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Investigating the effective removal of fat, oil and grease (FOG) in water treatment plants of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
Full text linkThesis (Master: Engineering: Civil Engineering)--Central University of TechnologyThe most common type of wastewater under low-strength waste streams is municipal wastewater. It is characterised by low organic strength and high particulate organic matter constituents. Common pollutants in municipal wastewater include viruses, bacteria, protozoa, helminths, suspended solids, total dissolved solids, a few chemicals, nitrates, phosphates and fats, oil and grease (FOG). The presence of high concentrations of nitrates and phosphates in wastewater effluent can cause eutrophication of receiving water bodies. On the other hand, FOG in the wastewater treatment plants leads to inefficiencies of the wastewater system, resulting in severe environmental degradation and contamination of water resources. As a result, optimal wastewater treatment technology is one of the most used criteria for the treatment of wastewater. The activated sludge and trickling filter systems are both known to remove FOG; however, the degree of efficiency of each method against the other in the removal of FOG is not known. The effectiveness and degree of the activated sludge compared to the biological trickling filter system in the removal of FOG showed no difference, since both treatment plants release FOG in their effluents. This study presented findings from investigating the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment technologies in two treatment plants in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) in South Africa. The study was conducted to compare the efficiency of the trickling filter and activated sludge systems in the treatment of FOG, nitrogen and phosphorus and the possible correlation of nitrates and phosphates to FOG. The effects of other parameters such as pH, atmospheric pressure, temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, conductivity, resistivity and total dissolved solids were also investigated. Twenty grab samples of both the influent and effluent of the NEWTP and the BWTP were collected in total for the months; June, July, August, September and October. Samples were analysed at the laboratory of the MMM situated at the BWTW. The sampling and laboratory analysis of FOG followed the description of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA 1664B). The hexane extraction and gravimetric method was used in the analysis. Nitrates were sampled and analysed using a SOP Chem 005 Spectroquant nitrate test, while phosphates were sampled and analysed using a Spectroquant Prove spectrophotometer in the laboratory. The Hanna HI98192 and Hanna HI98193 multimeters were used for field measurements of pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, atmospheric pressure, conductivity, resistivity, salinity and total dissolved solids. The results showed that the trickling filter system from BWTP removed FOG by 61.36%, while the activated sludge system from NEWTP removed FOG by 52.81%, which showed that the trickling filter system is more effective than the activated sludge system in the removal of FOG. On the other hand, the removal of nitrates and phosphates was found to be within the effluent discharge standards. The regression analysis for both BWTW and NEWTP showed a strong correlation between nitrates and FOG. In addition, the regression analysis for phosphates and FOG in both wastewater treatment plants also indicated a strong correlation between the two variables. Furthermore, the removal of nitrates and phosphates was found to be satisfactory and complying with the South African discharge standards. Similarly, phosphate levels in the effluents of the two plants were also found to be complying with the South African effluent discharge standards. This concluded that the volume of FOG found in the effluents of these plants was influenced by the volume of nitrates and FOG. In addition, the comparison of the trickling filter and activated sludge systems indicated that the trickling filter system is an efficient treatment method for the treatment of FOG, compared to the activated sludge system
A framework for overcoming impediments towards women’s skills development and career progression – a look at selected South African corporates
Full text linkThesis (Doctor: Human Resources Management)--Central University of TechnologyTopic: A framework for overcoming impediments towards women’s skills development and career progression – a look at selected South African corporates. African countries are still experiencing challenges in achieving gender equality in the workplace. The topic has been increasingly researched in the past century, yet gender discrimination, in terms of skills development and career progression, still continue to be an issue in the workplace. Although legislation, such as the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the Labour Relations Acts, the Basic Conditions of Employment Acts the Skills Development Acts, the Employment Equity Acts, and the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Acts, were promulgated to promote gender fairness and address gender inequalities in and out of the workplace, these laws have not achieved their purpose fully because they fail to provide practical solutions to the challenges women face in their skills development and career progression. This research study investigated factors affecting women’s skills development and career progression in selected South African corporates with the aim of providing a framework for overcoming impediments in this regard. The first objective was to determine whether some workplace impediments and support strategies impact the skills development and career progression of women. The second was to determine the link between gender discriminatory practices and women’s skills development and career progression. The third objective was to assess whether women’s skills development is linked to women’s career progression. The fourth objective was to determine the extent to which selected personal factors and family responsibilities impact women’s skills development and their career progression. The last objective was to evaluate the link between gender-related legislation and women’s skills development and career progression. This study was grounded on a few theories. The theory of human capital, the expectancy, goal setting, agency, needs and motivation as well as general systems theories anchored deliberations on employee development. Also, career theories discussed as applicable to this research were work-adjustment, the career motivation and the social cognitive career theories. Given that this study was to advance the course of women, liberal feminism, postmodern feminism and African feminism theories were also considered. The social aspect of this research also warranted reflections on social exchange, social comparison, equity and social learning theories. This research was a cross sectional survey and primarily espoused a quantitative approach. A questionnaire, consisting of both open-ended and closed-ended questions, was self-administered online to 412 women (working in service firms in Johannesburg) sampled through a convenient non-probability sampling method. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the demographic distribution of the sample and central tendency measures. Skewness and Kurtosis coefficients were used to test normality. The maximum likelihood was performed with SPSS AMOS 27 to test the structural model. The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) methodology was utilised to represent, test and estimate theoretical models. To assess the measurement model, a confirmatory factors analysis was conducted (i.e., goodness-of-fit, the validity of the measurement model, the reliability and convergent validity, and the statistical evidence of discriminant validity), followed by a structural model analysis Statistical analysis of quantitative data shows that ‘workplace support strategies’ and ‘personal attributes’ were statistically and significantly related to the ‘skills development of women’. also, ‘workplace support strategies’, ‘family responsibilities’, ‘personal attributes’ and ‘skills development of women’ are statistically and significantly related to ‘career progression of women’. Contrarily, the constructs ‘workplace impediments’, ‘family responsibilities’, ‘legislation on gender applicable to the workplace’ and ‘workplace gender discriminatory practices’ had non-significant relationships with ‘skills development of women’. Likewise, ‘workplace impediments’, ‘workplace gender discriminatory practices’ and ‘legislation on gender applicable to the workplace’ had a non-significant effect on the ‘career progression of women’. Open-ended questionions were analysed using a manual thematic content analysis approach. Results show that empowering women, providing development opportunities, availing resources to support skills development, giving rewards, helping women manage their careers and having fair internal systems are vital for women’s skills development. Similarly, providing internal advancement opportunities, facilitating skills development, providing leadership opportunities, offering work-family support, having fair organisational practices at all levels, rewarding performing women and institutionalising mentorship programmes promote women’s career advancement. Likewise, having institutional strategies towards gender equity and avoiding practices that promote male domination, gender-pay disparity, unequal growth opportunities and favour racial groups restrain women’s careers. In addition to organisational support, family support and personal responsibility play a crucial role in women’s skills development and career progression. Although having legislation on gender equity is vital, change will only happen when organisations institutionalise and implement the right policies. This study concludes that when organisations have workplace support strategies in place, women’s skills are more likely to be developed. Also, when women’s skills are developed, they stand a greater chance of ascending the organisational ladder. More so, with adequate family support, women are more likely to progress in their career. In addition, personal responsibility plays a critical role in women’s skills development and their career progression
Thyme oil and thyme oil hydrosol as alternative fungicides against Phyllosticta citricarpa (causative agent of citrus black spot)
Full text linkThesis (PhD: Environmental Health)--Central University of TechnologyThe South African citrus industry is one of the most important agricultural industries economically, as it contributes considerably to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Dlikilili and Van Rooyen, 2018; Venter, 2018). The citrus sector in the country also contributes greatly to employment opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged communities, as it currently employs over 125 000 people across the country (Genis, 2018). Over the years and despite the Covid 19 pandemic, the number of citrus trees planted in hectares (ha) has continued to increase. This is due to the high vitamin C content of citrus fruits, the increase in investments and aggressive new plantings of soft citrus, lemons, and new varieties of oranges (Cramer and Chisoro-Dube, 2021). Citrus cultivation for commercial purposes is reported mainly in Limpopo, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Northern Cape. Within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), countries such as Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Mozambique also produce citrus fruits in much smaller quantities (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, 2017). Most citrus fruits produced in South Africa are exported to countries such as Europe and the United States of America (USA) because of far greater returns from the export market than the domestic market. However, the spread of citrus black spot (CBS) has resulted in fears of a possible ban on South African citrus exports to other countries (Kau et al., 2018; Van Dyk and Maspero, 2004). Evidence that CBS affects the agricultural industry negatively regarding food production, security and trade is available.
CBS is a citrus disease caused by the fungus Phyllosticta citricarpa, which affects almost all commercial citrus species externally but does not cause internal decay (Yonow et al., 2013; Roberts et al., 2012; Fialho et al., 2010). Almost all commercially sold citrus species are susceptible to Phyllosticta citricarpa infection, with lemons and Valencia oranges known to be highly susceptible. CBS was first discovered, recorded and described by Benson in Australia and was observed on Valencia oranges over 120 years ago (Paul, 2006; Kotzé, 2000; Kiely, 1948;). Phyllosticta citricarpa produces sexual and asexual spores, with each stage producing different spores responsible for spreading CBS using various modes of dispersion (Truter, 2010). Synthetic fungicides are currently used to minimize the spread of CBS; however, their use has raised health and environmental pollution concerns, including resistance to pathogens (Du Plooy et al., 2009). Hence, research into developing alternative agents for replacing synthetic fungicides for fungal disease control in agriculture continues, such as using essential oils (EOs) and their hydrosol. EOs are complex mixtures of secondary plant metabolites with relatively high vapour pressure and are poorly soluble in water.
The EOs reported in various studies have shown to exhibit antifungal properties by targeting structures responsible for the life cycle of fungal organisms such as ascospores and conidia in vitro and in vivo in different fresh produce. The overall aim of the study was to investigate the in vivo effect of thyme oil and thyme oil hydrosol against citrus fungal pathogen Phyllosticta citricarpa (Feyaerts et al., 2018). Thyme oil characterization was done using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry GC-MS and GC × GC-TOFMS. Their effectiveness, together with that of hydrosol, was tested against Phyllosticta citricarpa (CBS causative agent) using methods such as broth microdilution assay (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination) and fungicidal or fungistatic activity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to evaluate morphological changes that occurred due to EOs, while the inhibition of pathogen growth on leaves and fruits was also determined. The results of the study revealed that the pathogenic fungi P. citricarpa depend on increased mitochondrion activity, such as conidia, and these structures are sensitive to thyme oil used in the study. Furthermore, thyme oil hydrosol used in the study has indicated a moderate antifungal activity against this fungal pathogen
Quality improvement protocol for specification and delivery of construction materials required by the Department of Public Works and infrastructure projects
Full text linkThesis (Master Engineering: Civil Engineering)--Central University of TechnologyMaterials delivered on public works project sites deviate from technical specifications, with detrimental implications for the quality of the construction process and product (in the form of buildings, roads, sewer lines, and other civil engineering works). The situation implies that Work-AsDone on a construction site is different from Work-As-Imagined. If other variables remain constant in the construction process, Work-As-Done should be Work-As-Imagined, when technical specifications for materials delivered on site are the same as what the designers specified. When delivered materials differ from specifications, quality issues, such as defects and re-work, ensue at greater cost to the clients. These problems suggest a lack of Built-In Quality in the design and construction process in relation to the management of materials. Built-In Quality is not only lacking, but the inadequate application of concepts and techniques of quality improvement also appears to perpetuate the problems. Thus, the study sought to answer the question of what quality improvement protocol would ensure that materials are delivered on construction sites as specified by engineers. Based on pragmatism as a research philosophy aimed at solving real-world problems, a case-based design with multiple data collection techniques and points was expedited in the study. The primary data collected through purposive sampling from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure technical personnel, and document analysis provided the platform for the compilation of a quality improvement protocol contextualised for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in the Free State, which constituted the case study. The statistical and textual data outlined how the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in the Free State could address quality planning, quality control, and quality improvement concerning the delivery of materials for public works projects. The contribution of the dissertation is the proposed quality improvement protocol that will guide the specification and delivery of construction materials for projects of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in the Free Province
Dental assistants` knowledge, attitude and practices of infection prevention and control measures in South-African Oral Health Care Facilities
Full text linkThesis (Master of Health Sciences in Environmental Health) (M_HSEN) --Central University of Technology, 2023Introduction: Due to the invasive nature of many dental procedures, the presence of blood, saliva, and intact mucous membranes and tissues are inevitable. Exposure to these substances that potentially contain pathogens puts oral health care workers (OHCWs), patients and significant others at risk of contracting infectious diseases. This lurking danger puts the obligation on each oral health care team (OHCT) member to ensure the utmost safety when providing oral health care (OHC) service to patients. The principal approach to attain safety within oral health care facilities (OHCFs) is to apply effective infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. Therefore, this study aimed to determine dental assistants’ knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of IPC measures within OHCFs.
Methods: A quantitative descriptive study was conducted at public OHCFs and within OHCFs under the management of a specific private health care service group, further referred to as private OHCFs. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data. A total of n = 197 dental assistants, of whom n = 76 were employed in the public sector, and n = 121 employed in the private sector, participated in the study. Of the total respondents, n = 84 were formally trained (FT), and n = 113 were in-service (IST) dental assistants.
Results and discussion: IPC duties: Out of the fifteen (15) IPC tasks surveyed, more than 80% of the dental assistants were always responsible for performing twelve (12) of the IPC tasks. However, tasks such as preparing the clinical area, flushing the waterlines between patients, and changing the 3-in-1 tips after every patient were performed by less than 70% of the dental assistants. Significantly more dental assistants employed in the private sector were always responsible for the disinfection of working surfaces (p < 0.01), removing the local anaesthetic needles and ampules from the syringe and maintaining the clinical area (p=0.02). In contrast, significantly more IST dental assistants always flushed waterlines between patients (p < 0.01).
Knowledge about IPC measures: A high percentage (81%) of dental assistants perceived their level of IPC knowledge as average and above. More than 80% were knowledgeable about aspects of infectious diseases and risks, sterilisation and disinfection, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) and health care related waste. However, 77% of dental assistants were knowledgeable about aspects related to vaccination, and 62% of dental assistants were knowledgeable about aspects related to IPC training and continuous professional development.
Dental assistants’ preferences for resources to obtain IPC information differed. In terms of IPC guidelines, less than 65% were aware of IPC guidelines, if it is available in their OHCFs, and were familiar with the content thereof. Significantly more private sector (p=0.001), and IST dental assistants (p=0.02), knew that IPC guidelines existed and were available within their OHCFs. Even though 89% of dental assistants were aware of transmitting Hepatitis B, HIV and TB within OHCFs, only 42% were knowledgeable about the possibility of transmitting prions within OHCFs. Furthermore, only 44% of dental assistants confirmed indirect contact as a disease transmission mode within OHCFs. Although dental assistants were aware of the risk of occupational exposure incidents (OEI), they were not knowledgeable about the correct management thereof. Furthermore, dental assistants lacked knowledge about the classification of endodontic instruments, mouth mirrors and dental handpieces; awareness about the vaccination against Hepatitis B was higher than that of Hepatitis A and Influenza. However, a misconception about the availability of a Hepatitis C vaccine exists among 74% of the dental assistants.
Attitude towards IPC measures: More than 80% of dental assistants portrayed a positive attitude toward IPC training and continuous professional development, disinfection and sterilisation, infectious diseases and risks, vaccination, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) and health care related (HCRW) management. Even though 90% agreed with the application of standard precautions to all patients, 43% of dental assistants indicated that they would consider changing their standard IPC routine when working on a patient with a known infectious disease, with significantly more respondents in the public sector who hold that stance (p=0.01). Furthermore, significantly more FT dental assistants portrayed a positive attitude towards the correct method to process orthodontic instruments. Significantly more FT dental assistants who portrayed a positive attitude towards Hepatitis B vaccination (p=< 0.01), vaccination against Influenza (p=0.01) and vaccination against Hepatitis C (p=0.01). Only 50% believed that protective clothing should always be used. However, less than 25% considered limited availability of PPE, comfortability of PPE, the time it takes to put on and remove PPE, the costs of PPE, patients fearing PPE and OHCWs being used to work without PPE as reasons that prevented them from wearing PPE.
Practices of IPC measures: Overall, more than 70% of dental assistants reported acceptable practices in IPC training and continuous professional development, disinfection and sterilisation, infectious diseases and risks, vaccination, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) and health care related waste (HCRW) management. However, the overall tendency was that significantly more dental assistants employed in the private sector confirmed performing the respective IPC practices. Dental assistants reported inadequate attendance of IPC training and ongoing professional development events, with only 40% receiving yearly IPC training within their respective OHCFs. Significantly more dental assistants in the private sector received IPC training when new IPC products and equipment arrived (p=0.01). On the other hand, more dental assistants in the public sector did not receive IPC training when new IPC equipment arrived (p=0.02). Factors that prevented dental assistants from attending CPD events were the cost of CPD events, unawareness of upcoming CPD events, and the date and time of the CPD event that clashed with their schedules. Significantly more FT dental assistants indicated that the costs of CPD events deterred them from attending the CPD events. Significantly dental assistants in the public sector were unaware of CPD events. Among the total dental assistants, 74% previously worked on a patient with a known infectious disease. A total of 48% once experienced an occupational exposure injury (OEI). The most common OEIs occurred during the instrument cleaning process (27%), as manual cleaning of instruments before sterilisation was done by 91% of the dental assistants. Splash into the eyes and face, and needle stick injuries were among the top OEI experienced. A further concern was that 37% of dental assistants who used cold/chemical sterilisation methods did not use a high-level disinfectant. Dental assistants' routine practices to clean dental handpieces require attention. Less than 40% run the dental handpiece for 20-30 seconds before removing it from the hose and disassembling it to reach the inner parts. Even though 88% confirmed being vaccinated against Hepatitis B, only 45% of the total respondents received all three Hepatitis B vaccination doses. Although visible hand hygiene instructions are available in 86% of OHCFs, only 67% of the dental assistants washed their hands before putting on gloves, and 77% always washed their hands after taking off their gloves and before leaving the clinical area. Furthermore, 60% did not use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser (ABHS) to supplement their hand hygiene practices. The average use of the individual PPE items across the listed procedures was 66% for gloves, 80% for masks, 5% for protective eyewear, and 50% for protective clothing. Regarding the use of PPE during different procedures, the tendency was that higher percentages of dental assistants used all the PPE items when assisting during surgical procedures, helping a patient with known infectious disease, and anticipating blood and splatter during procedures
Modelling melt pool characteristics to predict process parameters for selective laser melting of titanium alloys
Full text linkThesis (Master: Engineering: Mechanical Engineering)--Central University of TechnologyThe time-consuming experimental process required to optimize process parameters for the selective laser melting (SLM) of new materials is a major hurdle in adopting this technology. For this reason, various methods in the literature attempt to shorten the time taken to optimise the process parameters for a specific material. One possible solution to this problem is the use of accurate numerical modelling to predict the required process parameters. Currently, melt pool modelling on part-scale is computationally expensive and not a feasible method for reducing the time required for the optimisation of process parameters. However, some studies have indicated that it is possible to effectively optimise process parameters through experimental investigation of the cross-sectional geometry of the molten region of single tracks created at various process parameters. It follows, therefore, that the accurate modelling of single tracks can be an effective way of determining optimal process parameters. This study reports on efforts to set up a numerical model of a single track of the SLM process that is accurate enough to be effectively used to optimise process parameters. Experimental and simulation results were obtained for a broad range of laser powers and scanning speeds to investigate the accuracy of the model. Thereafter, the effects of changing various simulation parameters on the accuracy of the model with respect to simulated melt pool dimensions were investigated to find parameters that could be responsible for inaccuracies in the developed model. These parameters included the temperature-dependent absorptivity of the material, the evaporation pressure coefficient, and to a lesser extent, the effect of temperature on the surface tension. It was concluded that provided that accurate values could be obtained for the simulation parameters discussed in this document, single-track SLM simulations could be a very powerful tool for quickly and effectively determining process parameters for any material
The impact of individual cultural orientation on human resource decision-making at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT)
Full text linkThesis (Master: Management Sciences: Human Resource Management)--Central University of TechnologyThe globalised world of work of the 21st century presents various challenges to organisations, notably increased competition within the markets, constant changes in technology, new organisational alliances, changing structures, evolving work methods, and workforce diversity. This also applies to universities as they have a task of ensuring that they prepare students who can make real contributions towards the country’s workforce. As a result, universities must consider a complex array of stakeholders, such as the community, government, industry, and students. Universities managers are under increased pressure to not only satisfy the various stakeholders, but also prepare students for a highly interconnected and complex workplace. This will not be possible if universities are not well managed, which includes taking appropriate human resource decisions. Human resource decisions include matters pertaining to recruitment, selection and the promotion of staff, learning and development of employees within the organisation, and the entire talent management process. The focus of this study was on all line managers at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, who are tasked with making human resource decisions. The Schwartz Value Survey (SVS) and general decisionmaking styles by Scott and Bruce (1995) were applied as theoretical frameworks to comprehend the impact of individual cultural orientation on human resource decisionmaking. A quantitative research approach was followed to collect data for this study and a structured questionnaire was administered via QuestionPro to collect data from respondents. The survey was distributed to 119 line managers of all departments at CUT on both Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses. Of the 119 line managers who participated in the study 41% successfully completed the survey. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), to examine the relationship among individual values and decision-making styles. Individual values included benevolence, universalism, selfdirection, stimulation, hedonism, achievement, power, security, conformity and tradition Decision-making styles included rational, intuitive, dependent, avoidant, and spontaneous styles. The findings of the empirical study revealed several statistically significant relationships. Hedonism and security were found to have positive relationships respectively with the avoidant decision-making style. The same was found for conformity and the dependent decision-making style, and for universalism and the dependent and intuitive decisionmaking styles, respectively. Regarding the rational decision-making style, the findings indicated a positive statistically significant relationship with hedonism, security, and tradition, respectively. Similarly, the spontaneous decision-making style was shown to have a positive statistically significant relationship with achievement, power, and self-direction, respectively. The findings confirmed that, even though line managers at CUT aim to achieve the same organisational goals, the decisions they make individually are driven by their individual beliefs and the values they ascribe to. Therefore, the study proposes that the institution should consider having flexible policies and procedures to accommodate employees’ individual values and priorities, especially those in decision-making roles. Furthermore, the study recommends that line managers at CUT need to go through a professional development process where they are made aware of different decision-making styles and how these can be linked to their individual values and preferences. Finally, the recruitment and selection of strategic leaders should take into consideration the candidate’s individual values to ensure the organisation employs candidates who are to be considered the perfect fit for the job and organisation
A roadmap for the reduction of carbon and ecological footprint of construction activity in Ghana
Full text linkThesis (Doctor of Engineering: Civil Engineering)--Central University of TechnologySustainable construction is acknowledged globally to be a viable means to reduce the negative environmental effects of construction projects. Sustainable construction utilises ecological and resource-saving concepts in executing projects. The reduction of carbon and ecological footprint of construction activity contributes to the achievement of sustainable construction. The sustainable construction practices are advanced in developed countries where governments have established legislation, codes, policies, and frameworks to promote the sustainability concept to reduce carbon and ecological footprint. However, sustainable construction implementation is immature in emerging countries like Ghana, because of implementation issues and unavailability of clear roadmap or government policies and legislation to promote the uptake. This study was motivated by a gap identified in the literature to develop a sustainable construction roadmap for the Construction Industry in Ghana to reduce carbon and ecological footprint of construction activity. Accordingly, the specific objectives of the research were: to determine why sustainability is a focus area that cannot be ignored by the Ghanaian Construction Industry; to determine how design should respond to sustainability requirements in the Ghanaian Construction Industry; to determine how construction materials should respond to sustainability requirements in the Ghanaian Construction Industry; to explore the effects of energy-efficiency on the construction process in the Ghanaian Construction Industry; to evaluate the modalities employed to reduce construction site solid waste in the Ghanaian Construction Industry; and to develop a sustainable construction roadmap that would reduce the carbon and ecological footprint of activities in the Ghanaian Construction Industry. The study was grounded in the pragmatist paradigm, and both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered using a mixed method strategy. The qualitative data collected from three rounds of a Delphi study were analysed descriptively and inferentially. The strong agreement reached on the key elements of sustainable construction is supported by the comparative analysis between the 18 Delphi panel experts. In order to better understand the phenomenon of sustainable construction in Ghana, 405 valid and completed questionnaires were received and retrieved. The data were then analysed using Partial Least Square - Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). According to the research, one of the benefits of implementing sustainable construction is to raise standard of living in general. The response of construction industry in Ghana to sustainable design requirements highlights resource conservation, adaptations, whole life-cycle designs, and cost efficiency as the main areas of concern for sustainable construction. Also, the renewable, recyclable, and re-usable materials; durable materials; and materials of minimum adverse impact on the environment are to be adopted to respond to sustainability requirements in Ghana. Some of the advantages of energy efficiency on the construction process identified include reduction in fuel usage of construction equipment, minimal energy consumption and reduction in energy cost, reduction of emission levels and protection of the environment. The just-in-time operations, careful handling of tools and equipment on site, early and prompt scheduling of deliveries, and use of more effective equipment are the primary construction waste management practices in the Ghanaian construction industry to achieve sustainability. The quantitative data provided a basis on which the roadmap evolved to serve as a guideline for carbon and ecological footprint reduction of construction activity in Ghana. Through semi-structured qualitative interviews, the developed roadmap was validated by academics and industry practitioners in Ghana, and the results indicated that the roadmap is useful and appropriate for application in the Ghanaian construction industry. Policy-makers, academics, developers, and investors who want to implement sustainable construction in the Ghanaian construction industry can use the study as a tool because it has practical, theoretical, and methodological relevance for sustainable construction. The Green Building Council in collaboration with the government should open offices in all the Assemblies to intensify the awareness creation and promotion of the roadmap to increase the adoption of the sustainable construction concept in Ghana. The government should implement financial incentives for construction companies and professinals that adopt sustainability practices to reduce carbon and ecological footprint of construction activity in Ghana. The study has contributed to sustainable construction body of knowledge since it reaffirmed the potential contributions to realising the relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as 9, 12 and 13
Development of a model towards the improvement of building energy performance in South African public universities using solar photovoltaics
Full text linkThesis (Doctor:Engineering: Civil Engineering)--Central University of TechnologyBuildings perform various important functions in society and their construction and maintenance have evolved over the years. The call to construct sustainable buildings has made individuals and organisations more aware that they cannot continue on the old trajectory and expect better results. Globally, universities have several buildings which need energy to operate and because the consumption of energy from non-renewable sources contributes significantly to carbon emissions, there is presently the need to construct and retrofit buildings to consume less energy and generate renewable energy on-site to reduce carbon emission. In South Africa, solar photovoltaics (PVs) are the most deployed renewable energy technology. Therefore, to partly advance the sustainability of buildings in South African public universities in terms of renewable energy development, the deployment of PV is the ideal choice. However, deployment is not yet at the desired level at public universities in South Africa to contribute significantly to the change that is needed. From empirical evidence, little is known about the progress that universities have made in installing PVs, and the factors that engender and hinder deployment. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the phenomenon and develop a model to advance the sustainability of buildings through the deployment of PVs in public universities in South Africa. Accordingly, the specific research objectives were to: (1) ascertain the progress made in installing PVs on public campuses, (2) identify and evaluate the drivers for deployment, (3) identify and evaluate the barriers to deployment, (4) evaluate the influence of the drivers and barriers on deployment, and (5) develop a model to advance building sustainability. A sequential exploratory mixed methods research design was adopted for the study. Firstly, regarding the progress in deployment, it was observed that the minimum total capacity of installed solar electricity generation was 6 MW, and the systems were either purchased outright or procured through power purchase agreements. It was also found that most universities were engaging third-parties to design, install and service the systems. The systems were mounted on rooftops, on the ground (in open spaces), and on high poles with tracking devices. Secondly, the results highlighted that a total of 18 drivers engender the deployment of PVs in the sector. The top five drivers identified were: the reduction of the energy costs of the university, reduction of energy-related greenhouse gases, enhancement of university sustainability performance, contribution to the attainment of the sustainable development goals, and potential use for research opportunities for students and staff. Thirdly, based on the results, the conclusion was that a total of 12 barriers hamper deployment. Some of the barriers included the lack of financial resources, lack of green building targets, lack of clear policy direction, lack of government incentives, and lack of demand from government project financiers. Fourthly, the results of the partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis established that ‘direct benefits’ have a statistically significant positive influence on deployment, and ‘government-related barriers’ have a statistically significant negative influence on deployment. Lastly, based on all the findings, a Photovoltaics Deployment Acceleration Model was proposed, which provided insight into actions that should be taken to reinforce the drivers and eliminate the barriers to the use of PV energy in public universities. The study contributed to theory by bridging the literature gap by providing empirical evidence on campus sustainability from an African perspective. The findings have practical implications as they offer insight into how university stakeholders can boost deployment. At the policy level, the study provided information on the contribution that public universities in South Africa have made to Sustainable Development Goal 7, and evidence that can help policy-makers to develop relevant policies and renewable energy-related development targets for the sec
Development and assessment of regionalised areal reduction factors for catchment design rainfall estimation in South Africa
Full text linkThesis (PhD: Engineering: Civil Engineering)--Central University of TechnologyDesign point rainfall depths converted to an average areal design rainfall depth using Areal Reduction Factors (ARFs) are regarded as fundamental input to various design flood estimation methods. The ARF estimation methods currently used in South Africa are regarded as being outdated and not being developed and/or verified using local data. The primary research objective is to estimate geographically-centred and probabilistically correct ARFs representative of the different rainfall regions associated with the Regional Linear Moment Algorithm and Scale Invariance (RLMA&SI) regionalisation scheme in South Africa. Merging of the 78 homogeneous RLMA&SI rainfall clusters was necessary to increase the size of the clusters and the number of rainfall stations within a particular cluster to meet the minimum required number of rainfall stations/km² criteria. The latter merging resulted in 46 delineated clusters. Long duration geographically-centred and probabilistically correct ARFs were estimated using a total of 2 053 artificial circular catchments and 1 779 daily rainfall stations located within the 46 clusters. Random combinations of the 46 clusters were used in an alternating fashion for calibration and/or verification purposes until all possible combinations were considered. Ultimately, it was noted that whether a dedicated set of clusters or all clusters are assigned to calibration, differences are regarded as insignificant, given that all ARF data sets, whether used for calibration or verification, remain only estimated sample values. Subsequently, five (5) ARF regions were deduced from the 46 clusters and all clusters in a particular ARF region were used for the final derivation of a non-linear (second-order polynomial) log-transformed empirical ARF equation. The new regional ARF equation performed similarly, and as expected, when compared to a selection of geographically-centred ARF estimation methods currently used in local and/or international practice in a range of catchment sizes. The estimated ARFs decreased with an increase in area and increased with an increase in both storm duration and return period. The ARF methodology developed in this research and the subsequent findings are new to the South African flood hydrology research community and practice: (i) ARFs were derived and are based on a regionalisation scheme utilising the daily rainfall data in the Daily Rainfall Extraction Utility (DREU) database, (ii) ARFs are probabilistically correct, i.e., vary with return period, and (iii) a web-based software application was developed to enable the consistent estimation of ARFs within the five (5) ARF regions of South Africa