DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

he increasing reliance on sachet water as a primary source of drinking water among students in Ekosodin underscores the need for rigorous quality assessment. This study investigates the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of various sachet water brands consumed in the region. Parameters such as pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS), and the presence of microbial contaminants were analyzed using standard laboratory techniques. The study aims to determine compliance with regulatory standards and assess potential health risks associated with these products

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using a blend of plantain and banana peel ash (PBPA) as a partial replacement for cement in concrete. The study seeks to evaluate the effects of PBPA on the workability, compressive strength, and flexural strength of concrete, with a view to reducing the environmental impact of concrete production.
The workability of the concrete mixtures was evaluated using the slump test, in accordance with ASTM C143/C143M-15a. The compressive strength was determined using the standard compressive strength test, as outlined in BS EN 12390-3:2019. The flexural strength was assessed using the modulus of rupture test, in line with ASTM C78/C78M-18. These tests enabled a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of PBPA on the mechanical properties of concrete. The results showed that 0% replacement of cement with PBPA and coarse aggregate produced a slump value of 40mm while 5 to 15% replacement produced slump values of 39.7mm,42.7mm, 51.3mm respectively. From the rate of decrease, this indicated that
increasing the PBPA content decreases the workability of the mix , while the compressive and flexural strengths were reduced by up to 20% at 28 days. However, the concrete mixtures with up to 10% PBPA replacement still met the strength requirements for grade M20 concrete. The findings suggest that PBPA can be used as a supplementary cementitious material to reduce the environmental impact of concrete production.

Benin City, Edo State, faces increasing urban flooding and water scarcity due to rapid urbanization and limited public water supply. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) offers a sustainable solution by reducing surface runoff and supplementing household water demand. This study investigates the effectiveness of RWH as a stormwater management strategy, evaluates current practices, and explores its potential to improve water availability and mitigate flooding in selected locations within Benin City. A combination of field surveys, photographic documentation, household questionnaires, interviews, hydrological assessments, and case study reviews was employed. Field surveys focused on Upper Sakponba, Eyean Community, and Amagba Road, examining rooftop collection systems, storage tanks, and compound management such as grassing. Questionnaires assessed household awareness, adoption, and perceived benefits of RWH. Hydrological analysis using the Rational Method estimated rooftop runoff volumes, while Lagos case studies provided insights into large-scale RWH integration with green infrastructure and flood mitigation systems. Results show that many households practice RWH using plastic or concrete tanks, which reduces runoff and meets non-potable water demand, although adoption is limited by cost, technical knowledge, and space. Hydrological assessment confirmed that rooftop runoff can satisfy household water needs when storage is properly sized. The study recommends incorporating RWH into building codes, providing subsidies and technical training, promoting first-flush diverters and filtration units, and integrating RWH with urban stormwater measures such as retention ponds and green infrastructure

The aim of this study is to undertake the design of a water treatment plant adequate in serving a semi-urban area based on a surface water supply system, this will enhance public health by providing safe and portable water to a semi-urban area. The project focuses more on surface water source and the contaminants found in surface water in a semi-urban area. The method used to carry out this project includes; the determination of the population of a semi-urban area, water demand/requirements and characteristics of a surface water source in a semi-urban area. The various design units will be size accordingly to the requirements of a semi-urban area. The result of this work includes complete design of the units in the treatment plant. Adequate design and sizing of the screening chamber, Pre-sedimentation tank, coagulation, flocculation and clarification, filtration and disinfection to contain the need for a semi-urban area. This result helps to improve the knowledge and understanding of the design of a water treatment plant for a surface water source in a semi-urban area

This study presents the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a Bio Sand Filter (BSF) for treating turbid surface water. The BSF was tested using water collected from the Ovia River in Benin City during the rainy season. Results showed significant improvements in water quality, with reductions in total coliforms, E. coli, turbidity, and chemical contaminants, and adjustments to pH levels. Thus, 80% reduction in total coliforms (from 25 CFU/100mL to 5 CFU/100mL), 90% reduction in E. coli (from 10 CFU/100mL to 1 CFU/100mL), 75% reduction in turbidity (from 30 NTU to 5 NTU). The treated water met or exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) 2020 standards for safe drinking water. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the BSF as a cost-effective and sustainable technology for improving water quality, particularly in regions with limited access to centralized water treatment facilities. Recommendations include encouraging BSF adoption, ongoing research and development, establishing monitoring and maintenance programs, regular water quality testing, advocacy for government and NGO support, and public awareness campaigns to ensure universal access to safe drinking water.

The lateritic soils show a great variation in their properties as per their geological parent, weathering and mineralogical structure resulting in natural variation even in the relatively small geographical regions. Such variability presents serious difficulties to the engineers in determining their behaviour as well as designing the necessary compaction specifications. This study was intended to examine the impacts of different compactive efforts on lateritic soil engineering properties and to see how best they can be utilized in a civil work activity, using Oluku Borrow Pit and Blocks of Flats Gully Site in Benin City as the case study. Two samples of bulk laterite soil samples were collected at the two sites, dried in the air, ground and sent to the lab. The preliminary index tests such as particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, natural moisture content and specific gravity were conducted in order to classify the soils. Standard Proctor, West African Standard (WAS) and Modified Proctor methodologywere used to conduct compaction tests to measure the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC). To determine the strength properties of the compacted soils, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were later conducted in the soaked and unsovid states.The findings indicated that the maximum dry densities and the optimum moisture contents of both soils were increased by the increase in the compactive effort. Using the West African Standard compactive effort, optimum moisture content in the form of the West African Standard was a maximum of 10 per cent, with a maximum of 2.08 Mg/m3 dry density. The Oluku Borrow Pit soil, which had a lower content of fines (about 4.95-5.53% less the 0.075 mm sieve at shallow depths), presented a better performance with unsoaked CBR ranging between 28% at the shallow depths of compaction under the Modified Proctor compaction, whereas the soaked CBR was between 4-6%. Conversely, the Gully Site soil, which contains more fines (30 to 44 percent passing 0.075 mm sieve) registered lower unsoaked values of CBR of 2 to 4 percent and soaked values below 1 percent, which means that it is highly sensitive to moisture.

Dam and reservoir construction projects exert substantial influence on the environment and local communities, necessitating an exhaustive investigation. This study aims to scrutinize the impacts of such projects on ecosystems, communities, and cultures, primarily through a rigorous analysis of pertinent online publications. As environmental
implications are becoming more widely recognised, several countries now require Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) as essential parts of civil engineering projects. The study will meticulously examine both short-term and long-term environmental effects, delving into surface and ecosystem dynamics within the region, as well as ramifications on both the upstream and downstream aspects of the dam. Concurrently, the project will untangle the intricate network of social and economic consequences ranging from community displacement and cultural heritage erosion to potential conflicts over altered
water resource dynamics. To comprehensively grasp these issues, the study will navigate through academic journals, government reports, and news articles, utilizing the Aswan High Dam, Tarbela Dam, and Koyna Dam as targeted case studies.
The anticipated outcome of this research is poised to serve as a cornerstone in formulating sustainable and equitable dam and reservior management policies and practices within the scope of Civil Engineering. By dissecting the environmental and social issues of dam and reservoir construction, this study seeks to pinpoint strategic avenues for mitigating adverse effects while fostering positive outcomes. Its paramount significance lies in guiding the establishment of water management policies and practices that are not only sustainable but also intrinsically aligned with the principles of Civil Engineering

This study assessed the water quality of harvested rainfall in different parts of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, due to increasing dependence on rainwater as an alternative domestic water source amid erratic municipal supply. The research aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of harvested rainwater from three
communities—Ekosodin, BDPA, and Oluku—comparing direct rainfall and rooftop catchment sources. It further aimed to determine their Water Quality Index (WQI) using the Arithmetic weightage index model. Rainwater samples were systematically collected from pre-selected rooftops with different materials (corrugated iron, aluminum, and asbestos) and direct rainfall collectors. Standard laboratory methods were used for analyzing physicochemical parameters—pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), hardness, salinity, bicarbonate, chloride, sulfate, nitrate, heavy metals (Fe, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, V), and microbiological indicators. The results indicated that directly collected rainwater in all locations had excellent quality with pH (6.6–6.8), low EC (70–80 µS/cm), low TDS (41 45 mg/L), and negligible microbial contamination (0 CFU/mL). These samples had WQI values between 20 and 23, classifying them as “excellent” and safe for drinking and domestic use after minimal treatment such as filtration or boiling. However, rooftop-harvested rainwater showed slightly elevated concentrations of Fe (0.557 mg/L), Pb (0.026 mg/L), and Cd (0.01 mg/L).

This research examines air quality and noise pollution within the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, to determine how environmental factors influence the health, comfort, and productivity of individuals in the university community. With increasing urban activities, traffic congestion, and generator use across the campus, the issue of environmental pollution has become more significant. The study assessed four major air pollutants, particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O₃), and evaluated noise levels in various campus zones to provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental quality in the study area. Data were gathered using an air quality monitor and ozone meter for air pollutant measurement and an Extech sound level meter for noise. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was used to interpret pollutant concentrations, while Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping helped visualize spatial pollution patterns across the campus. Results showed that air quality across the campus ranged from good to moderate, with AQI values between 26 and 55. Cleaner conditions were recorded at the College of medical sciences and Halls 6 and 7 (26 – 31), while higher values occurred at ekosodin back gate, 55 and at Main gate,47, influenced by vehicular and commercial activities. PM2.5, PM10 and CO concentrations were also higher at these gate areas, whereas ozone levels remained low reading from 0.01 – 0.07 ppm. In contrast, noise levels often exceeded standards in busy zones, reaching 86.7 dB(A) at ekosodin back gate and above 80 dB(A) in other active areas, surpassing the WHO daytime limit of 55 dB(A). The study concludes that while the overall air quality on the University of Benin campus remains within acceptable limits, noise pollution presents a more serious challenge. To improve environmental conditions, the study recommends effective traffic regulation, proper control of generator use, expansion of vegetation and green zones, and consistent air and noise monitoring. These actions will enhance sustainability and ensure a cleaner, quieter, and healthier learning environment for all campus users.

This study examined the comparative quality of borehole water, sachet water, and bottled water consumed in Ikhueniro Community, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research adopted an investigative and analytical approach to evaluate the safety and suitability of the major drinking water sources used by residents. In response to increasing public health concerns associated with waterborne diseases and the widespread availability of inadequately regulated water sources, the study provided a scientific basis for water quality assessment and proposed recommendations for enhanced water safety and regulatory control. The primary objective of the study was to compare the microbiological and physicochemical quality of borehole, sachet, and bottled water and to determine their compliance with established drinking water standards. Specifically, the study assessed the physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters of the three water sources; evaluated their quality using national and international guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), and Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ); computed the Water Quality Index (WQI) for each source to facilitate interpretation; and identified potential contaminants as well as the effectiveness of treatment and purification methods. Both field and laboratory methods were employed in the study. Physicochemical parameters analyzed included pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, temperature, and concentrations of selected heavy metals such as lead, iron, magnesium, and cadmium.