Ethiopia Institute of Technology- Mekelle
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Item Developing a Predictive Model for CBR Value Using Soil Index Properties: A Case Study of the Mekelle Asphalt Road Project(Mekelle University, 2024-04-15) Million Abrha WeldegeorgisCalifornia Bearing Ration (CBR) value is an important soil parameter considered as main design input in the design of flexible pavements and runways of airfields. The design of pavement thickness determined depending on the strength and stability of sub-grade materials are evaluated before construction of pavement by using CBR test. And Index properties of soil are properties which are used to characterize soils and facilitate identification and classification of soils for engineering purposes. However, in a large-scale road project soil properties vary from region to region and season to season as it appears naturally. Thus, developing empirical equations specific to a certain region and soil type could be considered nearly as good insight of soil behavior. This study was conducted to developing a predictive model for CBR value using soil index properties of soils in the case study of the Mekelle Asphalt Road Project. The study was carried out using 27 samples collected from SUR Construction PLC Mekelle Asphalt Road Project. And test procedures were carried out based on the (ASTM) and (AASHTO) at Mekelle Asphalt Road Project Laboratory. This study tries to use a single linear regression model and multiple linear regression models to characterize the strength of the subgrade soils from the soil index properties using a statistical method. The laboratory test results and statistical analysis were carried out using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software. To develop the intended correlation and regression analysis CBR value at different blows such as 10, 30 and 65 blows were considered as dependent variable. And index properties of soil such as percent passing 2.0, 0.425, and 0.075 mm (sieve No. 10, 40, and 200) sieve size, LL, PI, OMC and DD at points 10, 30, 65 blows were considered as independent variables. From the regression analysis result, the equation and coefficient of determination developed are: CBRat 10 Blow = -7.99 - 0.024LL - 0.025PI + 0.187P10 - 0.133P40 + 0.027P200 - 0.025OMC + 2.68DDat 10 blow, R2=0.913, adj R2=0.881 CBRat 30 Blows = -3.1 - 0.058LL + 0.006PI + 0.133P10 - 0.092P40 + 0.008P200 - 0.055OMC + 2.87DDat 30 Blows, R2=0.965, adj R2=0.953 CBRat 65 Blows = -3.301 - 0.113LL + 0.054PI + 0.085P10 - 0.004P40 + 0.050P200 - 0.088OMC + 1.373DDat 65 Blows, R2=0.928, adj R2=0.902Item Investigation on Practice of Ethiopia Building Regulations and Codes of Standard in Mekelle City Municipality - Tigray(Mekelle University, 2025-07-24) Mebrahatu TadeleSince 1983, Ethiopia has established three Building Codes of Standards, along with national building regulations, a building proclamation, building directives, a construction policy, training institutions, a product standardization agency, and directives for licensing contractors and consultants. However, the proper enforcement of these laws, regulations, and standards remains questionable due to poor implementation, inadequate monitoring, and weak oversight by relevant authorities. Additionally, the compatibility of these regulations, policies, codes, and standards with the country's economic development, existing technologies, and available workforce is debatable. As a result, the country continues to experience significant loss of life, property damage, and economic setbacks. This research project aims to investigate the implementation of Ethiopia’s building regulations and codes of standards in the Mekelle City Municipality, Tigray. A review of relevant literature provides a foundation for the study, and data is collected through questionnaire surveys and records reviews. The data is then analyzed using SPSS v.20 software. The study reveals that out of 75 targeted respondents, 61 (86.7%) participated, including contractors, consultants, building officials, and regional professionals. The findings highlight a significant gap between established building regulations and actual practices due to inadequate inspections and weak enforcement mechanisms. The lack of a centralized authority and clearly defined procedures further contributes to non-compliance. Key issues identified include unclear professional responsibilities, insufficient regulation of building materials, and a lack of standardized practices. The failure to implement Ethiopian building regulations and codes of standards stems from multiple factors, including a lack of awareness, weak enforcement mechanisms, corruption, economic constraints, rapid urbanization, political instability, cultural preferences for traditional practices, and inadequate infrastructure for monitoring compliance.Item Investigating Challenges of Construction and Demolition Waste Management, in the Case of Mekelle, Tigray(Mekelle University, 2025-07-18) Kiros Hailemariam MeseleWith rapid urbanization and economic growth, All the activities, new construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings and structures generate huge amounts of waste, which require reduction in generation and proper management. Nevertheless, due to several barriers and constraints this could not be implemented. The purpose of this study was investigating challenges of construction and demolition waste management in Mekelle construction projects. Based on this objective, the factors that contribute waste, effects of C&DW, current construction waste management practice and major challenges of C&DW management have been investigated. The study used semi structured interview and questionnaire survey for data collecting techniques, and relative importance index for descriptive data analysis. The result of the study shown the improper material handling and storage, poor supervision, lack of skilled man power and late design changes are the most contributing factors to waste generation. Whereas, Project cost overrun, Environmental Pollution, Reduction in profit, Resources depletion and public health and safety risks are the main effect of C&DW. In the current construction waste management practices, the governing strategies i.e. waste reduction and proper management were not effectively implemented. Furthermore, the following main challenges were identified in this research. The challenges are; Improper planning & waste management practice, Ineffective waste management plan, Insufficient waste management training programs, Poor supervision practice, Lack enforcement of regulations, Absence of training on waste minimization strategies for construction firms, insufficient legislation & regulation, Lack of Government incentives, Low Concern for socio-economic and environmental effect of wastage, Resistance to change traditional management practices, Poor coordination among construction stakeholders, Believing waste not a problem on site, High cost with low quality of recycled materials, Lack of demand for recycled materials, and High cost of waste disposal. The study also recommends that Managing C &D Waste needs a serious attention from all the stakeholders involved throughout the construction process.Item Sustainable Sisal Fibers Reinforced Cement Composites: Development, Characterization, and Mechanical Performance for Wall Applications(Mekelle University, 2025-06-13) Meselu ZewduSisal fibers, extracted from Agave sisalana plants, are abundantly available in Tigray region of Ethiopia. This study investigates the potential of NaOH-treated sisal fibers as sustainable and costeffective reinforcement in cement composites. C-25 concrete and Grade 42.5R cement was used, and mix proportions determined using the ACI method. A water-to-cement ratio of 0.56 was adopted to achieve the target slump range of 75 -100 mm, ensuring adequate workability. The experimental investigation focused on sisal fiber-reinforced cement composites with varying fiber lengths (10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm) and contents (1 %, 2 %, and 3 % by weight of cement). The fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to enhance their interfacial bonding with the cement matrix. Mechanical properties, including compressive, split tensile and flexural strength, were evaluated at 7 and 28 days of curing. To determine the optimal mix configuration, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was employed. SolidWorks software was also used to model the testing setups, providing detailed visualization of loading and specimen arrangements. The optimal mix was identified at 28 days as the composite containing 15 mm fiber length at 2 % content, which achieved the highest tensile strength (4.10 Mpa), compressive strength (31.6 Mpa), and flexural strength (5.4 Mpa). These findings confirm that NaOH-treated sisal fiber can enhances the mechanical performance of cement composites and offers a promising, eco-friendly alternative for both structural and non-structural wall applications.Item The Potential of Alkali-Treated Sisal Fiber/Granite Reinforced Hybrid Composites for Automotive Semi-Trailer Loading Floor Applications(Mekelle University, 2025-06-13) Semere AyahuneyNatural fiber reinforced composites offer a sustainable alternative in the composite industry due to their low density, high specific strength, and eco-friendliness. Sisal fibers, abundantly grown in northern Ethiopia, are attractive for their low cost and favorable mechanical properties but are limited by their inherent weaknesses in mechanical strength, water absorption resistance, and durability. This research focuses on enhancing these properties in sisal/polyester composites for automotive applications, specifically for a semi-trailer loading floor. The study investigates the efficacy of alkali (NaOH) treatment of sisal fibers and hybridization with granite powder as a filler to improve mechanical performance and water resistance. Experimental evaluations determined that a composite with 30 wt.% alkali-treated sisal fibers and 5 wt.% granite powder (E8) exhibited the best overall mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, compressive, and impact strengths) and significantly reduced water absorption. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was employed to select this optimal composite formulation from various alternatives. Subsequently, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) was used to optimize the design of a sisal/granite hybrid composite loading floor, achieving an approximate weight reduction of 64.3% compared to a conventional steel counterpart. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) validated the optimized design, confirming a peak stress of 43.9 MPa and a minimum factor of safety of 2.19 in the most critical ply, meeting the design constraints. The maximum deflection was 1.459 mm, well within serviceable limits. The findings demonstrate the potential of alkali-treated sisal/granite polyester composites as a lightweight, durable, and sustainable material for semi-structural transport applications.Item Investigation of Ceramic Tile Waste as Partial Replacement of Cement in concrete(Mekelle University, 2024-11-08) Tsegay Kassahun GebreegzabiheThe construction industry's rapid growth coupled with increasing environmental concerns and necessitates sustainable practices. The study investigates grinded ceramic tile wastes as a partial replacement for cement for C-30 concrete grade having an aim to feel material scarcity and enhance sustainability in the construction industry. After the concrete ingredients test, mix design of C-30 concrete grade was prepared and concrete cube specimen with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% of ceramic tile wastes in place of cement were casted, cured and tested for compressive and flexural strength. The experimental test results have revealed, an increase in the proportion of grinded ceramic tile waste in concrete production decreases workability. In terms of strength, both compressive and flexural strengths initially increased with ceramic tile waste, peaking at 10% replacement with a compressive strength of 40.26 MPa and a flexural strength of 4.31 MPa at 28 days. Beyond 10%, both strengths declined indicating that while moderate ceramic waste enhances concrete strength but excessive replacement negatively impacts performance. And the cost analysis revealed that incorporating ceramic waste significantly reduces the cement cost. It can therefore be concluded that in areas where cement scarcity or high costs are prevalent, the partial replacement of cement with grinded ceramic tile waste in concrete is a viable and sustainable alternative. The use of ceramic waste at optimal levels can improve strength properties and offers significant cost advantages while contributing to waste management and reducing the environmental impact of construction activities.Item Investigation the Causes of Delay and its Impact on Urban Road Projects in Shire Town –Tigray(Mekelle University, 2025-02-21) Goitom TsehayeIn 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.Item Assessing the Impact of Improper Sidewalks on Pedestrian Safety and Level of Service in Mekelle City(Mekelle University, 2025-07-22) Kibrom WelduPedestrian 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.Item Sustainable Design and Development of ceiling board from waste garment fabric reinforced composites with sisal fiber(Mekelle University, 2025-06-13) BRKTI MERDUThis 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.Item DEVELOP A Bi-DIRECTIONAL ENGLISH - NUER MACHINE TRANSLATION USING DEEP LEARNING APPROACH(Mekelle University, 2024-12-28) Lemlem GebremedhinThe advancement of deep learning has revolutionized natural language processing, with machine translation playing a pivotal role in bridging linguistic barriers. This research focuses on developing a bi-directional English-Nuer machine translation system using deep learning techniques. The primary challenge is the lack of linguistic resources for the Nuer language, hindering its technological representation and global accessibility. To address this, the study constructed a parallel corpus of 46,134 English-Nuer sentence pairs and employed models such as GRU, Bi-GRU, LSTM, LSTM with attention and transformer mechanisms. The findings revealed that the Transformer model achieved superior BLEU scores compared to the other architectures, scoring 0.2567 for Nuer-to-English and 0.2431 for English-to-Nuer translations. The results highlight the potential of the proposed deep learning-based machine translation for low-resource languages. As future work, the researcher highlights to explore integrating speech-to-text and textto-speech capabilities to enhance usability.