ADVANCED JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING AND SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS

CORN COB ASH-MODIFIED BLACK COTTON SOIL AS LINER AND COVER MATERIAL IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE CONTAINMENT FACILITIES

John E. Sani — 2026-05-19

Black cotton soil (BCS) is a widely distributed expansive clay with poor engineering behaviour, characterised by high volume change, susceptibility to cracking and low strength, which renders it unsuitable in its natural state for infrastructure applications. Stabilisation with agro-industrial by-products offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional chemical admixtures. This study evaluates the geotechnical suitability of corn cob ash (CCA)-modified BCS for use as compacted liner and cover material in municipal solid waste containment facilities. The natural BCS and CCA blends (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16% by dry weight) were subjected to classification tests, standard compaction at three energy levels (British Standard Light — BSL; West African Standard — WAS; British Standard Heavy — BSH), unconfined compressive strength (UCS) at four moulding water contents (OMC − 2%, OMC, OMC + 2%, OMC + 4%), volumetric shrinkage strain (VSS), long-term hydraulic conductivity (k) permeated with municipal solid waste leachate. All tests followed BS 1377 (1990) and BS 1924 (1990) protocols. The natural BCS was classified as A-7-6 (13) (AASHTO) and CH (USCS). CCA addition reduced plasticity and modified compaction parameters. At 16% CCA compacted with BSH energy and within a moulding water content range of 13.5–15.5%, UCS values exceeded 200 kN/m², VSS values fell below 4%, and hydraulic conductivity remained at or below 1 × 10⁻7 cm/s satisfying all three liner design thresholds simultaneously. Black cotton soil blended with 16% CCA and compacted with not less than BSH compactive energy fulfils the principal design parameter requirements for use as liner and cover material in municipal waste containment facilities, offering a viable, low-cost, and ecologically responsible construction alternative in regions where CCA is abundantly available.

ANALYSIS OF MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT CASES AND CASUALTIES IN ILORIN METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abdulganiyu Tunde Ogunbiyi — 2026-05-19

Motorcycle transportation is an essential yet hazardous component of urban mobility in Ilorin, Nigeria, contributing significantly to road traffic injuries and fatalities. This study aimed to evaluate the causes, annual trends, and spatial patterns of motorcycle accidents in the metropolis while validating official records against victim reports. A mixed-methods research design was implemented, utilizing primary data from 384 questionnaires administered to motorcyclists, victims, and healthcare professionals, alongside 10-year secondary records (2015–2024) from the Federal Road Safety Corps. Analytical tools included SPSS and Microsoft Excel for statistical trends, while ArcMap 10.8’s Kernel Density tool was used for spatial mapping. Results indicate that accidents are predominantly driven by behavioral factors, specifically intoxication (53.02%) and speed violations, with key flashpoints identified at Maraba, Post Office Area, and Fate Roundabout. Notably, the validation of official data revealed a very weak correlation between victim reports and institutional records (R² = 0.072; p = 0.606), suggesting potential recall bias and reporting gaps. The study concludes that motorcycle accidents in Ilorin are shaped by a synergy of risky rider behavior and infrastructure deficits. Consequently, enhancing road safety requires a multifaceted strategy involving stricter traffic enforcement, public sensitization campaigns, infrastructure upgrades, and improved emergency medical response logistics.

A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR AI-ENHANCED UNDERWATER ACOUSTIC SENSOR NETWORKS FOR REAL-TIME CRUDE OIL PIPELINE SURVEILLANCE IN THE NIGER DELTA

Odesa Ogaga Edward — 2026-06-10

Crude oil pipeline vandalism, leakage, corrosion, and unauthorized interference remain major challenges affecting environmental sustainability, operational reliability, and economic development in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Conventional monitoring approaches, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, satellite surveillance, and manual inspections, often exhibit limitations in underwater environments due to communication constraints, delayed response times, susceptibility to noise, and restricted spatial coverage. This study presents a conceptual framework for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks (UASNs) to support real-time surveillance of submerged crude oil pipelines in the Niger Delta. The proposed framework comprises a distributed acoustic sensing layer, underwater communication infrastructure, AI-driven signal processing and anomaly detection modules, and a centralized monitoring and decision-support platform. Mathematical models describing acoustic signal propagation, transmission loss, leak-induced acoustic signatures, and intelligent classification mechanisms are incorporated to establish the theoretical foundation of the system. The framework further outlines the application of deep learning techniques, including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, for the identification of pipeline anomalies such as leaks, corrosion, and tampering events. By combining underwater sensing capabilities with intelligent analytics, the proposed architecture is expected to enhance early fault detection, reduce false alarms, improve operational resilience, and support environmental protection in sensitive marine ecosystems. The framework provides a foundation for future simulation studies, AI model development, and pilot deployments aimed at advancing sustainable subsea pipeline monitoring in the Niger Delta and similar offshore environments.

EVALUATION OF WASTE GENERATION PATTERNS AND COMPOSITION IN TERTIARY HEALTHCARE FACILITIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF UITH AND KWASUTH ILORIN, NIGERIA

Mohammed, A.W. — 2026-06-16

Healthcare waste management remains a critical public health and environmental challenge in developing countries, particularly in tertiary healthcare facilities where large patient volumes and intensive clinical activities generate diverse hazardous waste streams. This study evaluated waste generation patterns and composition at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital and the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. Waste generated by 20 departments at UITH and their corresponding units at KWASUTH was segregated into general (non-hazardous) and hazardous categories over four weeks and weighed daily. Results showed that UITH recorded a higher waste generation rate (2.0 kg/patient/day) compared to KWASUTH (1.75 kg/patient/day). Hazardous waste constituted approximately 42% of total waste generated in UITH, significantly higher than the 25% recorded in KWASUTH. Waste composition analysis indicated that general waste predominated in both hospitals (58–75%); however, UITH generated higher proportions of infectious, sharps, and pathological waste than KWASUTH. The findings align with previous studies reporting hazardous waste fractions of 10–25% in healthcare facilities, although the proportion observed in UITH exceeded the typical WHO range, suggesting inadequate waste segregation practices. The higher waste generation and hazardous waste proportion observed in UITH indicate increased environmental and occupational health risks. The study recommends stricter waste segregation protocols, regular staff training, and improved investment in treatment technologies such as autoclaves and incinerators to enhance compliance with healthcare waste management guidelines. The findings provide empirical data to support healthcare waste management planning and policy development in Kwara State, Nigeria.

GEOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED ROUNDABOUTS AND THEIR EFFECT ON TRAFFIC FLOW IN ILORIN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Biliyamin Abdulraheem Ibitoye — 2026-07-02

This study examined how geometric characteristics influence the operational performance of selected roundabouts in Ilorin metropolis. Field traffic surveys, drone-based video recording, SIDRA Intersection simulation, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and regression analysis were used to assess three busy roundabouts: KWASUTH, Post-Office, and Fate. The geometric variables considered included inscribed circle diameter, circulating width, entry radius, entry angle, number of lanes, and entry lane width, while the operational indicators included traffic volume, queue length, delay, degree of saturation, peak hour factor, and level of service (LOS). Results showed that Post-Office Roundabout experienced the highest weekly traffic volume (92,140 vehicles) and the poorest operational performance, with LOS E and degree of saturation of 0.92, indicating near-capacity operation. KWASUTH Roundabout, despite having the largest geometric dimensions, operated at LOS D because of heavy motorcycle and tricycle interaction and unstable lane discipline. Fate Roundabout recorded the most stable operation at LOS C, supported by a more balanced traffic pattern and lower demand. ANOVA results indicated a statistically significant relationship between LOS and traffic flow (p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that entry width had a positive and significant influence on traffic flow, while larger entry angles reduced operational efficiency. A 20% geometric modification simulated in SIDRA produced substantial improvements, reducing delay, queue length, and saturation while improving LOS at the most congested sites. The findings confirm that geometric redesign, combined with traffic management measures, can significantly improve roundabout performance in mixed-traffic urban environments.

IMPLEMENTATION OF A MODEL FINGERPRINT AUTHENTICATION SECURITY DOOR CONTROLLED USING ARDUINO-BASED PROGRAMMING

Obinna N. NWOKE — 2026-07-02

This communication presents the design, fabrication, and functionality assessment of a model fingerprint authentication security door system employing an Arduino-based microcontroller as the central control unit. The system integrates biometric sensing, microcontroller programming, and electromechanical actuation to enhance access control and physical security. A fingerprint module (Adafruit R307) was interfaced with an Arduino Uno R3, relay module, servo motor, 16×2 LCD, and buzzer to form a complete mechatronic security system. The door and frame were fabricated from three-quarter inch (¾") thick plywood to ensure structural stability, lightweight handling, and cost-effectiveness. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) modelling and simulation were performed using SolidWorks to verify mechanical alignment, motion constraints, and component integration before fabrication. Experimental evaluation showed that the system accurately identified registered users within 1–2 seconds, achieving an authentication success rate of approximately 98%. Experimental trials yielded an FRR (false rejection rate) of 2%, while Equal Error Rate (EER) is operationally less than 2%. The door operated automatically, opening upon valid fingerprint recognition and re-locking after a programmed delay of 5 seconds. Power analysis indicated low energy consumption, making the system suitable for battery-powered operation. Comparative assessment with similar works confirmed its reliability, responsiveness, and scalability for smart home and institutional applications. The developed prototype demonstrates how open-source microcontroller technology can be effectively adapted to biometric security systems. It reinforces the relevance of mechatronic system integration in modern access control design and provides a practical, low-cost solution for real-world security enhancement and educational demonstration.

INDEX PROPERTIES AND COMPACTION CHARACTERISTICS OF CEMENT-STABILIZED VERMI-REMEDIATED CRUDE OIL–CONTAMINATED BLACK COTTON SOIL FOR HIGHWAY SUBGRADE APPLICATIONS

John E. Sani — 2026-07-10

Black cotton soil (BCS) contaminated with crude oil presents serious engineering and environmental challenges across oil-producing regions of Nigeria, particularly Borno State. Conventional stabilization of such soils without prior remediation is unsustainable and may not address hydrocarbon persistence. This study evaluates the index properties and compaction characteristics of vermi-remediated crude oil–contaminated black cotton soil stabilized with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) at 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by dry weight. Soil samples from Gamadadi, Borno State (10.320163°N, 11.5484146°E) were artificially contaminated at 8% crude oil by dry weight, bioremediated using Eisenia fetida earthworms over 30 days, and subsequently stabilized with cement. Laboratory tests—including Atterberg limits, specific gravity, particle size distribution (PSD), and proctor compaction under British Standard Light (BSL), West African Standard (WAS), and British Standard Heavy (BSH) efforts—were conducted in accordance with BS 1377 (1990). The vermi-remediation process achieved a total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) removal efficiency of 22.43%. The natural soil was classified as A-7-6 (19) (AASHTO) and CH (USCS), with a liquid limit (LL) of 57.8%, plasticity index (PI) of 29.15%, and specific gravity of 2.32. Cement addition progressively reduced LL from 55.0% to 48.0%, decreased PI from 25.37% to 13.68%, and reduced linear shrinkage from 16.43% to 12.86%. Specific gravity increased from 2.25 to 2.34 with cement content. Maximum dry density (MDD) exhibited a general decrease from 0–6% cement, then a slight recovery at 8%, across all compactive efforts (BSL: 1.63–1.62 Mg/m³; WAS: 1.77–1.74 Mg/m³; BSH: 1.85–1.83 Mg/m³). Optimum moisture content (OMC) increased from 0–6% cement and decreased slightly at 8%, with values consistently lower under higher compactive effort. Cement stabilization of vermi-remediated black cotton soil significantly improves index properties, though values remain above AASHTO base course thresholds. The treated soil demonstrates properties appropriate for use as subgrade and sub-base material, supporting sustainable reuse of petroleum-contaminated soils in highway construction.