A. RAWLINGS

Solid waste management remains a critical environmental and public health challenge within university environments, especially in residential staff quarters where large quantities of solid waste are generated on a daily basis but there is lack of proper management practices. Hence this study aims investigate the solid waste management practices in the junior staff quarters located within the University of Benin. The study employed quantification and characterization of household waste at the point of generation, collection of data with the aid of structured questionnaires and an observational checklist. Data were collected from the residents of the junior staff quarters over a seven day period to determine the rate and composition of waste generation among the residents of the staff quarters. Descriptive statistical tools were used to analyze the data obtained from the questionnaires. A pilot test and a reliability test using Cronbach’s alpha was also conducted to validate the clarity of the questionnaire items and to ensure the internal consistency and dependability of the questionnaire.Results obtained from the questionnaire showed that waste disposal posed a major challenge in the university of Benin Junior Staff Quarters as 97% residents reported there was no waste point availability, 75% reported that the waste collection frequency was irregular and 78% of residents reported that they did not pra tice waste segregation in the junior staff quarters. Observational checklists revealed that solid waste generated by residents were stored in open containers and sack bags with frequent spillage and noncollection. Waste characterization further showed that organic waste constituted the largest
portion (64.64%), nylon constituting 12.98% plastic constituting 5.96% Miscellaeneous constituting 11.1% metal and paper constituting the lowest with 4.43% and 0.89%
respectively

The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials has prompted the
exploration of alternative resources to conventional aggregates. This study investigated
the effect of using periwinkle shells as a partial replacement for coarse aggregate in
concrete, combined with chemical admixture.
The study utilized the following materials: cement, fine aggregate(sand), coarse
aggregate (granite), water, and periwinkle shells. The method involved preparing
concrete mixes with varying proportions (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) of granite
replaced by periwinkle shells. Standard laboratory tests were carried out, these include:
The physical properties of cement (consistency, initial and final setting time), aggregate
(fineness modulus, silt content, moisture content, specific gravity, aggregate crushing
value, and aggregate impact value test) and mechanical properties of the concrete
produced (compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength) at 7, 14 and 28
days curing period. Slump test and water absorption tests, were also assessed to evaluate
the suitability of periwinkle shells as coarse aggregate substitutes.
The results showed that compressive strength decreased with increasing replacement but
remained satisfactory at lower levels. At 28 days, the control mix achieved 20.85 N/mm²,
while 10% replacement recorded 19.56 N/mm², representing a 6% reduction but still
retaining over 90% of the control strength. Similarly, split tensile strength reduced from 3.87 N/mm² (control) to 3.60 N/mm² (10%), and flexural strength decreased from 5.96 N/mm² to 4.13 N/mm² at 28 days. Water absorption increased slightly from 2.68% .(control) to 3.04% at 10% replacement, remaining within acceptable durability limits. Based on these findings, the optimum replacement level is 10%, as it offers improved sustainability while maintaining structural adequacy and durability for practical applications.