FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

The continuous discharge of poorly treated produced water from oilfields is a major cause of environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. This study explores a practical, low-cost solution by evaluating the effectiveness of locally sourced Nigerian clays from Ogba River (AG) and Gelegele River (GE) as natural adsorbents for removing heavy metals from real produced water. The clay samples were processed through washing, sun-drying, and chemical activation using a 2M hydrochloric acid solution to enhance their natural properties. We then conducted a series of laboratory batch experiments to test how well these activated clays could remove Iron (Fe) and Copper (Cu) from the water. The study specifically examined how the amount of time the clay was in contact with the water influenced its cleaning power, and we used kinetic and isotherm models to understand the speed and underlying mechanism of the removal process. The results demonstrated that both treated clays were effective, but their performance was highly specific to the metal and the clay's origin. For iron removal, the GE clay showed a slightly higher final efficiency (65.3%) and capacity (0.0243 mg/g) than the AG clay (63.7%, 0.0237 mg/g). In contrast, for copper, the AG clay was markedly superior, achieving 88.5% removal compared to the GE clay's 73.1%. Kinetic studies revealed a clear difference in the removal mechanisms: the adsorption of copper onto both clays was best described by the Pseudo-First-Order model, indicating a physisorption process. However, the adsorption of iron onto the AG clay followed the Pseudo-Second-Order model, suggesting a stronger, chemisorption-driven mechanism. When analyzing the equilibrium data, we found that the classic Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models yielded unrealistic parameters, highlighting their limitation for accurately describing adsorption in such a complex, low-concentration effluent like real produced water. In conclusion, this work confirms that simple, acid-activated local clays are a viable and sustainable material for cleaning heavy metals from produced water. The findings, particularly the distinct kinetic behaviors, are crucial for designing a treatment process. To move this solution forward, we recommend that future research focuses on testing these clays in continuous-flow pilot systems, conducting a detailed cost-benefit analysis, and exploring how to integrate this clay-based polishing step into existing treatment setups in the Niger Delta.

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

The aim of this study is to optimize the impact energy of Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) mild steel welds by identifying the most effective combination of welding parameters current, voltage, and gas flow rate to achieve the best mechanical performance. The specific objectives include developing a mathematical model to describe the relationship between these parameters and impact energy, applying a metaheuristic algorithm to determine the optimal settings, and validating the optimized results against existing experimental data. This research seeks to address the limitations of traditional trial-and-error and local statistical optimization techniques, which often fail to locate the true global optimum. The study employed a hybrid computational optimization approach that combines Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). RSM was first used to develop a second-order regression model of impact energy based on existing experimental data from TIG welding of mild steel. This model served as the objective function for the PSO algorithm, which was implemented in MATLAB. The PSO algorithm iteratively adjusted welding parameters to maximize the predicted impact energy, thereby exploring the solution space beyond the limits of conventional statistical methods. The results showed that the optimal welding parameters were 192.73 A (current), 19.12 V (voltage), and 20.23 L/min (gas flow rate), corresponding to a maximum predicted impact energy of 118.52 J. This value slightly exceeded the best experimental result of 116.48 J reported in literature, confirming the effectiveness and accuracy of the hybrid RSM–PSO framework. The optimized results not only align closely with existing research trends but also demonstrate that integrating metaheuristic algorithms into welding parameter selection can enhance weld toughness, minimize experimental effort, and improve process reliability

This study aimed to evaluate and enhance the efficiency of a tile production facility in Benin City, Nigeria through MATLAB-based simulation and optimization. The research was conducted in response to persistent challenges in local tile manufacturing, including high energy consumption, low throughput, and significant defect rates. The study sought to develop a robust simulation model capable of analyzing the plant’s operational performance, identifying critical inefficiencies, and proposing optimization strategies that align with real-world production constraints. The methodology involved systematic data collection on machine utilization, downtime, energy consumption, and defect levels from the facility. These data were used to design a MATLAB simulation model that replicated the major stages of tile manufacturing mixing, pressing, drying, glazing, and firing. The model evaluated baseline performance conditions and tested multiple optimization scenarios such as load balancing, batch size adjustment, and preventive maintenance scheduling. The simulation outputs were analyzed to determine their operational feasibility within existing equipment and workforce limitations. The results showed substantial improvements across key production metrics. Daily output increased by approximately 20%, machine utilization rose from 85% to 92%, and defect rates decreased from 6.0% to 3.5%. Energy consumption per tile dropped by 7%, contributing to a 4.8% reduction in production cost. Financial projections indicated a 37% increase in monthly gross profit following optimization. These findings confirm that MATLAB simulation provides a cost-effective and practical approach for improving efficiency, product quality, and profitability in Nigeria’s tile manufacturing sector

The high cost of concrete materials in building projects has been a concern in Nigeria. This project was carried out to investigate and compare the use of Palm kernel shell and Coconut shell in replacement of coarse aggregate in 1:1:2 concrete mix design and 0.5 water/cement ratio. It aimed at determining the maximum partial replacement of by Palm kernel shell and Coconut shell in concrete and comparing their compressive strength and other relavant mechanical properties. A total of 143 cubes of size 100mm × 100mm × 100mm were casted, the test conducted include: Sieve analysis test, Workability (Slump) test, Density test, Compressive strength test and Water absorbion test. From Sieve analysis result obtained, the values obtained shows that the PKS is poorly graded and will contain lot of voids while the CS contain smaller void. From the slump test results, true slump was obtained for both PKS and CS as coarse aggregate replacement as the slump values were within 7-42mm which is medium workability range, although the CS concrete had higher slump compared to PKS. Both Palm kernel shell and Coconut shell concrete had density greater than 2000kg/m³ for light weight concrete, the results shows that PKS concrete has lesser density compared to CS concrete, meaning it offers better sound insulation and fire resistance. The results shows that for PKS concrete the maximum compressive strength obtained and is useful was 21.93N/mm² (25% replacement) but with poor workability , moreover the useful maximum compressive strength for CS concrete was 20N/mm² (40% replacement) but with poor workability. The results also showed that the useful maximum compressive strength of PKS concrete and CS concrete with good workability was 28.63N/mm² (5% replacement) and 29.48N/mm² (5% replacement) respectively. CS as coarse aggregate had an appreciable strength compared to PKS as a coarse aggregate in concrete, considering strength/economic ratio, Coconut shell is recommended to be used as a partial replacement of coarse aggregate in making light weight concrete. The cost benefit analysis showed that 40% replacement with Coconut ahell in 1m³ of concrete there is a savings of #3,120 and at 35 replacement with In 1m³ of concrete there is a savings of #4,452.

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.

Traffic flow analysis is a key aspect of transportation and highway engineering that focuses on understanding the interaction between road users (pedestrians, cyclist, and drivers) and infrastructure, with the goal of achieving efficient traffic movement and minimizing congestion. This study was conducted along Airport Road in Benin City, Edo State, Using the moving observer method developed by Wardrop and Charlesworth (1954). This method is a cost-effective approach for analyzing traffic characteristics such as speed, density, space headway, and time headway.The methodology involved on observer traveling along a selected highway section at a suitable speed while recording important parameters. These included the number of vehicles overtaking the observer, the number of vehicles overtaken by the observer, travel time in the direction of the traffic, and travel time against traffic. Data collection was lane-specific, covering both the speed lane and the service lane, and also accounted for vehicle composition. To capture variations in traffic conditions, data was collected under two scenarios: during a period when schools were in session and when they were not.The collected data was analyzed using the Greenshield model, which assumes a linear relationship between speed and density. Results indicated that traffic flow on Airport Road falls under medium traffic volume range. The average time headway ranged from 3.07 to 3.89 seconds, while the average space headway varied between 0.035km and 0.042km. Maximum traffic capacity was found to range between 1064 veh/hr and 1505 veh/hr, with free-flow speeds between 53.01km/hr and 119.27km/hr. Jam density values from 43veh/hr to 102 veh/km. The coefficient of determination (𝑅2) values ranged from 0.365 to 0.844, confirming a strong positive linear relationship between speed and density, consistent with Greenshields model. This study also highlighted the significant impact of vehicular heterogeneity on traffic flow, particularly in the service lane where speeds were lower and density higher. In conclusion, the finding emphasizes that variations in vehicle types and driver’s behaviour significantly influence traffic flow characteristics and highway capacity. A proper understanding of these parameters is essential for effective traffic management, and informed policy-making to enhance mobility and safety on multi-lane highways in Benin City and similar urban environments.

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in Nigeria due to its strength, durability, and versatility. However, the increasing cost of granite and the environmental impact of quarrying have created the need for alternative, sustainable materials. At the same time, palm kernel shell (PKS), a by-product of palm oil processing, is generated in large quantities and often disposed of as waste, leading to environmental pollution. This study investigates the suitability of palm kernel shell as a partial replacement for granite in Grade 20 concrete.Granite was partially replaced with PKS at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% by weight. The physical properties of PKS, including specific gravity, bulk density, and aggregate impact value, were determined. Concrete mixes were produced and tested for workability using the slump test, as well as fresh and hardened density. Concrete cube specimens were cast and cured for 7, 14, and 28 days before compressive strength testing in accordance with relevant British Standards The results indicated that the incorporation of PKS reduced the density of concrete, confirming its potential for lightweight applications. Workability and compressive strength decreased with increasing PKS content due to the high water absorption and lower strength of PKS compared to granite. However, concrete containing up to 20% PKS achieved compressive strength values close to the target strength for Grade 20 concrete at 28 days. It was concluded that palm kernel shell can be used as a partial replacement for granite up to an optimum level of 20%, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for sutainable concrete production

This work investigated the possibility of using waste concrete materials as partial replacement for coarse aggregates in concrete work and some of the properties of Recycled concrete aggregates. The Recycled concrete aggregate used was gotten from waste samples in the laboratory of the Department of Civil/Structural Engineering of the University of Benin. These samples were dried and crushed, they were used to replace Natural Coarse Aggregate under different percentage of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%. The test done was Aggregate Impact Value (AIV), Sieve Analysis, Slump Test, Compressive Strength and Split Tensile Strength Test. With a total of 36 cubes and 36 cylinder made, curing age of 7, 14 and 28 days were used to investigate the strength of the concrete made. The results obtained show that the aggregate impact value of Natural coarse Aggregate was 27.43% and that of Recycled concrete Aggregate 35%. Slump value for 0%, 20%, 40%,60% are 40.50, 30.50, 30.30, 30.70mm. The compressive strength test of 0% is 23.30N/mm2 at 28 days, 20% is 28.11 N/mm 2 at 28 days, 40% is 20.10N/mm2 at 28 days, 60% is 26.96 N/mm2 at 28 days, and the split tensile strength of 0% is 2.69 N/mm2 at 28 days, 20% is 2.75 N/mm2 at 28 days, 40% is 1.78 N/mm2 at 28 days, 60% is 2.18 N/mm2 at 28 days. It was seen that Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) decreases with increase in percentage of replacement and the maximum or optimum strength was obtained at 20% replacement.

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).