Journal of Civil Engineering Frontiers

Analyzing Transit Stop Service Areas Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS): A Case Study of UET Taxila

2025-06-30T12:20:28+00:00

The University of Engineering and Technology Taxila (UET Taxila), established in 1975 as a campus of the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore, is a leading public university in Taxila, Punjab, Pakistan. With a transportation network spanning approximately 518 square kilometers across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Wah Cantt, it provides an economical and efficient transit system for students, faculty, and staff. This study evaluates the service area coverage of transit stops using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assess network efficiency, accessibility, and spatial gaps. At the university, 16 buses operate across 16 routes, serving an average of 810 users daily. The analysis defines transit stop service areas based on 5, 10, and 15-minute walking times, assuming a walking speed of 100 meters per minute. Results reveal that 69% of users access transit stops within a walkable distance, while 31% rely on other modes of transport. Among those with walking access, 27% reach a stop in under 5 minutes, 23% within 5 to 10 minutes, and 19% within 10 to 15 minutes. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the university's transportation network and supporting future transit planning decisions

Repair of Fire-Damaged Circular and Square Columns Using CFRP Composites: A Comprehensive Review

2025-08-14T06:58:36+00:00

In the field of structural engineering, the repair and rehabilitation of fire-damaged circular and square columns pose significant challenges. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites have gained popularity as a potentially effective method for restoring the structural integrity of damaged structural members. The purpose of this investigation is to provide a state-of-the-art review of existing experimental and numerical studies in the literature on repairing fire-damaged square/circular columns using CFRP composites. The effectiveness of CFRP as a repairing technique in restoring the axial load-carrying capacity and stiffness of fire-damaged circular, square, and rectangular columns is evaluated. Based on past investigations, it has been concluded that CFRP composites can restore 70-169.2% of the axial capacity and 0-29.2% of the lost resistance. Moreover, the review offers a critical assessment of previous experimental and numerical investigations, highlighting their significant contributions to the advancement of knowledge regarding CFRP-based column repair. A comparative analysis of the experimental results from available studies is carried out, accompanied by a concise examination of the gaps, and a pathway for future researchers is also suggested. In addition to this, probable challenges and limitations, such as stiffness loss after repairing fire-damaged columns with CFRP composites, and ways to counter them, are also summarized in this study. The article provides engineers, researchers, and practitioners involved in the restoration and repair of fire-damaged circular and square columns using CFRP composites with insightful recommendations derived from an exhaustive synthesis of prior literature and case studies.

Health and Safety Performance in the Ghanaian Construction Industry: The Government’s Responsibility

2025-07-16T15:27:26+00:00

Poor health and safety (H&S) performance is a defining feature of the Ghanaian construction sector due to the government’s inadequate efforts to sanitise the construction space from the menace. The relative importance index and the multivariate technique were used to analyse the data in this study. Data was collected from experts using a structured questionnaire from 635 participants. The analysis from the RII revealed that strict implementation and enforcement of occupational health and safety laws by empowering responsible state agencies is the most significant government responsibility that can enhance H&S. Meanwhile, the multivariate analysis identified government and legislative efforts, along with enforcement agency efforts, as critical roles. The study’s findings indicate the need for the government to enact an Occupational Health and Safety Act that would supersede the existing Factories and Shops Act. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of ensuring stringent enforcement of H&S laws by mandated state agencies and the introduction of H&S courses into construction-related educational curricula. This research contributes to the body of literature by establishing that government efforts in health and safety are intrinsically linked with improved legislation and its effective enforcement by relevant institutions. The results suggest that government efforts on H&S should be complemented by strong legal frameworks and robust enforcement mechanisms, not just the mere enactment of laws. To strengthen the government’s position on this subject, there is a need for the continuous review and update of H&S legislation and policies. Additionally, the operational capacity of enforcement bodies must be enhanced to keep pace with changing technological trends, best practices, and evolving risks.

Durability Performance of Corn Cob Ash–Coconut Shell Ash Concrete Exposed to Simulated Oil Refinery Wastewater

2025-08-25T10:32:51+00:00

The durability of concrete in chemically aggressive environments, such as oil refinery wastewater systems, remains a critical challenge in infrastructure development. This study investigates the performance of concrete modified with binary agro-industrial pozzolans—corn cob ash (CCA) and coconut shell ash (CSA)—as partial replacements for ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Six concrete mixes were prepared with 0–30% combined SCMs by weight of binder. The specimens were exposed to 2% sulfuric acid (H?SO?) and 5% sodium sulfate (Na?SO?) for up to 90 days. Key parameters evaluated include compressive strength, mass loss, water absorption, sorptivity, density, and visual deterioration. The results revealed that the 15% replacement mix (M2) achieved optimal performance. It retained more than 94% of the control’s compressive strength at 90 days and recorded the lowest mass loss and permeability under both acid and sulfate attack. SCM addition contributed to secondary pozzolanic reactions, microstructural densification, and reduction in capillary porosity. Visual inspections corroborated quantitative findings, with M2 maintaining sound surface integrity, whereas higher SCM levels (?25%) showed signs of softening and erosion. Although density declined with higher SCM content, the values remained within acceptable structural thresholds. Overall, the findings affirm the suitability of CCA–CSA binary blends for enhancing concrete durability in aggressive industrial environments. The use of these locally sourced pozzolans also promotes sustainable construction and circular economy practices, making the approach particularly beneficial for developing regions and petrochemical infrastructure.

Synergistic Antibacterial Effects of Saponified Waste Oil and Cetrimonium Chloride (Ctac) in Cement Pastes

2025-06-30T12:10:57+00:00

Microbial colonization activity in cement pastes can lead to biodeterioration, compromising the structural integrity over time. This study investigates the antibacterial performance of cement pastes modified with saponified cooking oil (SCO) and cetrimonium chloride (CTAC). Different doses of CTAC and SCO were blended with cement paste on four bacterial strains: Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative), Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive). The results showed that B. subtilis revealed the highest sensitivity to CTAC's antibacterial activity, especially at high doses (up to 1%). This effect was enhanced by adding SCO, indicating a clear synergistic interaction. Gram-positive bacteria generally reacted more strongly to the modified cement paste comparing with Gram-negative bacteria. The results demonstrated the potential of CTAC/SCO-modified cement for use in microbial-sensitive environments such as hospitals, and food processing facilities.

Effect of Emotional Intelligence Factors on Labour Force Management of Construction Firms in Ghana

2025-05-13T19:46:58+00:00

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a crucial factor influencing behaviour and performance across sectors, including construction. While EI's importance for personal growth and interaction is acknowledged, there remains limited understanding of the specific emotional intelligence factors impacting Labour Force Management (LFM) practices in the Ghanaian construction industry. This study aims to assess how identified emotional intelligence factors influence LFM practices in Ghanaian construction firms. The objectives are to: establish critical EI factors influencing LFM practices, examine literature to identify research gaps, and determine the factors on LFM practices. A questionnaire was given to project managers, engineers, contractors and consultants in the Ghanaian construction industry. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used for analysis. This survey findings show that the emotional intelligence of construction firms' labour force is a function of experience, family background, skills and competencies, gender, empathy for co-workers, personality, organisational culture, social motivation, marital influence, maturity and age, religion and belief, work procedures, and workload. Job design, firms' policy, and knowledge and training received lower mean ratings, indicating less perceived impact on emotional intelligence compared to other factors. The findings reveal that several emotional intelligence factors significantly influence LFM practices in Ghanaian construction firms. Factors such as experience, family background, skills and competencies, gender, empathy for co-workers, personality, organisational culture, social motivation, marital influence, maturity and age, religion and beliefs, work procedures, and workload showed high perceived impact. While factors like job design, firms' policy, and knowledge and training had lower ratings, emotional intelligence factors collectively exert a substantial influence on LFM. This study suggests that managers and stakeholders in the Ghanaian construction industry should prioritise understanding these key EI factors. By recognising their importance, particularly those with high impact, managers can create an environment fostering emotional intelligence within their labour force, improving LFM practices and project delivery performance.