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Detecting Errors In GNSS-Precise Point Positioning Controls Using Total Station Technique
Get PDFGlobal Navigational Satellite System-Precise Point Positioning (GNSS-PPP), is a type of GNSS technique that uses one receiver to acquire satellite signal to fix position. GNSS-PPP is not free from error just as any other measurement in surveying and the Total Station instrument could be used to detect such errors. The aim of this study was to detect errors in Precise Point Positioning (PPP) Controls using Total Station survey. Hi-Target GNSS receiver was used to acquire raw satellite data that were used to fix the selected control points at duration of 60 minutes on each point. The raw satellite data were converted to RINEX data which would be readable by the post processing software. The RINEX data were uploaded to online post-processing solution where they were processed and the results were sent back. After that, the Total Station instrument was used to run a Survey on coordinate mode on all the initially selected control point for GNSS-PPP. The Total Station survey was carried out two times on separate days to determine the average of the results. Comparison of the results of average of the Total Station and that of GNSS-PPP were made and their differences were in decimetre range except for three controls that are in meter range. Further investigation shows that the three controls that had their results in meter range were so close to power lines, communication mast and storey buildings. These contributed to interferences and obstructions to the signal of the satellites, thereby creating multipath errors on those control points. It was therefore recommended that the Total Station be used wherever there are perceived interference to clear sky satellite in order to achieve high accuracies with GNSS-PPP measurements
Effect Of Geometry Of Shading Devices On Quantity Of Indoor Heat Gain In Residential Buildings In Southeast Nigeria: A Case Study Of Owerri
Get PDFThe challenge of excessive heat gain in buildings has become a major source of concern, especially in residential buildings. This is because the build-up of heat within indoor spaces of residential buildings causes thermal discomfort for the occupants. The objective of the study was to examine different geometries of shading devices and their effect on the quantity of indoor heat gain in residential buildings with a view to developing design strategies to reduce heat gain in residential buildings. The research was designed as a field survey. Out of the 13 residential layouts within Owerri, five (5) homogenous layouts were chosen as a representative fraction because of similarity in environment and proximity to each other. Out of a total population size of 1570 shaded housing units, a 5% rule of thumb was applied to select a sample of 79 for the survey. Data was collected using observation schedule and data loggers. The variables in focus were interval variables; hence, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis tool was used to examine the significance of the relationship at 95% compliance. It was found that there was no significant relationship between the length of projection of the horizontal overhang (with integrated vertical fins) and average heat gain in residential buildings in Owerri, Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that the use of shading devices should be encouraged; education and awareness of appropriate principles for effective implementation of this shading instrument should be robustly conducted in the study area
Examination Of Maintenance Level Of Facilities In Private Housing Estates In Enugu Metropolis, Enugu, Nigeria
Get PDFPrivate housing developers complement government efforts in Nigeria and all over the world to address the problem of providing adequate housing to the people. There have been series of housing estate developments in Enugu since the creation of the state in 1991. Following established standards, the housing is supposed to be designed, constructed, and managed to ensure maintenance of the buildings and facilities. The objective of this study was to appraise the maintenance level of facilities in private housing estates with a view to making improvements required in the design of future private housing developments in Enugu and Nigeria. The methodology adopted for this research was survey design. The focus was on four private housing estates in Enugu metropolis randomly selected from the research population. After stratification, based on housing type, two hundred and fifty-six occupied housing units were randomly selected. Data was collected from primary sources using questionnaires and observation schedules. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tool was used to test the significance of the difference between the estates in the maintenance level of buildings and facilities. It was established that there is significant difference in the maintenance of facilities in the private housing estates in Enugu metropolis. Integrated action and co-operation of relevant professionals and all stakeholders involved in the development and management of private housing estates in Enugu are recommended to ensure adequate maintenance. The implication of these findings is that for improved maintenance levels, the lessons learnt from the better performing housing estates would be used for direction for realising better maintenance level in the estates that performed poorer. 
Ethical Issues In The Application Of Robotics And Automation In Architecture And Construction
Get PDFRecent trends in the architecture and construction industry, globally, evidently promote the adoption of robotics and automation technologies to increase efficiency, quality, safety, and reduction of costs in construction. The emerging technologies also provide highly integrated, connected and scalable new methods of construction. Most robotics and automation scientists believe that many new aspects currently emerging in robotics and automation, and aspects that are expected to emerge in future, call for the development of new cultural, ethical and legal regulations that can effectively face the most delicate issues that may arise in practice. This paper examines the ethical questions that arise in the implementation of robotics and automation technologies in project design and construction. It begins this scrutiny from the fundamental ethics questions in robotics and automation. It also examines the diverse aspects of design and construction where Robotics and Automation have been implemented, their advantages, disadvantages and ethical implications. It concludes what will make for successful ethical implementation
Evaluation Of Bioclimatic Principles In Design Of Tropical High-Rise Dwellings – Case Studies From Africa
Get PDFHigh-rise dwellings provide a unique solution for maximizing urban land use. With the increase in climate consciousness and the demand for energy-efficient buildings globally, saving the environment is the most vital issue that humankind must address today; thus designing ecologically is crucial. The bioclimatic approach to high-rise building design has been put forward as a vehicle for achieving energy-efficient and climate considerate tall buildings. However, a lot is yet to be understood regarding the performance of existing high-rise building stock. The aim of this study was to conduct a pilot survey to evaluate the application of bioclimatic design principles in high-rise residential buildings in the hot-humid tropical climate of Nigeria through a participatory survey of the stakeholders in three high-rise building complexes. Primary data was collected for the study by physical observation, field measurement and interviews of the residents and management. Secondary data was obtained from existing literature published by the estate management as well as literature already in the public domain. Results showed that building envelope and orientation, solar shading, and indoor air quality were the most provided while Energy efficiency and heating/cooling and sustainable landscape were the least provided in the three studied complexes. Eko Atlantic Towers (Black pearl and Champagne pearl), showed the highest mean weighting of 1.27 (38%) compared to the #4 Bourdillon 1.18 (35%) and Eko-Court towers 0.93(27%) respectively. Eco court tower had the least provision for bioclimatic design principles. With a collective mean weight value of 1.13 (low provision), the study reveals that the design of high-rise residential buildings in the study area did not fully take into cognizance the application of bioclimatic principles. The study recommends active legislative action toward enacting and implementing bioclimatic design principles in the design of future high-rise buildings in the study area. 
Multi-Criteria Analysis Of Suitable Sites For Establishment Of Reservoir In Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Get PDFWater is one of the most undervalued resources on earth. One of the ways to conserve this resource is through construction of dams/reservoirs. The scarcity of irrigation water in Nnamdi Azikiwe University especially during dry season can be resolved by the siting of a reservoir. Choosing a suitable site is a crucial phase in reservoir construction. However, due to the complexity of reservoir site selection, the multi criteria decision analysis techniques when integrated with Geographic Information System offers a possible way of making optimal decisions in selecting site for the construction of a reservoir. The aim of this study was to identify and assess suitable sites for establishment of reservoir in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka using multi-criteria decision analysis. The criteria considered include slope, land use/land cover types and watersheds. These criteria were classified according to their rank of suitability. Weighted linear combination was applied to determine the suitable sites for establishing reservoir in the Institution. The suitability calculator tool available in ArcGIS software was used to determine the most suitable sites for location of reservoir in the Institution. About 71 areas were initially identified as suitable sites for locating the reservoir. The areas were further subjected to further analysis and field validation test. The result of the field validation reveals that only two sites were suitable for establishment of reservoir in the Institution. The study, therefore recommends that geotechnical and hydro-geological detailed investigations and environmental impact assessment be carried out on the proposed suitable sites before actual commencement of the project.  
Re-Making, Re-Cycling And Re-Purposing Of Discarded Fabrics And Cloth Wears As Sustainable Entrepreneurship For Wealth Creation
Get PDFIn developed countries, re-making, re-cycling and re-purposing different types of materials are strategies that have been used to solve lots of problems in their built environments. They have been able to recycle both old and unusable materials and substances like water, plastics, metals, cable wires, wood, paper, cellophane bags, clothing, textiles, and fashion accessories to mention but a few, into useful things that could be sold for money. Largely, these strategies of remaking, recycling, and repurposing have not been given much attention for the management of waste, hence, there is a lot of litter in most localities in Nigeria. Used fabrics, a significant component of this waste, are often sent to landfills and this poses a threat to human lives in the built environment. Hence, this paper seeks to highlight what the built environment stands to gain if these fabric wastes are given a second use. This is qualitative research. Studio exploration, observations and interviews were used to collect data. Emphasis was placed on the entrepreneurial potentials in recycling, remaking, re-purposing, and reproducing fabric wastes and used clothing in Nigeria. It found out that these cloth wastes can be converted into re-usable items by carrying out some studio explorations. Also, wealth and entrepreneurship could be created through the sales of these products re-made or recycled. This will help to establish and train people in re-making, re-cycling and re-purposing of textiles and clothing, aid sustainability and provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youths. It recommends that people should invent various ways in which fabric wastes and used clothing could be re-utilized so as to ensure that they do not become a health hazard
User Satisfaction With Regenerative Architecture Principles In Selected Recreational Centres In Lagos, Nigeria
Get PDFBuildings should contribute to and renew their environment rather than drain them, much as plants and animals do when they adapt to their surroundings and participate in maintaining the ecosystem. Therefore, this study aimed to assess user satisfaction and perceptions of regenerative architecture in recreational centres, focusing on how these principles inform user-centred design and promote sustainable development while identifying areas for improvement. The research employed a two-fold approach, commencing with a theoretical study of regenerative architecture, followed by a quantitative method involving the distribution of structured questionnaires. These questionnaires sought to gather information from users within the study area, focusing on their satisfaction and perceptions regarding various aspects of regenerative architecture principles implemented in the recreational centres. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed to the users of the recreational facilities, and the return rate was 87.5%. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select the recreational centres and the respondents respectively. The responses were analysed using a Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study reveals a generally positive perception of regenerative architecture principles in the recreational centres, with users expressing satisfaction in various aspects related to the green spaces, design interaction, cultural expression visual appeal, air quality, and maintenance of the recreational centres. 
Impact Of Materials Used In Construction Of Shading Devices On Quantity Of Indoor Heat Gain In Residential Buildings In Owerri, Nigeria
Get PDFThe control of indoor temperature of buildings, amongst other tools, has emerged as an important strategy for indoor air climate management. This strategy has become particularly important for stakeholders in the built environment in their efforts towards environmental sustainability. The study sought to investigate the relationship between the material used in constructing shading devices and the quantity of indoor heat gain in residential buildings with a view to developing design strategies for reducing heat gain in residential buildings in Owerri. The research was designed as a field survey. Out of the 13 housing layouts in Owerri, 5 homogenous layouts were chosen by random sampling. Out of a total population size of 1570 housing units, a 5% rule of thumb was applied to select a sample of 79 for the survey. Data was collected using observation schedule and data loggers. The variables in focus were interval variables, hence, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis tool was used to examine the significance of the relationship at 95% compliance. It was found that there was no significant relationship between the \u27Thickness of reinforced concrete overhang\u27 and \u27Average heat gain in residential buildings\u27 in Owerri, Nigeria. It was recommended that stakeholders in the built environment be sensitized about the necessity for tackling the problem of heat gain in buildings and the imperative of adopting sun shading devices as a viable tool for achieving this goal. It was equally recommended that further research be conducted on viable, alternative suitable materials that could be used for the construction of shading devices in the study area
Determinants Of Housing Transformations In Public Housing Estates In Owerri Capital Territory Imo State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe extant literature has shown that there has been an increase in housing transformations in public housing estates in developing countries like Nigeria. it is therefore important to understand what factors drive this phenomenon. This study investigated the relationship between the occurrence of physical changes in houses and multiple variables which influence housing transformation, in public housing estates in Owerri Capital Territory Imo State, Nigeria with the view to identifying the predictors of housing transformations in the study area. The study draws on data gathered through a questionnaire survey of 309 residents in the study population. The variable in focus is ‘Any physical changes to the building’. Binary Probit multiple regression analysis tool was used for analysis because the dependent variable was a binary categorical variable. The results showed that the model containing the predictors represents a significant improvement in fit over an unconditional model with no predictors (df=22, Sig.= 0.000). The following independent variables were found to have significant positive correlation with physical changes to the building: (i) Name of housing estate, (ii)Cost of monthly rentage, (iii) Number of persons in household, (iv) Perception of current design of the building, (v) Purpose for the physical changes to the building and environment, (vi) Present number of bathrooms, (vii) Availability of space for expansion in the compound, (viii) Time taken to respond to complaints, (ix) Frequency of Estate managers visits, (x) Plan approval before physical changes. The identification of these predictors provide clarity for stakeholders and policymakers as they implement strategies that would enhance transformations and improve housing quality