Analysis of Capital Values of Duplex Residential Properties in Benin Property Market Segments (Published)
Duplexes are types of residential properties built and designed on two floors to accommodate a single family unit and these have become a trending form of residential accommodation in recent times. An investor would be interested in observing the trend of capital value of such investment to be able to appreciate his venture. The aim of this study is to analyze the capital value of duplex residential properties in Benin property market, having the objectives of determining the trend and significance of variation of capital values in the identified market segments of Benin City. The survey research design was used as the research methodology. Estate surveying and valuation firms active in property management in Benin provided responses through questionnaires, interviews and observed documented records. Tables, graphs, trend analysis, and one-way ANOVA were used to examine the data collected. The study revealed that the trend of capital values of Duplexes has been steadily increasing over time, and indicated significant variation in the respective property market segments except in Siluko. As a result, it was concluded that the trends and variations could be attributed to the level of accessibility of the property, cost of building materials, trends in the property market, cost of land, and other factors, and that prospective investors should consider these factors before investing in Duplex residential property in Benin City in order to hedge over loss or depreciation of capital value of investment.
Keywords: Analysis, Residential Properties, capital values, duplex, property market segment
Analysis of the Water Absorption Properties by using Polystyrene Sanded Concrete (Published)
In this paper, an evaluation of the mechanical and hydrothermal characteristics of a polystyrene sanding lightweight concrete was studied. Mechanical properties are evaluated from a density point of view. Hydrothermal characteristics use water absorption as a measurement. In this study, 30% EPS was used to replace natural coarse aggregates and produce lightweight concrete. It is economical and practical and meets the criteria required for lightweight concrete. The bulk density of the concrete and oven dry density was obtained at 1789 KN / m 3 and 1674 kg / m 3, but the total water absorption and absorption of capillary water increased with suction time. The high water absorption rate at the start of the test has an appropriate capillary steepness coefficient in the same period. The relationship between the amount of water absorption Q per unit sample area and the capillary coefficient K is that when the amount of water absorption increases, the capillary coefficient and the rate of variation are both represented by the correlation coefficient R2. Moisture capacity is 6.9%. All laboratory tests are carried out by standard practice standards. The significance of this research is that innovative technology is adapted to modify and improve the construction industry process, thereby improving the environment that is sustainable, industrial waste management, and cheaper and more economical construction. When 30% of the coarse aggregate is exchanged, the density and absorption of water from the produced concrete is within the allowable range. Therefore, Polystyrene Sanded Concrete can be used for the manufacture of lightweight concrete that performs the required functions with this replacement level.
Keywords: Analysis, Properties, Water, absorption, polystyrene, sanded concrete
Analysis of Curved Plate Elements Using Open Source Software (Review Completed - Accepted)
Analysis of curved plate elements requires a high computational effort to obtain a reliable solution for a buckling load for design purposes. Available programs are expensive to acquire and they need thorough knowledge for effective use. There is therefore need to code cheaper and accessible programs in line with using sustainable methods to better the livelihood of mankind. To address this issue a theory is formulated based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam model. This model is applicable to thin elements which include plate and membrane elements.
This paper illustrates a finite element theory to calculate the master stiffness of a curved plate. The master stiffness takes into account the stiffness, the geometry and the loading of the element. The determinant of this matrix is established from which the buckling load which is unknown in the matrix is evaluated by the principal of bifurcation.
The curved element is divided into 2,3,6,9 and 12 elements; this demonstrates the computational effort to a reliable solution. As expected, that as you divide the curve into smaller constituent elements, the solution of the buckling load is tedious as more mathematical operations are involved hence the need to program the operations.
Numerical analysis is carried out by abstracting the procedural development of the theory and programming it to run in a visual basic platform. The results obtained are giving a good agreement with results obtained with classical plate equations. This program is proposed to increase computational efficiency in the analysis of curved plates at a sustainable cost. It can also be used to establish the relationship between buckling load and curvature of plates
Keywords: Analysis, Curved Plates, Finite Element Method, Program