ARID ZONE JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING, TECHNOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

Towards Irrigation Modernisation in the Ogun-Oshun River Basin, Nigeria: Opportunities, Challenges, and Improvement Options

2026-03-02T12:02:39+00:00

Irrigated agriculture is very crucial in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and ensuring food security in Nigeria. The study examines the opportunities and the challenges of the selected thirteen Irrigation Farm Projects in the Ogun Oshun River Basin Authority (OORBA). Data were obtained by interviews from the stakeholders in the management of the irrigation schemes. The study reveals that land areas range from 150 ha for the Lower Ogun Irrigation Project in Mokoloki to 3,500 ha for the Middle Ogun Irrigation Project in Iseyin. However, the level of utilisation of the land resources varies from 6.2% to 100%. Interestingly, it was observed that a good correlation between the irrigable land area and the area actually irrigated (r2 = 0.7982), and the irrigable areas and the actual irrigated areas under large Irrigation Farm Projects (r2 = 0.70) exist, unlike the small
Irrigation Farm Projects (r2 = 0.09). Therefore, it indicates that the smallholder farmers in the large Irrigation Farm Projects utilised the land resources better. However, where underutilisation was pronounced, it is due to ageing irrigation and energy infrastructure, poor access roads and networks, and inadequate modern farm machinery. Surface water resources are abundant in the selected Irrigation Farm Projects, which, if well explored, could transform the irrigated agriculture in the basin and reposition OORBD as the food basket for the Southwest, Nigeria and the neighbouring African countries. The poor performance of the public Irrigation Farm Projects in the OORBD is due to low financial investment in the
projects, poor economic conditions, lack of weather early warning systems and networks to mitigate the effects of climate change. Opportunities for transforming irrigated agriculture in the basin are the application of sensors in irrigation water management and drones for smart agriculture, renewable energy, micro-irrigation systems, access roads and market, regular training of farm managers and the early warning systems networks.

Analysis of Bama Gravel as Coarse Aggregate in Concrete Production: A Review

2026-03-02T12:20:34+00:00

Bama gravel, a naturally occurring riverbed aggregate in Borno, Northeastern Nigeria, is widely used in concrete production due to its abundance and low cost. This naturally occurring aggregate from Bama ridge, extends over a distance of approximately 300 km. In the past few years, attention has been shifted by researchers to exploring the engineering potential of the aggregate. The review adopted systematic approach by collecting and analyzing studies on Bama gravel between 1999 and 2025. A total of 10 documents were identified, of which seven met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed to identify performance trends and research gaps. The review shows that more than 90% of the studies carried out on the aggregate are by indigenous researchers. This is due to the prior knowledge of these researchers on how the material is being patronized by local communities
in the catchment area. The review also shows that existing studies are focused on grading of the aggregate, mix ratio optimization and partial replacement of cement or aggregates, demonstrating its suitability for producing medium and high strength concrete. However, key research gaps remain, as lack of established probabilistic properties of Bama gravel which are vital for reliability-based design. This limits its global applicability in the design of concrete. Its mineralogical composition is also undocumented, despite its potential impact on reactivity, strength, and durability. Long-term performance under diverse environmental conditions remains unstudied. Furthermore, the microstructural behavior within the cement matrix, including the interfacial transition zone and bonding characteristics, is unexplored. To our knowledge there never been any study that assessed its
resistance to Sulphate attack, a critical factor for exposure to aggressive environments. Addressing these gaps will advance the understanding and global acceptance of Bama gravel as a durable and reliable aggregate for concrete production.

Optimization of Performance Parameters of an Off-Grid Wind Solar Hybrid Power System Using HOMER Pro for Enhanced Energy Reliability at Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri

2026-03-02T15:06:17+00:00

Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri faces persistent energy shortages due to unreliable grid supply and reliance on diesel generators. Earlier proposals for stand alone solar PV systems overlooked wind resources and full techno-economic optimization, highlighting the need for a more resilient hybrid approach. This study aims to evaluate and optimize an off-grid wind–solar hybrid power system for reliable and sustainable electricity supply at Kashim Ibrahim University. The assessment was carried out using hourly electrical load data and validated site specific meteorological data, including solar irradiance, wind speed, and temperature, modeled and optimized in HOMER Pro software. The optimal configuration includes 9.25 MW PV, 678 kW wind, lead-acid storage, and a bidirectional converter, which could provide 100% renewable energy with negligible unmet load. With a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of ₦85.18/kWh and a 3.9 year payback period, the system outperforms grid and diesel alternatives by producing 17.63 GWh yearly to satisfy the 3.21 GWh demand. Over a 25-year period, the system prevents more than 308,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions and reduces air and noise pollution. Strong temperature resilience is confirmed by sensitivity analysis, where temperature variation between 25–35°C results in only a 3.5% reduction in energy production. The optimized wind–solar hybrid system offers a cost effective, reliable, and environmentally sustainable energy solution for institutional power supply in northeastern Nigeria. Phased implementation is recommended for Kashim Ibrahim University and other institutions facing persistent energy insecurity.

Production of Goat Horn Particles Reinforced Epoxy Resin Composite for Automobile Brake Pad

2026-03-02T15:19:08+00:00

The development and evaluation of goat horn as asbestos-free friction material for the production of automotive brake pad was carried out in this work. Asbestos friction material that been used has been found to be carcinogenic and has prompted several research efforts for its replacement in brake pads application. In this research, six samples of composites were produced using goat horn particulate size of 300 µm and 600 µm as reinforced material with epoxy resin as the matrix with the following percentage compositions for specimen A, B, C, D, E, and F (21 wt% goat horn and 60 wt% epoxy resin, 21 wt% goat horn, 60 wt% epoxy resin, 26 wt% goat horn and 55 wt% epoxy resin, 26 wt% goat horn and 55 wt% epoxy resin, 31 wt% goat horn and 50 wt% epoxy resin and 31 wt% goat horn and 50 wt% epoxy resin with 3 wt% iron chips, 7 wt% silica, 4 wt% graphite, and 4 wt% CaCO3; in each sample) respectively. These specimens were made by compression molding method and subjected to mechanical and physical tests to ascertain their performance in service using standard test procedures, materials and equipment. The result showed that specimens composite samples A and B gave optimum performance for water and oil absorption of 0.725%, and 0.494%, hardness and compressive strength of 121.21 MPa and 10.313 respectively. furthermore, samples E and F gave the optimum performance for coefficient of friction (0.47) and abrasion resistance (4.297x10-6g/m) respectively. It was observed that increase in the reinforcement content increased hardness, water and oil absorption and coefficient of friction of the composite brake pad, while wear rate and compressive strength decreased. The results showed that goat horn particles are an effective replacement for asbestos in automotive brake pad application.

Limited Adoption of Advanced BIM Tools in Architectural Education: Evidence from Southwestern Nigeria

2026-03-02T15:30:12+00:00

This study examined the availability and utilization of Building Information Modelling (BIM) tools among architectural educators in three public universities in southwestern Nigeria. Using a purposive sampling technique, a structured questionnaire was distributed to 80 architectural educators, out of which 41 valid responses were received, yielding a response rate of 51%. The survey collected data on the BIM tools accessible to educators, the specific categories of BIM tools they used, and the frequency of such use in teaching and research activities. Findings revealed substantial variability in BIM tool usage across the institutions. 3D Modelling and Rendering & Visualization were used most frequently, while advanced tools linked to multi-disciplinary collaboration, such as MEP Systems Design, Clash Detection, Construction Simulation (4D), and Cost Estimation (5D), were rarely utilized. This pattern indicates that although foundational BIM capabilities are present, higher-level, interoperability-driven tools remain under integrated in architectural education within the selected universities. The study concludes that BIM utilization is uneven and generally limited to basic functions, underscoring the need for more comprehensive integration of advanced BIM tools in architectural curricula in southwestern Nigeria.

Particle Swarm Optimization Based Resource Allocation for High Altitude Platform Networks

2026-03-02T15:57:46+00:00

High Altitude Platforms (HAPs) are emerging as cost-effective aerial communication nodes capable of providing broadband wireless coverage over large geographical areas. However, efficient resource allocation remains a key challenge due to channel variability, power constraints, and user heterogeneity. This paper proposes a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)–based framework for joint subcarrier and power allocation in an OFDMA-based HAP communication system. The proposed approach employs PSO for adaptive subcarrier assignment and integrates the water-filling algorithm for power allocation. Performance is evaluated against conventional resource allocation schemes, including Max-SNR, Round Robin, and Proportional Fair. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed PSO-based framework achieves competitive spectral and power efficiency, a more balanced distribution of user capacity, and a significant reduction in computational complexity, with an average execution-time reduction of approximately 97% compared to conventional methods. These results highlight the practicality of the proposed approach for real-time and adaptive resource management in next generation HAP-based aerial communication networks.

Physico-Mechanical Characterization of Hybrid Composite Gasket Developed Using Sugarcane Bagasse Ash, Soda-Lime Waste Glass Powder, and Epoxy Resin

2026-03-02T16:09:56+00:00

The environmental and health risks posed by conventional gasket materials such as asbestos and synthetic rubbers have created a pressing need to develop sustainable alternatives for mechanical sealing applications. This study investigated the potential of hybrid composite gaskets composed of sugarcane bagasse ash, soda-lime waste glass powder, and epoxy resin as an environmentally friendly alternative. Five different compositions were formulated using the hand lay-up method and evaluated for mechanical and thermal properties such as density, porosity, hardness, tensile strength, thermal endurance, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The results showed that Sample C1 (10% bagasse ash, 30% glass powder, 60% epoxy) demonstrated optimal performance, recording the highest tensile strength of 30.91 N/mm² and a thermal resistance of 170oC. These values exceed the typical performance range of NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) gaskets, which generally show a tensile strength of 17 N/mm² and a thermal resistance range of 120°C. All samples exhibited low porosity (0.01%–0.04%), supporting effective sealing capability, although still higher than the NBR control gasket (0.008%). XRF analysis revealed that SiO2 was the dominant oxide in both fillers, contributing to thermal stability, hardness, and wear resistance, while Al2O3 and CaO enhanced structural rigidity. SEM examination of the optimal sample (Sample C1) revealed that its superior performance was primarily due to regions of uniform filler dispersion and strong interfacial bonding. While high-resolution imaging at 6,000x and 7,000x identified localized micro-voids and filler pull-out, these were isolated instances that did not compromise the structural integrity of the composite. The high tensile strength indicates that the well-bonded regions in the optimal 30:10 (Glass:Ash) ratio effectively dominated the load-transfer mechanism. The presence of micro-voids, visible only at high magnifications, provided the physical basis for the 0.04% porosity without significantly impairing the primary mechanical and thermal performance of the sample.

Geotechnical Performance Evaluation of Flood-Impacted Subgrade of Fori Road, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

2026-03-02T16:20:37+00:00

This research investigates the properties and suitability of subgrade soils in Fori area of Maiduguri for road pavement foundations in flood prone environments. Soil samples were collected from three locations along Fori road over an approximately 300 m stretch, after the Fori community bridge area, Maiduguri. Some of the soil sample properties analysed includes grain size distribution, Atterberg limits, Standard Proctor compaction and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests on soil samples from 0.5 m and 1.0 m depths. The results of the Particle size distribution and Atterberg limits show that the soils is classified as fine sand A-3(0) according to the America Association for State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), exhibiting low cohesion and high moisture sensitivity. However, compaction results indicated a relatively flat moisture density curves, with maximum dry densities of 1.71 g/cm³ (0.5 m) and 1.55 g/cm³ (1.0 m) corresponding to optimum moisture contents of 12.89 % and 19.4 %, respectively. Soil compressibility was quantified using the liquid limit, yielding values of 0.11 and 0.10, which indicates moderate compressibility of the flood impacted subgrade. Similarly soaked CBR values showed a significant strength reductions down to 1.36 % (0.5 m) and 2.85 % (1.0 m) after 48 hours. The soil is thus, regarded as “very poor” category for subgrades according to TRRL standards. Comparative analyses with existing literature shows that these characteristics are typical of fine grained, non-cohesive soils under flooding and are consistent with global observations of weakened subgrades. The study therefore concludes that the native soils are unsuitable for direct use as pavement subgrades in their natural state. To ensure durable road performance in Fori’s flood prone environment, measures such as chemical stabilization, profile elevation, improved drainage and possible geosynthetic reinforcement are recommended.

Finite Element Modeling and Performance Evaluation of Bamboo Reinforced Concrete Beams and Columns

2026-03-02T16:43:20+00:00

The rising cost and environmental impact of steel reinforcement pose significant challenges to the construction industry. Bamboo, with its favourable mechanical properties and sustainability benefits, offers a promising alternative for reinforced concrete structures. However, accurately predicting its behaviour within concrete requires advanced modelling techniques. This study evaluates the structural performance of bamboo-reinforced concrete (BRC) beams and columns using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in ABAQUS, validated against experimental data. Three beam configurations and five column configurations, featuring varying bamboo diameters and strip arrangements, were analysed using concrete grades M20 and M25. The results revealed a strong correlation between numerical and experimental outcomes, with correlation coefficients (R²) ranging from 0.985 to 0.999. Experimentally, ultimate failure loads for beams ranged from 2.3 kN to 19.06 kN, while numerical predictions ranged from 2.89 kN to 18.0 kN. For columns, experimental failure loads varied between 127 kN and 357 kN, with numerical estimates deviating by less than 12%. A notable discrepancy of 26% was observed for Beam 3, primarily due to the weak bond between bamboo and concrete; a key limitation highlighted in this study. Overall, the findings demonstrate that finite element modelling can reliably predict the structural behaviour of BRC elements, particularly in lightly loaded applications. The study underscores the critical influence of reinforcement type and arrangement on failure loads and deflections.

Comparative Analysis of Structural Response to Blast Loading in Plain and Reinforced Concrete Walls

2026-03-02T16:55:23+00:00

This study presents a comparative numerical evaluation of the structural response of plain and reinforced concrete (RC) walls subjected to blast loading, with emphasis on the influence of wall geometry and reinforcement on blast resistance. Finite element simulations were conducted in ANSYS AUTODYN using a 100 kg TNT charge at a stand-off distance of 1 m. Three wall configurations, flat, L shaped, and U-shaped, were analyzed with and without reinforcement, and their performance was assessed in terms of equivalent stress, strain, total deformation, and damage evolution. The results show that flat plain concrete walls experienced the most severe response, with peak stresses exceeding 9 MPa, strains above 13 mm/mm, large deformations of approximately 385 mm, and rapid damage progression leading to early failure. Reinforcement improved performance in all geometries; however, geometric configuration played a more dominant role in blast mitigation. Among all configurations, the U-shaped reinforced concrete wall exhibited superior performance, recording minimal peak stress (~0.3 MPa), the lowest strain response (~3 mm/mm), negligible deformation (< 0.05) in damage reduction across wall types, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The findings demonstrate that the combination of reinforcement and optimized U-shaped geometry provides the most effective blast resistance, offering critical guidance for the design of blast-resilient concrete wall systems in high-risk environments.