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Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment

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Browsing Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment by Subject "0905 Civil Engineering"

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  • Item
    Evaluating the current state of pedestrian facilities in peri-urban and urban areas : a case study of Pietermaritzburg City
    (Bentham Science Publishers Ltd., 2024-04-26) Maseko, Wealthy Tsembile; Adedeji, Jacob Adedayo; Bashingi, Ndakhona; Honiball, James
    Background Pedestrian infrastructure is pivotal for advancing the movement of nonmotorized road users and plays a transformative role in transitioning toward sustainable transportation, especially in rural territories influenced by urban dynamics and interconnected by daily commuter flows. Both walking and cycling stand out as paramount sustainable transport means, offering substantial health and environmental benefits, including reduced noise and air pollution. Multiple factors, such as convenience, safety, accessibility, service cost, flexibility, and the quality of pedestrian pathways, shape individuals' propensity to walk. Notably, in peri-urban contexts, the cost of service becomes a significant determinant, as a notable proportion of the population earns minimal wages or faces unemployment. Objective This study sought to examine the current state of pedestrian walkways within Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas, through which the accessibility, availability, and quality of these facilities were assessed. The study has suggested possible solutions to address the challenges faced by pedestrians. Methods By conducting semi-structured interviews and leveraging ArcGIS mapping utilities, this research has delineated the existing scenario and offered an initial redesign tailored to pedestrian requirements. Results The data have starkly revealed pervasive inadequacies in the existing pedestrian infrastructure. The functionality and safety of current amenities have been manifestly undermined by these shortcomings. The continuing use of these dilapidated facilities may pose alarming threats not only to pedestrians, but also to other road users.
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    Interfacial tensile bond strength between precast rib and cast-in-situ concrete for beam and block slab systems
    (University of the Free State, 2024-06) Khuzwayo, Bonga
    The beam and block slab systems, also referred to as rib and block slab, are widely used in South Africa as a preferred suspended flooring system owing to their structural efficacy and economic viability. According to SANS 1879:2021 guidelines for precast concrete suspended slabs, it is recommended to remove temporary propping for beams and block slabs once the cast-in-situ concrete’s compressive strength surpasses 17 MPa. Notwithstanding the limited availability of literature on the matter, certain manufacturers and structural engineers have raised apprehensions regarding the structural soundness of the interfacial tensile bond strength that exists between precast rib and cast-in-situ concrete, particularly when the compressive strength of concrete is 17 MPa, hence the study. In order to measure the structural soundness of interfacial tensile bond strength, pull-out tests were conducted on precast roughened concrete ribs and cast-in-situ concrete. The study determined that, when the surface roughness was 3 mm, the delamination experiments exhibited a tensile stress of 0.15 MPa, which equates to a compressive strength of 17 MPa for cast-in-situ concrete. Furthermore, the study revealed that the tensile strength attains a value of 0.21 MPa upon attainment of a compressive strength of 25 MPa for concrete, given a surface roughness of 3 mm. The study suggests that an independent mechanism should be devised and implemented to guarantee the structural soundness of the interfacial tensile bond strength between precast ribs and cast-in-situ concrete topping, owing to the low bond strengths.
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    An investigative study into the challenges impacting the South African public sector construction industry
    (World Scientific Publishing, 2023-03-01) Armoed, Zakheeya A.; Haupt, Theodore Conrad
    Within South African literature, there exists an empirical gap on the key challenges that impact the successful delivery of construction and engineering projects in the public sector. Earlier research has focused on select aspects of construction and engineering project delivery within a refined context. This study focuses on obtaining a greater understanding of various unique influences that influence and impact the South African construction and engineering industry. An empirical investigation assists the study by refining the key challenges that impact the successful delivery of public sector construction projects in South Africa. DESIGN The study employs methodological triangulation to discern the views of research participants and their respective opinions regarding the challenges impacting the South African public sector construction industry. The research data collected through triangulation methods were empirically analysed through the adoption of Statistical Product and Service Solutions and AMOS for the purpose of structural equation modelling. FINDINGS The findings highlighting the key project challenges contribute theoretically and practically to the current body of knowledge. The findings also provide the base for public sector stakeholders to develop a Strategic Model for implementation by public sector institutions. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS The study was limited to Kwazulu-Natal due to the coronavirus pandemic. It was conducted among 750 construction and engineering sector stakeholders from organisations registered with the Construction Industry Development Board through the adoption of survey questionnaires, which present the views and opinions of their respective organisations. VALUE The study contributes directly to the existing body of knowledge and promotes a basis for further research into the South African public sector construction industry and the management systems within.
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    The rate of building information modeling adoption at higher education intuitions in South Africa
    (World Scientific Publishing, 2024-03-01) Armoed, Zakheeya; Naidu, Desiree Elizabeth
    PURPOSE The outcome of this research aims to support South African universities, with regards to BIM integration within programs at higher education institutions. This paper focuses on identifying the challenges and highlighting the benets of adoption of BIM into Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) education curriculum. DESIGN A qualitative research approach was adopted to gather data on the topic of the paper. A systematic literature review and case study research process were used. NVivo software analysis was conducted to provide a thematic analysis and ensure validity of the research study. FINDINGS The salient ndings for the study indicate that there is a signicant lack of BIM implementation at South African higher education institutions, within AEC curriculums; and research further indicates resistance to the adoption of BIM, in part; due to the lack of BIM support by the government. VALUE The research study provides insight into the state and rate of BIM implementation at South African higher education institutions with respect to AEC curricula and its need to evolve beyond the conventional methods traditionally taught. The study highlights the challenges and overarching benets of BIM adoption at higher education institutions as well as provides a framework for successful implementation.