, http://www.ub.bw, NaN, 1999)[more][less]
Abstract: Coal is plentiful in many parts of the world but its combustion can create severe environmental and aesthetic problems.In the past three decades, the cost of crude oil and natural gas has been unstable and the reserves of these fuels are exhaustible. Other non-conventional energy resources, for example, solar, wind and tidal energy are only making a small contribution to the energy mix in few countries. Consequently, coal still has an important role to play to satisfy the energy demand, especially when it can be converted before combustion to other less environmentally objectionable forms, e.g. coal gas/producer gas. This paper describes the basic principles of coal gasification process and compares the performance of different gasifiers. The fundamentals of the raw gas cleaning methods are presented and experience to date of coal gasification in Botswana is discussed.It seems certain that coal gasification in tanderm with combined cycle power plant will be a principal technique for electricity generation in the next century. The paper recommends that Botswana takes necessary actions to gain maximum advantage from these developments. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/710 Files in this item: 1
Khartchenko_BJT_1999.pdf (1.810Mb) -
McQuillan, J. (University of Chicago Press www.springerlink.com/index/K8T8573317636045.pdf, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
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Mbewe, D.D. (University of Botswana, NaN, 1998)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper describes the fundamental principles of production and accomplishment of High Definition Television (HDTV)-the television system of the future.It looks at the parameters of high definition television (HDTV),and shows how the values of these parameters can be derived from consideration of the performance of the viewer's visual system. Bandwidth requirements for various TV and HDTV systems are compared, and a number of optical fibre transmission techniques are considered for HDTV. In conclusion it is stated that the large bandwidths demands of uncompressed HDTV can be met by emerging technology in optical fibre transmission systems-in particular, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). The paper is as a result of a project study conducted by the author and a colleage when he studied for his degree at Essex University,England. It makes no reference to the development and relevance of HDTV in the African context. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/627 Files in this item: 1
Mbewe_bjt_1998.pdf (1.386Mb)