Mekelle University Institutional Repository
Discover scholarly works, research outputs, and institutional publications.
The Mekelle University Institutional Repository is a digital collection of scholarly and research outputs created by the university's faculty, students, and researchers. This repository provides open access to a wide range of materials, including articles, theses, dissertations, conference papers, books, and more."
By making our research available, we aim to
- Increase the visibility and impact of research conducted at Mekelle University.
- Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration within the academic community.
- Preserve and disseminate valuable scholarly works for future generations
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- A central archive for Mekelle University’s institutional abstract books from academic and research conferences.
Recent Submissions
Investigation the Causes of Delay and its Impact on Urban Road Projects in Shire Town –Tigray
(Mekelle University, 2025-02-21) Goitom Tsehaye
In construction, the word "delay" refers to something that happens later than expected, according to schedule, specified in the contract or beyond the date agreed by the parties to deliver the project and one of the most common issues considered during implementation of construction projects. Construction delays have an impact on more than just construction industry, but also an Influence on the overall economy of a country like Ethiopia. Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis was used to test the agreement between different groups of respondents participated in the questionnaire survey, and to rank the most causative factor of delay in urban road projects in case of shire town. This project identified thirty nine (39) causes of delay. There were forty (40) valid Questionnaires which received back from Contractors, Consultants, and employer.
The objective of the project is to investigate the causes of delay and their impacts in construction of urban road projects in case of shire town. The causes of delay were grouped in to seven (7) as client related delays, consultant related delay, contractor related delay, material related delay, equipment related delay, Labor related delay and external related factors or outside the Control of Either Party to the Contract. The project study identified and ranked the top or most causative factor for delay in urban road construction projects are: Lack of construction materials with relative important index (RII) of (0.85). Escalation of materials prices with relative important index (RII) of (0.845). Force majeure with relative important index (RII) of (0.84). Material market instability with relative important index (RII) of (0.825). Poor communication and coordination with other parties with relative important index (RII) of (0.805). Inaccurate time estimate with relative important index (RII) of (0.77). Inaccurate site investigation with relative important index (RII) of (0.77). Lack of construction machinery with relative important index (RII) of (0.76). Poor quality of construction materials with relative important index (RII) of (0.74). Improper project feasibility study with relative important index (RII) of (0.715). Poor Communication and coordination with other parties with relative important index (RII) of (0.705). Conflicts between contractors and firm members with relative important index (RII) of (0.70). Economic, financial and environmental impacts have been found the most impacts of delay with relative important index (RII) of 0.93, 0.925 and 0.845 respectively.
Assessing the Impact of Improper Sidewalks on Pedestrian Safety and Level of Service in Mekelle City
(Mekelle University, 2025-07-22) Kibrom Weldu
Pedestrian safety is a vital yet often neglected aspect of urban development in rapidly growing cities like Mekelle, Ethiopia. This study examines how improper sidewalk conditions, such as narrow, obstructed, and poorly maintained paths affect pedestrian safety and the Pedestrian Level of Service.
A mixed-methods approach was used to comprehensively assess pedestrian conditions in Mekelle City. Quantitative data collection involved measuring sidewalk widths, counting pedestrians, and conducting structured surveys to evaluate safety, usability, and infrastructure quality. Physical assessments also identified common obstructions like vendors, utility poles, and parked vehicles. PLOS was evaluated using the Highway Capacity Manual, considering factors such as surface condition, lighting, and crossing points. Complementing this, qualitative data were gathered through field observations and open-ended survey responses to capture pedestrian experiences, perceptions of safety, and challenges such as poor lighting, unmarked crossings, and obstructed walkways, especially during nighttime travel.
The findings show that most sidewalks are narrower than the recommended 1.2 meters and often obstructed by vendors, poles, or construction materials, making them unsafe. PLOS ratings ranged from C to E, indicating poor walking conditions. Over half of respondents felt unsafe, mainly due to poor lighting, inadequate crossings, and lack of maintenance.
This study concludes that Mekelle's pedestrian infrastructure significantly hinders walkability and compromises safety. Recommendations include adopting international design standards, enforcing clear regulations to prevent sidewalk encroachment, and incorporating inclusive urban design principles in future planning. These insights provide essential guidance for urban planners and policymakers aiming to create safer, more accessible pedestrian environments in Mekelle and similar urban contexts.
Sustainable Design and Development of ceiling board from waste garment fabric reinforced composites with sisal fiber
(Mekelle University, 2025-06-13) BRKTI MERDU
This study focuses on converting textile waste into a useful resource by utilizing it in to new product which is ceiling boards. The textile waste materials were collected from a local textile factory, MAA Garment. And it combined with sisal fibers as reinforcement with unsaturated polyester matrix. These recycled materials can be used to successfully develop composite materials that exhibit high strength, rigidity and ideal weight ceiling board applications. Different structural configurations were prepared with a 30/70% fiber-to-polyester resin ratio using randomly oriented cut waste fabrics: SSS (S1), SFS (S2), FSF (S3), and SSS (S4). The materials were mixed manually in the fabrication process.
Demonstrating waste fabric and sisal fiber hybrid polyester composite laminates can effectively replace gypsum ceiling boards which offering notable environmental benefits and promoting the recycling of waste into functional construction materials are the two key goals of this research. Samples were prepared via the hand lay-up method, with fiber-to- polyester resin weight ratio 30/70%. And the sisal fiber were treated by alkali to enhance interfacial adhesion and remove impurities. Those treatment of fiber leads to enhance mechanical and physical properties of the laminate. This laminate pass through a series of experimental tests to evaluate the compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strengths, density, and water absorption rate. Finally the laminate shows good mechanical properties especially in flexural, tensile strength and water absorption.
The optimized laminate achieved a 29% reduction in weight compared to gypsum boards, reducing from 12 kg to 8.49 kg. According to literature-based optimization, the water absorption of the laminate was only 5%, which represents a 54.5% reduction compared to lightweight cement boards, 50% compared to gypsum ceiling boards, and 44% compared to fiber cement boards (DORCK brand).
To determine the optimal laminate configuration, the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method was employed. The analysis revealed that the F-S-F (S3) layup was the most effective. This optimal laminate, arranged in a 90°–45°–90° orientation, was further optimized using a Genetic Algorithm (GA) in MATLAB and its performance validated through re-analysis in ABAQUS software.
ASSESSING THE BARRIERS OF WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP PERFORMANCE: THE CASE OF HAWZENWOREDA TIGRAY REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA
(Mekelle University, 2025-06-28) Tsige Hailu Gebreanenia
This study generally aimed at exploring the barriers on women’s leadership performance in Hawzen woreda, eastern zone of Tigray region. Accordingly, it tried to figure out the share of the positions the target population has in political platforms. It also meticulously investigated the main barriers that affect the women’s leadership performance. To this end, data is being collected from the sampled participants in the study area through different data gathering tools .the researcher designed them on the SPSS template. The study revealed that political rights have assured the women improved in politic empowerment and decision making power in the society. Because women’s have limited access to control over political power, which diversify their power through engaging in non-income generate or domestic activity and off decision making power. The study also identified that barriers, less control over the political power and decision-making process are among the many constraints which set to affect women’s leadership performance. When compared with male, women’s are trapped by the lack of power and control over decision. To mitigate the investigated problems strengthening women’s organizations, enhancing women’s economic wellbeing, initiating their empowerment and involvement in decision-making as well as different levels of leadership positions should be prioritized at all costs. For such endeavor to succeed, all concerned bodies at different levels, particularly of the government and nongovernmental organizations must relentlessly work to create opportunities to enable women get empowered through integrated training programs and awareness creation sessions to help them scale up their participation.
Challenges and Opportunity of watershed management on rural women’s livelihood in Case of Tahtay AdyaboWoreda, Tigray Regional State, Ethiopia.
(Mekelle University, 2025-06-28) KIBRET DESTA
Watershed management is an integrated approach involving the sustainable management of forests, agriculture, pasture, and water resources. In the Tigray Region of Ethiopia, rural women play a vital role in agricultural activities and household responsibilities but face challenges such as water scarcity, limited land access, and socio-cultural barriers. This study assesses the impact of watershed management on rural women's livelihoods and identifies the key challenges they encounter in Tahtay Adyabo Woreda, Tigray. A mixed research approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were gathered through key informant interviews and household surveys. The findings reveal that effective watershed management interventions have improved water availability; reduced time spent collecting firewood, and enhanced soil fertility and conservation. These changes have led to improved household productivity and overall well-being for rural women. Social benefits include increased access to education and health services and greater participation of women in community decision-making. In addition, the interventions have promoted awareness and practice of sustainable farming methods among women. However, several challenges persist, including the effects of climate change, cultural norms limiting women’s involvement, and insufficient institutional support. These factors hinder women’s full participation and the long-term success of watershed programs. The study concludes that while watershed management positively affects rural women's livelihoods, addressing existing barriers is essential. Programs should be gender-sensitive, context-specific, and inclusive to maximize impact. These
findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to empower women and promote sustainable rural development in the region.