Research Publications (Engineering and Built Environment)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/215

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Assessment of professional pricing strategies in the built environment : case study of South Africa
(Seybold Publications, 2025-01-01) Ramabodu, Molusiwa Stephan; Nena, Tholang David
Inequality in professional fees across built environment professions poses a significant challenge within the construction industry. This study employs document analysis, focusing on projects as case studies, to investigate fee structures across various professions, including quantity surveyors, project managers, architects, structural engineers, civil engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and occupational health and safety officers. The analysis reveals considerable variability in fee percentages across projects, suggesting that fee determination is influenced by factors such as project complexity, size, risk, location, and market conditions. Despite this variability, certain patterns emerge, such as higher fee percentages for projects with increased complexity or value. Additionally, competitive pricing strategies are observed, with professionals adjusting fee percentages to remain competitive within the market. These findings underscore the importance of tailored fee structures, informed by project-specific requirements and industry standards, to address the issue of inequality in professional fees and ensure fair compensation for built environment professionals.
Strategies for empowering and retaining women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields : a systematic literature review
(Seybold Publications, 2025-01-09) Ntombela, Bogolo; Ramabodu, Molusiwa Stephan; Moloi, Katleho
Despite the increasing integration of women into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, gender disparities persist, particularly in engineering disciplines. Research indicates that women are significantly underrepresented in engineering roles across various nations, with cultural, institutional, and educational barriers contributing to these disparities. Efforts to address these issues have included educational reforms, mentoring programs, and policy changes, yet challenges remain in achieving gender equity and retaining women within these fields. This study aims to explore and evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at improving gender equity in STEM education and careers. The research seeks to answer how different strategies, such as peer mentoring and inclusive curriculum designs, impact women's recruitment, retention, and advancement in engineering. The ultimate goal is to identify practices that can significantly reduce gender gaps in STEM disciplines. This study employs a systematic literature review to assess the impact of gender equity initiatives in STEM fields. The review synthesizes existing research findings from multiple global contexts, evaluating the success and scalability of various interventions. Sources include academic papers, reports on educational programs, workplace studies, and direct feedback from participants in gender-focused initiatives. This approach aims to gather comparative insights into effective practices for promoting gender equity in STEM. Anticipated outcomes of this study include identifying key factors that contribute to successful gender equity programs in STEM. These may include the critical role of institutional support, the effectiveness of mentoring networks, and the importance of culturally sensitive curriculum reforms. The study is expected to provide a set of validated approaches that can be adopted and adapted by educational institutions and corporate entities alike. The review is anticipated to conclude that a multifaceted approach, combining top-down policy changes with bottom up educational and cultural reforms, is most effective in promoting gender equity in STEM. These strategies are likely to be more successful when they are integrated into the core mission of institutions rather than implemented as peripheral programs. Recommendations focus on long-term commitments to these changes and the continuous assessment of their impact on reducing gender disparities.
Key drivers and best practices for effective municipal infrastructure maintenance
(Seybold Publications, 2025-01-14) Munyai, Pfariso; Mathaba, Tebello; Nkomo, Morena William; Ramabodu, Molusiwa Stephan
This study investigates the optimization of municipal infrastructure maintenance, focusing on the challenges and strategies required to ensure efficient and sustainable maintenance practices in South Africa. The motivation for this research stems from the persistent issues of resource mismanagement, insufficient budgeting, and the lack of advanced maintenance strategies that hinder infrastructure performance in municipalities. The methodology employed for this study was broken into 8 distinct phases. The methodology flow starts with the study's research design, a thorough review of related literature, conducting interviews, or surveying industry experts using a questionnaire. This is followed by reviewing existing literature coupled with the reviewing of expert interviews. From here the research methodology moves to the analysis of data, a systematic review of literature, and analysis of interviews. The final two steps involve the interpretation of results, the results are analyzed utilizing the Likert scale using statistical measures such as the mean, standard deviation, and variance of the data and concluding the results. The results reveal that insufficient resource allocation, poor asset management, and limited integration of advanced technologies, such as IoT and predictive maintenance tools, are the primary obstacles to effective maintenance. However, strategies like lifecycle planning and the implementation of proactive maintenance were identified as strengths, supported by a high Cronbach's alpha value of 0.82 and 0.92 for the survey evaluation of challenges experienced and strategies of maintenance respectively, indicating reliable internal consistency. The study concludes that municipalities must prioritize resource allocation, integrate advanced technologies, and enhance workforce training to improve infrastructure reliability and longevity. Recommendations include adopting a more proactive maintenance approach, leveraging data-driven technologies, and ensuring regulatory compliance to enhance operational efficiency and public service delivery. This research provides valuable insights for improving municipal maintenance strategies, with implications for better infrastructure management and cost effective practices.
Maintenance and management of water infrastructure : a case study of Midvaal Local Municipality
(Seybold Publications, 2025-01-01) Lavhengwa, Vhaande Lucky; Mathaba, Tebello; Nkomo, William; Ramabodu, Molusiwa Stephan
This study examines the critical challenges of maintaining and managing water infrastructure in Midvaal Local Municipality, South Africa, and their effects on water supply reliability. Persistent issues—such as aging infrastructure, insufficient funding, governance limitations, and inadequate institutional capacity—continue to hamper efforts to provide consistent, quality water services. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research gathered quantitative and qualitative data, including surveys from over 100 stakeholders and document analysis of municipal records. Findings highlight that deteriorating pipelines, poor preventive maintenance, and governance constraints contribute significantly to water disruptions and substandard quality compliance. Recommended interventions include adopting technologies like smart metering and leak detection to minimize water loss, strengthening governance, improving institutional skills through training, and boosting budget allocations for upgrades. These measures and a call for coordinated, multi-stakeholder involvement—including community engagement—are essential to achieve reliable, sustainable water management in South African municipalities.
Evaluating the success rates of the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) : insight and implications for professional development
(Seybold Publications, 2024-11-25) Ramabodu, Molusiwa Stephan
This study examines success rates in the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) for quantity surveyors in South Africa, focusing on demographic influences on candidates’ outcomes. Employing a post-positivist philosophical stance, the research uses a quantitative methodology to conduct a systematic analysis of institutional records from the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP). Data from 2019 and 2020 APC assessments were analyzed based on race, gender, and geographic location, providing a comprehensive view of success rates across demographic groups. Additionally, this study assesses the impact of the Professional Skills Modules (PSM), designed for candidates without an accredited Honours degree, on APC outcomes. Statistical tests, including binary regression and Chi-square, were utilized to identify potential patterns and disparities in success rates. Findings suggest that demographic factors may influence APC outcomes, highlighting the need for measures that ensure fairness and accessibility in professional competency assessments. This research contributes to the ongoing conversation about inclusivity and professional development within the quantity surveying field, advocating for reforms that uphold excellence as the primary standard for achieving professional recognition. Through these insights, the study aims to enhance support structures for current and future professionals, fostering equitable opportunities in the evolving landscape of quantity surveying.
Challenges and opportunities for private-to-public transportation modal shift and integrated multimodal passenger transportation systems in Gaborone
(Elsevier BV, 2025) Bashingi, Ndakhona; Adedeji, Jacob Adedayo; Das, Dillip Kumar; Mostafa, Mohamed Mostafa Hassan
Modal shift from private to public transportation has the potential to reduce problems threatening sustainability of urban transportation systems. Discouraging the use of private vehicles in favour of public transportation has been promoted to reduce numbers of vehicles on the road and alleviate traffic congestion. Integrated public transportation systems, incorporating all available modes into a single operational system provides seamless functionalities and convenience. It is crucial to understand mode choice factors, for both public and private vehicle users before promoting multimodal transportation systems. Understanding the current operational state of the public transportation systems as well as perceptions of private vehicle users towards public transportation will enable evaluation of susceptibility to modal shift and multi-mode integration. The aim of the study is to explore prospects of an integrated multimodal public transportation system as well as evaluate possibilities of modal shift by private vehicle users. These are achieved through evaluating perceptions of private vehicle users towards the public transportations system in Gaborone, Botswana. The study uses data gathered through a questionnaire survey; reviewing the state of public transportation based on users’ experiences and perceptions, assessing reasons influencing the use of private vehicles, users' understanding of sustainability and the role played by the increasing number of vehicles on the environment. Availability and effectiveness of public transportation services is evaluated, and the study also explores factors that would lead to modal shift. Results of the study showed that safety and convenience were the most influential factors which may influence modal change while financial and technological factors are least influential. It is further determined that the current state of the public transportation system is detrimental to modal shift, therefore improvement is needed to the system to discourage use of private vehicles while promoting inter-modality between public modes and Non-Motorised Transportation
Towards sustainability : tracking carbon footprint trends at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
("IMS" Vogosca, 2025-01) Madiope, Kgaphudi Wendy; Adedeji, Jacob Adedayo; Rahlao, Sebataolo
Carbon footprint assessment is important to combat global warming and promote sustainability. Globally, organizations committed to biodiversity conservation are essential for maintaining ecosystems and the people who inhabit them. Nonetheless, these organizations produce a carbon footprint due to their operating operations. Hence, this study aimed to assess the specific carbon footprint of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) to improve its understanding of its environmental implications and encourage sustainable behaviors within its particular missions. Using the greenhouse gas protocol corporate accounting and reporting standard as a guide, the study methodology examines greenhouse gas emissions from direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scopes 2 and 3) sources related to Ezemvelo wildlife activities over five years (2014/2015--2018/2019). The results show that 34,016.62 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) are emitted on average each year. The majority of these emissions are caused by Scope 2 electricity consumption, which accounts for 23,475.82 tCO2e, and Scope 1 emissions, which account for 7,826.20 tCO2e. Furthermore, there was a noticeable difference in emissions between the reserves, with the Imfolozi Game Reserve having the highest emissions. The findings of this study direct EKZNW toward ecologically conscious behaviors by acting as a catalyst for educated decision-making. The insight gained paves the way for proactive steps to lower carbon emissions, coordinating conservation efforts with more general goals of sustainability and climate resilience.
Artificial intelligence-based modeling of compressive strength of slurry infiltrated fiber concrete
(Emerald, 2024-12) Oyebisi, Solomon; Shammas, Mahaad Issa; Sani, Reuben; Oyewola, Miracle Olanrewaju; Olutoge, Festus
The purpose of this paper is to develop a reliable model that would predict the compressive strength of slurry infiltrated fiber concrete (SIFCON) modified with various supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) using artificial intelligence approach. Design/methodology/approach This study engaged the artificial intelligence to predict the compressive strength of SIFCON through deep neural networks (DNN), artificial neural networks, linear regression, regression trees, support vector machine, ensemble trees, Gaussian process regression and neural networks (NN). A thorough data set of 387 samples was gathered from relevant studies. Eleven variables (cement, silica fume, fly ash, metakaolin, steel slag, fine aggregates, steel fiber fraction, steel fiber aspect ratio, superplasticizer, water to binder ratio and curing ages) were taken as input to predict the output (compressive strength). The accuracy and reliability of the developed models were assessed using a variety of performance metrics. Findings The results showed that the DNN (11-20-20-20-1) predicted the compressive strength of SIFCON better than the other algorithms with R2 and mean square error yielding 95.89% and 8.07. The sensitivity analysis revealed that steel fiber, cement, silica fume, steel fiber aspect ratio and superplasticizer are the most vital variables in estimating the compressive strength of SIFCON. Steel fiber contributed the highest value to the SIFCON’s compressive strength with 16.90% impact. Originality/value This is a novel technique in predicting the compressive strength of SIFCON optimized with different SCMs using supervised learning algorithms, improving its quality and performance.
Empowering classroom creativity : how lecturer mental wellness transforms teaching dynamics in higher education
(Seybold Publications, 2025-01-01) Ntombela, Bogolo; Awodele, Imoleayo Abraham; Ramabodu, Molusiwa Stephan
Amid rising concerns about burnout and mental health challenges in academia, this paper examines how enhancing the mental well-being of lecturers can unlock new levels of creativity in teaching, particularly in higher education settings. This study focuses on how supporting the mental health of lecturers could foster transformative changes in classroom dynamics. By reducing stress and improving cognitive flexibility, mental wellness directly contributes to lecturers' ability to innovate in their teaching practices. Key themes include the mental health challenges faced by educators, the impact of wellness on creative teaching practices, and the institutional support systems that are in place. The paper analyzes case studies from universities and colleges that have successfully implemented wellness programs, such as mental health days, access to counseling, and flexible workloads, illustrating their positive impact on teaching dynamics. The literature review synthesizes best practices in mental health support for educators, highlighting successful wellness initiatives across various educational settings. By adopting these practices, institutions can not only enhance lecturer well-being but also cultivate a more creative and dynamic learning environment, ultimately enriching the educational experience for both educators and students.
A structural equation modelling analysis of factors influencing successful project delivery in South African public sector
(World Scientific Publishing, 2022-02-16) Armoed, Zakheeya; Haupt, Theodore Conrad
PURPOSE An empirical gap exists in South African literature on the key factors that influence successful project delivery of public sector construction and engineering projects. Prior research has focused primarily on select aspects of project delivery within a limited South African context . This study provides an outline for gaining a deeper understanding of unexplored and unique influences that govern the public sector construction and engineering industry in South Africa. An empirical investigation of the above issues assists in refining the key influencing factors and in developing a proposed strategic infrastructure delivery management structural model for the successful delivery of public sector construction and engineering projects in South Africa. DESIGN The study employs methodological triangulation through semi-structured interviews and a scaled survey questionnaire to ascertain the views of the research participants experiences, opinions and factors that influence successful construction project delivery in the South African public sector environment. The research data collected from the triangulation methods were further analysed through empirical analysis and through the adoption of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to develop a proposed strategi. infrastructure delivery management structural model FINDINGS The research study findings contribute practically and theoretically to the prevailing body of knowledge and provides a foundation for policymakers and industry stakeholders to develop a Strategic Infrastructure Delivery Management Model for implementation by public sector institutions and key industry stakeholders. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS The research study will be limited to Kwazulu-Natal due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, a quantitative research study will be conducted through the adoption of survey questionnaires amongst 750 construction and engineering sector stakeholders from organisations are registered with the Construction Industry Development Board, who represent their organisations' views and opinions. VALUE The research study contributes to the existing body of knowledge as it serve as a basis for further research into infrastructure delivery and management systems within developing countries and more specifically, the study provides the basis for research into the efficacy and appropriateness of infrastructure delivery management systems as a successful tool for infrastructure delivery management in the South African public sector environment
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.
Renewable energy source utilization progress in South Africa : a review
(MDPI AG, 2024-07-01) Adebiyi, Abayomi A.; Moloi, Katleho
Renewable energy has emerged as a promising solution to address the challenges of climate change, energy security, and socio-economic development. South Africa, with its abundant renewable energy resources, has made significant strides in the utilization of renewable energy over the past decade. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the progress of renewable energy advancement in South Africa, examining the policies, initiatives, and achievements in various renewable energy sectors. This study explores the country’s transition from a heavily coal-dependent energy system to a diversified and sustainable energy mix. It analyses the growth of renewable energy technologies, such as wind power and solar photovoltaic (PV), highlighting the key milestones, challenges, and opportunities. Furthermore, this paper discusses the role of government support, regulatory frameworks, and private sector investments in driving renewable energy deployment in South Africa. Finally, it identifies the prospects and potential areas for further advancement in the renewable energy sector. This review aims to contribute to the understanding of South Africa’s renewable energy journey and provides valuable insights for policy-makers, researchers, and stakeholders involved in the sustainable energy transition.
Renewable energy site assessment with multi-criteria decision-making
(IEEE Explore, 2024-11-28) Adebiyi, Abayomi Aduragba; Moloi, Katleho; Abbey, Xander
With global demand for renewable energy increasing, the search for suitable locations for renewable power plants has intensified. This paper presents a comprehensive site suitability assessment for solar power plants and wind farms using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The Analytic Hierarchy Process forms the basis for the analysis of criteria while considering their relative importance, making it suitable for multi-criteria decision-making scenarios. Graphical Information Systems provide spatial analysis capabilities that enable the integration of various geographic information layers and facilitate informed decision-making. By combining AHP with GIS, this study offers a systematic approach for decision-makers and stakeholders in renewable energy industries worldwide to identify optimal locations for renewable power plants. The methodology encompasses data collection from reputable sources, extracting useful information from these sources and using them within the AHP framework, all within various Python software libraries. Through the integration of the aforementioned methodologies, this research contributes to the advancement of renewable energy site suitability assessment methodologies and supports the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.
Place-based regional planning : shaping governance, planning policy and practices in a South African region, 1994–2022
(Informa UK Limited, 2024-11-06) Lincoln, G. M.; McCarthy, J. J.; Dorasamy, N.
The governance of regions is activated through actors and institutions representing diverse interests. Using place-based planning, this paper reviews local planning in South Africa drawing upon a case study of the iLembe District. We argue that region building is constructed through economic and political forces, currently blocked by poor relationships between the state, civil society, business, and inter-governmental complexities. The study uses empirical evidence on the regional conditions of the iLembe District and associated municipalities, reviews of planning documents and legislation, and interviews with key stakeholders. The authors argue that the local planning framework is ineffectual, lacking strategic direction, and primarily servicing provincial and nationally derived compliance requirements, rather than meeting strategic developmental objectives. Most recently, the global pandemic emphasized interlinked vulnerabilities and weak linkages associated with globalisation and sustainable development, particularly with global supply and value chains, health systems, settlement patterns, energy production and food security. We argue for a new form of collaborative regional planning and governance framework which could be laid through a “learning region” approach as identified in the place-based literature. An example is unlocking green energy production as a value addition to the established but crisis-laden sugar industry in the case study.
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.
Infrastructure delivery management challenges in KwaZulu-Natal : a review of the operations and maintenance module
(Seybold Publications, 2024-10-22) Hadebe, Weziwe; Armoed, Zakheeya; Mewomo, Modupe
Globally, governments have prioritized infrastructural policy and infrastructure development as the key to economic development. Efforts to accelerate effective infrastructural delivery in South Africa gave rise to the development of a government-wide tool called the Infrastructural Delivery Management System (IDMS). This was developed as a standardized approach for the planning, budgeting, procurement, operations, maintenance, decision-making and general management of South Africa’s infrastructural development across all tiers of government. The study explores the effectiveness of implementing the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) module of the IDMS in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Focusing on the KZN province, the study utilizes a mixed method research approach. Articles were sourced from databases which included Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Governmental platforms. Peer-reviewed studies in the English language that were published between 2010 to 2024 were identified. Key search terms were infrastructure delivery management system, challenges, operations, maintenance, and efficiency that informed the literature review of the study. The study drew a sample of 133 participants responsible for infrastructural delivery using purposive sampling. Data was analyzed using thematic and content analysis. Findings suggest within the ecosystem of infrastructural development in the KZN province, the necessary IDMS capacity and capabilities do exist. However, the impact of different institutional roles, responsibilities and concurrent functions; in coordinating and implementing the IDMS, has influenced a growing backlog in public infrastructural delivery in KZN. This can be attributed to the failures in coordination resulting in the efficiencies of the O&M module. Through the resurrection of district maintenance workshops and decisive leadership in response to poor operational and maintenance plans, the application of IDMS may prove to be successful in alleviating infrastructure backlogs across all tiers of governance.
The prospect of floating photovoltaic in clean energy provision and net-zero-emissions
(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024) Ebhota, Williams S.; Tabakov, Pavel Y.
This study emphasizes the critical role of renewable energy in addressing climate change challenges, particularly in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It highlights the central importance of solar photovoltaic systems. While recognizing South Africa’s progress in renewable energy deployment, the study notes that substantial efforts are still needed to meet the country’s renewable energy targets. The study’s primary aim is to enhance the understanding and deployment of solar photovoltaic systems by critically examining the photovoltaic potential and performance of different sites. To achieve this, two scenarios—land photovoltaic and floating photovoltaic systems—were considered, focusing on hypothetical 10 MWp-installed capacity systems. The results indicate that the 10-MWp land photovoltaic system has a global tilted irradiance of 2184.7 kWh/m2, an annual total output of 18 GWh, and an average yearly performance ratio of 81%. The economic parameters for the land photovoltaic system include a capital expenditure of $9.0 million, an operational expenditure of $157,500 annually, and a levelised cost of energy of $0.04089/kWh. In contrast, the 10-MWp floating photovoltaic system reports a Global Tilted Irradiance of 1797 kWh/m2, an annual total output of 16 GWh, and a performance ratio of 76%. The economic parameters for the floating photovoltaic system include a capital expenditure of $10.6 million, an operational expenditure of $176,250 annually, and a levelised cost of energy of $0.04936/kWh. Both scenarios’ econo-technical parameters fall within acceptable ranges. However, the land photovoltaic system shows better performance, indicating some efficiency loss in the floating photovoltaic system possibly due to harsher offshore conditions. Based on the data from the reports, the study concludes that the econo-technical feasibility of floating photovoltaic in the Western Cape Province of South Africa is high.
Optimal design of laminated composite and nanocomposite structures using evolutionary optimization techniques : a survey
(2024-09-05) Moyo, Ranaganai T.; Tabakov, Pavel Yaroslavovich
The optimal design of laminated composite and nanocomposite (LCNC) structures stands at the forefront of materials engineering, offering the potential to revolutionize the development of advanced materials with superior mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. By tailoring LCNC structures to meet specific performance requirements, optimizing material usage, and exploring innovative design approaches, engineers can create lighter, more efficient, and environmentally friendly structures that excel in diverse applications. Many industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction are already using composite and nanocomposite materials to develop high-strength and lightweight structures. Thus, this survey delves into evolutionary optimization techniques as powerful tools for achieving optimal configurations in LCNC structures, highlighting the importance of selecting the appropriate technique for a given optimization problem. A strict selection method was employed to come up with this review paper, and only reputable literary sources were used. The research articles used in this survey were searched from top research databases such as ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The articles published in the period, 2015 to 2024 were considered. Common design optimization problems such as buckling load, vibration, and weight and cost minimization were covered.
A survey of home energy management systems and their efficacy in South Africa
(IEEE, 2024-03-07) Madushele, Nkosinathi; Tabakov, Pavel
In 2022, South Africa experienced a total of 3776 hours of power outages, commonly known as load shedding. This had a significant economic impact, with estimates from the South African Reserve Bank suggesting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) loss ranging from 0.7% to 3.2%. To address this issue, various initiatives are currently being implemented, including the implementation of renewable energy projects, effective maintenance of existing infrastructure, and a proposal to introduce smart meters to address challenges related to demand-side management (DSM). The electricity market in South Africa is transforming, and this is leading to the emergence of potential technologies that can help address the aforementioned challenges. One such technology is the Home Energy Management System (HEMS). This paper surveys this technology and assesses its potential effectiveness in the South African context.
An adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference scheme for defect detection and classification of solar Pv cells
(Academy Publishing Center, 2024-09-12) Moyo, Ranganai Tawanda; Dewa, Mendon; Romero, Héctor Felipe Mateo; Gómez, Victor Alonso; Aragonés, Jose Ignacio Morales; Hernández-Callejo, Luis
This research paper presents an innovative approach for defect detection and classification of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells using the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) technique. As solar energy continues to be a vital component of the global renewable energy mix, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of PV systems is paramount. Detecting and classifying defects in PV cells are crucial steps toward ensuring optimal performance and longevity of solar panels. Traditional defect detection and classification methods often face challenges in providing precise and adaptable solutions to this complex problem. In this study the researchers pose an ANFIS-based scheme that combines the strengths of neural networks and fuzzy logic to accurately identify and classify various types of defects in solar PV cells. The adaptive learning mechanism of ANFIS enables the model to continuously adapt to changes in operating conditions ensuring robust and reliable defect detection capabilities. The ANFIS model was developed and implemented using MATLAB and a high predicting accuracy was achieved.

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