FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Ikpoba Dam serves a singular purpose - the provision of potable water to the populace of Benin City. However, the dam's functionality has been adversely affected by acute sedimentation. In response, comprehensive bathymetric surveys were conducted to assess the volume of sediment accumulated during its operational period. This study delves into a thorough investigation
employing a longitudinal profiling technique for short-term mapping of Ikpoba Dam's bottom topography. The primary objectives encompass determining short-term variations in the longitudinal profile of the dam's bottom, generating short-term Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) of the dam's bottom topography, and calculating the accumulated sediment volume by everaging Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) differencing.

Information and Communication Technology (or Technologies) is the acquisition, processing, storage, and dissemination of vocal, pictorial, textual, and numerical information by a microelectronics-based combination of computing and telecommunications (Karl, 1961). According to UNESCO “ICT is a scientific, technological and engineering discipline and management technique used in handling information, its application and association with social, economic, and cultural matters”. ICT is a branch of Information Technology (IT) that emphasizes the communication technologies that affect our society and how we communicate or share data or information. Four main types of communication devices help with the ease of sharing information across the globe, these are the internet, television, radio, and telephone. ICT has been defined by many scholars and authors over the years and the definitions are central to the sharing of information for easier communication

The Nigerian construction industry is expanding at a rapid rate both in terms of complexity and volume, with that comes a host of issues with project cost and time overruns being at the top. As a result of this, it has become important to conduct this study with the aim of developing cost and time models that can be used by stakeholders in the construction industry. The objectives of this study are to: determine the relationship between cost per kilometer and cost overrun in Nigeria, ascertain the relationship between cost per kilometer and time overrun in Nigeria, analyze the relationship between initial cost and cost overrun in Nigeria and determine the relationship between initial time and time overrun in Nigeria. Secondary data of a population size of 229 extracted from a document released by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in 2017 on the ongoing highway projects in Nigeria was the source of data for this study. Linear regression was the form of analysis performed in order to develop the models in this study. The models obtained in this study are as follows:
C1 = -4.681 x 10
10 + (5.946 x 10
9) Log Ckm + εi, T1 = -322.174 + (58.454) Log Ckm + εi, C1 = -4.336 x 10
9 + (1.088) C0 + εi, T1 = -15.463 + (1.333) T0 + εi. The four models developed posted R2 values, ranging from ≥10% to ≤30%. In conclusion, the relationship between the initial cost of highway projects and its corresponding cost overrun posted the highest R2 value of 30.2% with an adjusted R2 value of 29.1%. This study recommends that reliable cost and time models should more often than not be utilized in predicting the actual time and cost it would take to complete a highway project in Nigeria.

This research seeks to appraise the management practice adopted in public buildings in Benin city using university of Benin teaching hospital(UBTH) as a case study. It examines the condition and state of the public building, investigate the maintenance strategies adopted in the management of the public building, evaluate the challenges associated with the maintenance of
the public building and assesses the user’s satisfaction on the maintenance of the property. In order to achieve these objectives the view and opinions of the estate officers at UBTH and the tenants of the staff quarters were obtained through the administration of questionnaires to them
and data was collected and analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS 10) and Microsoft Excel 2010. The result showed that on the condition and state of the building, the buildings are not habitable and the estate officers do not carry out regular inspections to ascertain the maintenance needs. In the aspect of the maintenance strategies adopted it was found that the corrective, routine, and planned maintenance are the core strategies employed by the management. The maintenance challenges were also discovered and ranked from top to bottom. In respect to the level of User’s satisfaction with the maintenance of the public building, there was clear indication of dissatisfaction by the occupants with the state and maintenance of the buildings. The study recommends a direct communication chain that would afford the occupants easy
access whenever the need arises. To ensure more efficient and effective results this research also recommends a review of the maintenance strategies in the hospital. In addition it further recommends a comprehensive maintenance action on the dilapidated facilities and structures of the staff quarters. Lastly and most importantly, this research recommends the enlightenment of
the users or tenants on the proper and sustainable use of the buildings.

The growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient buildings has created opportunities for technological innovations such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reshape the construction industry. This research examined the role of AI in promoting sustainable building design in Benin City, Edo State, with particular emphasis on energy efficiency, smart technologies, and
environmentally responsible construction practices. The study was guided by objectives which sought to assess awareness of AI applications, evaluate the effectiveness of AI-driven tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Smart Metering, and Building Management Systems (BMS), and analyze the impact of AI on material selection, waste reduction, and overall building
performance.

This study assesses the risks associated with direct commercial real estate (CRE) investment in Benin City, Nigeria, focusing on Egor, Ikpoba Okha, and Oredo Local Government Areas. As the Nigerian real estate market matures, understanding the complexities and inherent risks in CRE becomes crucial for informed investment decisions. The research adopts a pragmatic philosophy, utilizing a mixed-methods approach that integrates qualitative and quantitative techniques. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis, targeting key stakeholders including real estate investors, certified agents, property developers, financial analysts, and other built environment professionals. Findings reveal that market risks—such as fluctuating demand and interest rates—are primary concerns, followed by economic risks (inflation, exchange rate fluctuations), environmental risks (flooding, erosion), legal risks (land disputes, zoning laws), social risks (tenant defaults, security concerns), and political risks. The study also identifies the prevalent risk assessment techniques applied by investors, including scenario analysis, brainstorming, Delphi techniques, decision tree analysis, and advanced methods like Monte Carlo simulations and Bayesian statistics. Risk management strategies commonly employed include diversification of investment portfolios, engaging legal and financial experts, conducting due diligence, purchasing insurance policies, and adopting flexible lease agreements. The study further highlights challenges such as inconsistent government policies, lack of reliable data, and infrastructural deficits that hinder effective risk management. Despite these limitations, the study recommends adopting advanced risk assessment tools, improving legal frameworks, fostering public-private partnerships, and leveraging technology such as machine learning and blockchain to enhance transparency and risk prediction. These measures aim to create a more resilient commercial real estate market in Benin City, ultimately attracting local and foreign investors while promoting sustainable urban development. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on CRE investment risks in emerging markets and offers valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and industry professionals seeking to navigate the complex landscape of Nigeria’s real estate sector.

This project explores the use of finite element analysis (FEA) methods for the Physics Department building's deformation monitoring. For buildings to remain structurally sound and safe, deformation monitoring is essential, especially for those that are subjected to changing loading bearing and climatic conditions over time. A comprehensive approach for modeling and assessing the structural behavior of complex structures, such as buildings, under various conditions is provided by the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method. Taken into account its geometric, material, and loading properties, FEA is used in this work to model the Physics Department building. The assessment of the building's response to varying loads and environmental conditions involves the evaluation of several deformation parameters, including displacements, strains, stiffness and stresses. The results of this study help in the construction of effective deformation monitoring plans for structures that are similar to the Physics Department building and offer insightful information about the structural integrity of the building. The methodology involves the strategic placement of GNSS receivers, considering topographic features, and environmental factors. The selected GNSS receivers are equipped with advanced capabilities for precise positioning, enabling the monitoring of both static and real-time information. The project also integrates quality assurance measures, such as regular calibration checks, redundancy protocols, and real-time corrections, to ensure the reliability of the collected data. The anticipated outcomes of this project include a comprehensive dataset detailing the deformations observed in the monitored structures area over a period. Furthermore, the research advances finite element analysis (FEA) methods in structural engineering by improving their accuracy and practicality.

This research encompasses the significance of signage in enhancing branding, communication, safety, and accessibility within the University of Benin’s Ekehuan Campus. Signage plays a vital role in educational settings by fostering a unified institutional identity, improving user experience, and ensuring safety—especially during emergencies. Additionally, the study highlights that the needs of persons with disabilities are frequently neglected, thereby limiting equitable access to campus facilities. The research examines core design elements—including typography, color schemes, imagery, and spatial placement—and their influence on branding, user experience, and inclusivity. The aim of this study is to provide practical recommendations for enhancing signage design that aligns with the university’s visual identity and accessibility standards. By addressing existing shortcomings, the study seeks to create a more functional, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all users, including individuals with disabilities. The findings are anticipated to guide future signage design practices that promote improved user engagement, safety, and accessibility across academic institutions.

This study investigates the impact of the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) on residential property management in Abuja Metropolis. The aim was to examine the extent of IoT adoption, evaluate its benefits in enhancing property management efficiency, and identify the challenges hindering widespread implementation. A survey research design was employed. Structured questionnaires were administered to 52 out of 184 real estate firms operating in Abuja and 25 out of 125 smart home users. The responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools to assess patterns of adoption, perceptions, and outcomes of IoT utilization in residential property management. Findings revealed that IoT adoption significantly improved security, energy efficiency, remote monitoring of facilities, communication between managers and tenants, and overall tenant satisfaction. Real estate firms acknowledged IoT as a tool for reducing operational costs and ensuring proactive maintenance. However, challenges such as high installation and maintenance costs, inadequate digital literacy among users, poor awareness, and unstable internet connectivity were identified as major barriers to full- scale adoption.