http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/47 Building 2026-08-01T03:56:01Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/31883 Title: ASSESSMENT OF THERMAL COMFORT IN SELECTED FEMALE HOSTELS AT GIDAN-KWANO, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY MINNA, NIGERIA Authors: Musa, Titus D. Abstract: The construction and operation of hostel buildings in Nigerian tertiary institutions often overlook thermal comfort, a critical factor influencing occupant health, productivity, and overall sustainability. This study aims to assess the thermal comfort in selected female hostels at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. A quantitative, descriptive research design was adopted. Data were collected using AirVisual Pro, a high-accuracy monitoring device that measured indoor temperature and relative humidity across three hostel categories, A (6 occupants/room), B (4 occupants/room), and C (2 occupants/room) within the Gidan-Kwano campus for three months. Measurements were analysed using descriptive statistics, graphs, and chart analysis (ASHRAE Standard 55 and CIBSE Guide A benchmarks). Diurnal variations were examined descriptively through hourly mean pattern analysis. Findings revealed that while mean indoor temperatures in most hostel rooms fell within or marginally above the ASHRAE comfort range of 22°C–26°C, relative humidity consistently exceeded recommended limits. Specifically, the mean relative humidity values were 83.4% and 82.2% for Categories A and B, respectively, both exceeding the ASHRAE and CIBSE standards. Category C, with a relative humidity value of 63.6%, was within the standard comfort zone of 40–70%. The study concludes that hostel indoor environments require urgent intervention to align with global thermal comfort standards. The study recommends integrating mechanical ventilation, dehumidification systems, and climate-responsive design strategies, alongside occupant education and regular environmental monitoring. These findings provide empirical evidence to improve thermal comfort and advance sustainable building management in institutional housing. 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/30857 Title: Properties of Pulverized Burnt Clay and Calcium Oxide Blended Concrete Authors: Akanmu, W. P.; Ogunbode, Ezekiel Babatunde; Hassan, I. O.; Agbo, A. E. Abstract: This paper reports the results of investigation to assess the sustainability of pulverized burnt cement (PBC) and Calcium Oxide (CaO) for blended cement production. Tests were conducted on cement, where Pulverized Burnt Clay (PBC) was replaced by CaO within the range of 10 to 40%. The physical and chemical properties of PBC and CaO were critically reviewed to evaluate the possible influence on cement properties. The investigation included testing on both fresh and hardened states of cement paste. The standard tests conducted on different PBC / Cao mixtures provided encouraging results, comparable to those for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), and showed good potential of manufacturing blended pulverized burnt clay and (CaO) cement with higher setting time and low heat of hydration using up to 30% replacement. Description: JOURNAL ARTICLE 2012-06-12T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/30856 Title: An Assessment of the Performance of Framework Contract Projects. Authors: Ayegba, Calistus; Agbo, Edwin, A; Root, David Abstract: There is increasing adoption of framework contracts (FC) for construction project delivery in South Africa, but it is not yet clear what the performance of the approach is in accomplishing client's expected outcomes of projects being delivered on time, within budget and to required quality and satisfaction. In this study, the performance of FC and the variables that influences the performance is investigated empirically. A qualitative research methodology was adopted for the study. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with key informants of eight purposively selected client organizations employing FC in South Africa. From the findings, FC is indicated to have performed spectacularly in dealing with unnecessary cost overruns, time delays, and improvement in the quality of delivery. However, it was reported that the approach work best for repetitive works and when a client has the intention of a long-term programme of work. In which case, clients also have to take care to avoid complacency from the contractors. The results provide substantial evidence that FC can perform better than the conventional approaches of short-term relationships and contracts. The result of the study provides insights that can encourage construction stakeholders to appreciate and adopt FC as a viable alternative approach for construction project delivery. Description: JOURNAL ARTICLE 2020-07-20T00:00:00Z http://irepo.futminna.edu.ng:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/30853 Title: Assessment of Craftsmen Turnover in the Construction Industry Authors: Ayegba, Calistus; Agbo, Edwin, A Abstract: The paper gives an insight on construction craftsmen turnover in the construction industry. In the study, the main factors responsible for craftsmen turnover, the effect of craftsmen turnover on contractors’ performance and suggestions that will tackle the problem of turnover were considered. A total of 50 questionnaires were distributed and 46 of the administered questionnaire was responded to and returned. The data obtained were analysed with statistical tools such as standard deviation, mean and variance. Also pie charts, bar chart, column chart and line chart were used in presenting results. The four-point Likert scale was used to rank factors in order of their importance based on the relative Important Index (R.I.I) of the factors. The result shows that poor payment and benefits, poor treatment of workers and absence of advancement and promotion opportunities are the main cause of turnover while tribal differences and religious differences as regard cultural diversity are the main factors responsible for turnover. The study observed that craftsmen turnover has both direct cost and indirect cost effect on the performance of construction companies. Cost of hiring new employees, training of new workers and replacing old workers was shown to be the main direct cost effect on the performance of a contractor while indirect cost such as Project overtime, additional workload on remaining workers and reduction of project performance are the main effect of indirect cost. The study also shows that the problem of craftsmen turnover can be reduced by paying competitive compensation and benefit packages, fair treatment of workers and reward for dedicated workers are some of the best ways of reducing turnover while fairness, equal opportunity and respect for all and conducive workplace and cultural relation balance are ways of reducing turnover resulting from the cultural diversity of workers. The study also identified that motivation of craftsmen by increasing wages and salaries, promoting committed workers and training of craftsmen can be used to reduce the effect of craftsmen turnover. Based on the findings in the work, appropriate recommendations were being made to help tackle the challenges of craftsmen turnover in the construction industry. Description: JOURNAL ARTICLE 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z