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Recent Submissions
Comparative study of strenghth of truss reinforced concrete beam and conventional reinforced concrete beam
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2016-08) Nwokorobia, Godfrey Chimezie
This work presents comparative study of strength of truss reinforced concrete beam and conventional reinforced concrete beam. Two sets of 0.15 x 0.15 x 1m beams were cast. One set was cast using truss as a system of reinforcement at
spacing of 100mm, 150mm and 200mm. The other set was cast using longitudinal bars and links at spacing of 100mm, 150mm, and 200mm as the conventional reinforcement. In all 27 truss and 27 conventional reinforcement
beams were cast. Three mix ratios were used for this work, namely, 0.5:1:2:4, 0.55:1:2.5:5, and 0.6:1:3:6. Each mix ratio was used to cast nine truss reinforced concrete beams, nine conventional reinforced concrete beams, and three
concrete cubes. The quantities of these mix ratios were calculated and batched by weight, mixed and placed in 0.15 x 0.15 x 1m beam mould and 0.15 x 0.15 x 0.15 cube mould. Fifty four beams and nine cubes were cast so as to determine
the flexural strength of the beams and the compressive strength of the concrete cubes respectively. The cast beams and cubes were left for 24hrs before they were demolded and were totally submerged in an open curing tank for twenty
eight days. The cubes were crushed using concrete compressive testing machine and the beams were also loaded to failure using Magnus frame at twenty eighth day. The loads that crushed each of the cubes were recorded and compressive strengths were calculated from their corresponding loads. Also the failure load of each of the beams was recorded and the flexural strength of the beams calculated using their corresponding loads. The 28-day compressive strength of the concrete was found to be 33.40N/mm2 and flexural strength of the truss beam is 1292.27kN/m2 against 1071.82kN/m2 for conventional reinforcement. A computer program was written on truss analysis within the range of 1000mm span in which all the forces in the truss members were generated with the aid of a polynomial established from graph of spacing against points loads. From this study, the following conclusions were drawn: truss reinforced concrete beam has greater strength than the conventional reinforced concrete beam; the higher the compressive strength the higher the flexural strength of the beam; a computer program can be used as alternative to manual truss analysis. Further research should be carried out on this using sandcrete and flat bars reinforcement.
Studies on antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities of curcum longa, mimosa pudica, euphorbia serrata medicinally used in Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2021-09) Ugenyi, Assumpta Ugbonma
Three plants –Euphorbia serrata, Mimosa pudica L. and Curcum longa L. suggested from their ethno-medicinal uses to possess antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities were evaluated
for their different biological activities. Phytochemical analyses were carried out using standard qualitative and quantative analytical methods. Antimicrobial activities were determined by well diffusion method for the isolates; Proteus mirabilis, Alcaligenes faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica, Candida tropicalis and Wickerharmoyces anomalus identified using DNA sequencing. The antioxidant potentials of the extracts were determined by their abilities to scavenge 2, 2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl radical, nitric oxide radical, hydrogen peroxide.The antioxidant potentials were further determined by the reducing power using standard methods. Acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity of the extracts were carried out with Lorke′s method using male albino rats. Pathology examinations of the organs (liver, kidney and heart) were also evaluated. Results of phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of Alkaloids (E. serrata 6.85%; M. pudica2.94%; C. longa 5.28%), Tannins (E. serrata, 35.2%; M. pudica, 24%; C. longa 24.2%), Saponnins (E. serrata 5.77%; M. pudica 6.20%%; C. longa 7.26%), Flavonoids (E. serrata 9.80%, M. pudica 53.8%, C. longa 13.18%), %) and Cardiac glycosides (E.serrata 5.31%, M. pudica 3.22%, C. longa 3.30%). All the extracts inhibited the growth of both bacteria(effective zone of inhibition 7 to 26 mm) and fungi (effective zone 5 to 17 mm) compared to chloramphenicol and griseofulvin respectively. Aqueous extracts of C.longa. had no inhibition for A. faecalis and the fungi at 25mg/ml. The magnitude of bacterial inhibition by the extracts followed order (M.pudica > C.longa > E.serrata) and (C.longa > E. serrata > M.pudica) for the fungi. Scavenging of DPPH, nitric oxide, H2O2 radicals and reducing power ability were concentration dependent. Ethanolic extracts had a significant (p < 0.05) antioxidant scavenging activities for H2O2 and reducing power. E. serrate, M. pudica, C. longa exhibited a strong reducing power (R.P 0.5AU = 15.01 µg/ml, 10.0 µg/ml, 9.38 µg/ml) (R.P 0.5AU = 34.09 µg/ml, 21.77 µg/ml and 21.63 µg/ml) for ethanol and methanol extracts respectively and effectively scavenged DPPH, nitric oxide and H2O2 radicals. Threshold inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of E. serrate, M. pudica, C. longa and ascorbic acid against DPPH radicals were (28.74 µg/ml,19.64 µg/ml,15.62 µg/ml and 15.62 µg/ml ) for ethanol extracts and (2.92 µg/ml, 16.10 µg/ml, 12.50 µg/ml and 15.62 µg/ml) for methanol extracts. IC50 of E. serrate, M. pudica, C. longa and ascorbic acid for nitric oxide radicals were (22.67µg/ml, 50.02µg/ml, 48.34µg/ml and 15.46 µg/ml) for ethanol extracts and (16.55µg/ml, 16.17 µg/ml, 15.36 µg/ml and 15.46 µg/ml) for methanol extracts. IC50 of E. serrata, M. pudica, C. longa and ascorbic acid against H2O2 radicals were (15.31 µg/ml, 15.26 µg/ml, 15.26 µg/ml and15.15 µg/ml) for ethanol extracts and (15.48 µg/ml, 24.17 µg/ml, 35.03 µg/ml and 15.15 µg/ml) for methanol extracts. Mortality from the extracts at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight, were revealed. Sub-chronic oral toxicity of the extracts 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight revealed non-significant difference (p ˃ 0.05) on the biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, SOD, GSH, TP, GPx, CAT, ALB, Urea and Creatinine). Haematology parameters (HB, WBC, RBC, PVC) values when compared with control, showed significant difference (p ˂ 0.05).Similar results were also revealed for body weight when compared with control. Examination of the liver, kidney and heart showed no significant morphological changes except with M. pudica, where observed pathological changes include fatty degeneration and inflammatory cells (lymphoctyes and macrophages) irrespective of extract dosage.
Studies of mechanicl properties of watermelon ring/pawpaw peel reinforced polyethlene composites
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2016-06) Ezeibekwe, Stephen Uzodinma
Some mechanical properties of water melon rind and pawpaw peel reinforced Low density polyethylene (LDPE) and Linear Low Density, (LLDPE) composites have been studied. Two sets of filler loaded LDPE and LLDPE composites were prepared using the injection moulding techniques at a processing temperature of 190 0C Dispersing agent, silicon oil, was added to the composite as a plasticizer to improve flow, processability and to reduce the brittleness of the product. A comprehensive range of mechanical properties: tensile strength, (modulus of elasticity, elongation at break, elongation at yield), impact energy test and hardness test were carried out. Tensile properties of the composite showed an increase in tensile modulus, impact energy test, hardness test, a decline, in elongation at yield and break with increasing filler loading. The tensile strength was enhanced with the incorporation of the two fillers up to 20% filler loading and then decreased with further addition of filler. The result obtained showed that pawpaw peel and water melon rind can be used as reinforcing fillers in thermoplastics and secondly, development of composites, enhances their mechanical properties.
Performance assessment of monocrystalline and polycrystalline solar panel types used in Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2017-01) Onuoha, Elizabeth
The performance assessment of monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon solar panels was conducted in Owerri. The solar panels made in Germany were produced by Flames Company and rated 100W. Both solar panels were subjected to the same weather conditions. The solar panels were placed side by side on the roof top and the outdoor testing was carried out in both the raining and dry season for 28days. Each of the solar panel was connected to 12V, 15A charge controller and to a load of 40Ohms. The open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current (ISC), load voltage (VL) and load current IL were measured using a digital multimeter. The maximum power (PM) and load power (PL) were calculated from the VOC, ISC, VL and IL. The results indicated that VOC for monocrystalline silicon solar panel was high during the early and late hours of the day while VOC for polycrystalline silicon solar panel increased as the insolation increases for both season. The monocrystalline silicon solar panel produced more current than the polycrystalline silicon solar panel. It was observed that both panels had high performance between 10am and 3pm of the day in the rainy season. The polycrystalline silicon produced the highest maximum power output of 96.80W while the monocrystalline had a maximum power output of 94.24W. The solar panels had a low performance during the dry dusty harmattan season as low sunlight weather condition was observed. (maximum power of 52.06W for the monocrystalline silicon solar panel and 50.95W for the polycrystalline silicon solar panel). Cloudy weather conditions affected the solar panel performance as both the voltage and current dropped whenever it rained. The polycrystalline silicon solar panel also has a fairly constant voltage (between 16.06V to 17.98V) while voltage for the monocrystalline silicon fluctuates (between 15.01V to 17.99V). The study showed that the polycrystalline silicon solar panel is widely used and cheaper even when the users may not have known the advantage of higher power output than the monocrystalline silicon panel.
Studies on the physico-chemical and bacteriological qualities on Njaba River in Nnenasa in Isu Njaba L.G.A of Imo State
(Federal University of Technology, Owerri, 2010-11) Ezerioha, Ethelbert
A comprehension analysis of a river system such as that of Njaba river reveals so much about physical, chemical and biological characteristics of a typical lotic aquatic ecosystem. An analysis of this river system was conducted between February and October, 2010 and so much findings were discovered as regards its physicochemical as well as bacteriological properties. Because a lot of external factors interplay on the quality of the river system, attention was place on these anthropogenic activities and water utilization patterns to ascertain environmental indicators that influence the status of its quality. Frequent environmental reconnaissance surveys were conducted based on samples collected from the river. Results obtained from laboratory analysis showed the Njaba River had high conductivity due to the presence of free ion acid radical. The presents of a high level of copper concentration was attributed to this. This had a lot of determine the kind of microbial activities predominant in the river system. The results obtained showed a high level of total coliform bacteria. Some of the anthropogenic activities attributed for this results included defecation. Solid waste disposal, cassava fermentation, washing of entrails from animals etc. it is recommended that appropriate monitoring techniques and laws be applied by the government so as to conserved these aquatic resources.