STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

This project develops an automated MATLAB tool to verify bridge deck design compliance with Nigerian and major international codes (NHBC,AASHTO LRFD, Eurocode 2). It solves a practical problem in contexts where manual checks are slow, error-prone, and commercial software is costly or not tailored to local regulations. Using a descriptive-developmental approach, the work collects relevant code requirements, designs a modular system, implements the compliance engine in MATLAB, and adds a user-friendly input interface plus an automated reporting module. The tool accepts geometry, material and load data, lets the user pick the design code, and runs checks for bending moments, shear forces and deflections at both Ultimate and Serviceability Limit States. In short, the project provides a practical, scalable, and standardized solution that
improves accuracy and efficiency in bridge-deck code compliance, helps bridge the gap created by limited access to commercial software, and supports safer infrastructure design in Nigeria.

This study focused on the analysis of load distribution in reinforced concrete (RC) bridge decks using the Guyon–Massonnet–Bares (GMB) method, enhanced through artificial intelligence (AI) and MATLAB integration. The primary aim was to simplify and automate the lengthy manual calculations typically associated with the GMB method by employing AI-assisted computation and visualization tools. Bridge deck parameters were obtained for a 25 m span bridge, and traditional analytical procedures were performed to determine the composite moment of inertia, centroidal properties, bending moments, and required reinforcement area. To improve efficiency, ChatGPT was utilized to generate MATLAB scripts based on defined parameters, enabling automated computation, graphical validation, and comparison of results with manual calculations. The generated MATLAB program successfully reproduced the analytical outcomes, verified bending moment distributions, and produced visual outputs such as load distribution profiles, bending moment diagrams, and influence lines. The integration of AI in bridge analysis effectively reduced human error, saved computational time by approximately 75%, and served as a dynamic learning platform for engineers and students. Benchmarked against classical GMB results, the AI-enhanced system achieved over 95% predictive accuracy, confirming its reliability and ability to simplify complex structural analysis without compromising computational precision

This research investigates the suitability of cow bone ash (CBA) as a partial replacement for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in concrete production, with the aim of reducing cement consumption, lowering environmental impact, and promoting sustainable waste management practices in Nigeria. Cow bones, which constitute a major agricultural waste product, were processed into ash through controlled calcination and evaluated for their potential pozzolanic contribution in concrete. The study focused on assessing the effects of varying percentages of CBA on the fresh and hardened properties of concrete, particularly particle size distribution, workability, strength development, and durability. To achieve the objectives of the study, concrete mixes were prepared using a nominal mix ratio of 1:2:4 and a constant water–cement ratio of 0.50. Cow bone ash was used to partially replace cement at replacement levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% by weight. Laboratory tests were conducted in accordance with relevant British and ASTM standards. These tests included sieve analysis to determine particle size distribution, slump test to assess workability, compressive and flexural strength tests at curing ages of 7, 14, and 28 days, and water absorption tests to evaluate durability characteristics. The results showed that concrete containing 5–10% cow bone ash exhibited improved performance compared to the control mix. At these replacement levels, improved particle packing and additional calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) formation led to enhanced strength and reduced water absorption. However, workability decreased with increasing CBA content due to higher water demand, and replacement levels above 15% resulted in reduced strength and increased water absorption caused by higher porosity and unreacted ash particles. In conclusion, cow bone ash can be effectively used as a supplementary cementitious material at replacement levels of up to 10–15%, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional cement in concrete production.

This project aims to evaluate the strength of concrete by partially replacing the coarse aggregate by Blast Furnace Slag (BFS). The primary objective is to determine the effect of replacing natural granite with BFS in varying percentages (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%) on the strength and durability of concrete. The research is motivated by the need to find sustainable alternatives to natural aggregates, reduce construction costs, and promote the reuse of industrial by-products in the construction industry. The methodology involved preparing concrete mixes with BFS replacing granite at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% by weight. The materials to be used include Ordinary Portland Cement, fine aggregates (sharp sand), coarse aggregates (granite and BFS), and potable water. Standard laboratory tests were conducted, including sieve analysis for particle size distribution, slump test for workability, compressive strength and flexural strength tests at curing ages of 7, 14, and 28 days, and Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) and Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) tests to assess aggregate quality. A constant mix proportion was maintained for all specimens, with curing performed under controlled conditions to ensure comparability of results. The results revealed that the control mix (0% BFS) achieved the highest compressive strength of 21.08 N/mm² and flexural strength of 9.60 N/mm² at 28 days, while 2.5% BFS replacement yielded comparable strengths of 19.29 N/mm² and 8.56 N/mm², respectively. Workability decreased with increasing BFS content, with slump values reducing from 30 mm (control) to 16 mm (10% BFS). The AIV and ACV values confirmed that both aggregates were mechanically durable, though granite performed slightly better. It was concluded that BFS can be used as a partial replacement for granite up to 2.5% in structural concrete without significant loss of performance, while higher percentages are more suitable for non-structural applications