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Research Article
Underestimated Chemical Risks in West African Soils:
The Role of Baumann-Gully Acidity in Concrete Durability
Joachim Dalohoun
,
Finagnon Crepin Alexis Togbe*,
Trall Zeynabou Ndao,
Egbemimon Daniel Ahlonsou,
Hubert Frederic Gbaguidi,
Yaye Kole,
Edmond Adjovi
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
53-60
Received:
15 May 2026
Accepted:
26 May 2026
Published:
2 June 2026
Abstract: The premature deterioration of concrete infrastructures in West Africa is frequently attributed to mechanical and environmental factors, while the role of chemical soil aggressiveness remains largely underestimated and insufficiently investigated. In many developing countries, geotechnical studies rarely include comprehensive chemical characterization of soils, despite its critical importance for long-term infrastructure durability. This study evaluates the relevance of Baumann-Gully acidity as a low-cost, reliable, and accessible indicator of soil aggressiveness toward concrete. A total of nine soil samples collected from various locations in Benin were analyzed using the standardized method EN 16502. The results revealed acidity values ranging from 165 to 257 mL/kg, indicating predominantly moderate to high aggressiveness levels. Notably, several samples exceeded the commonly accepted threshold associated with severe chemical attack risks. Graphical analysis further highlights the significance of these findings. The distribution of acidity values across sampling sites shows a consistent prevalence of aggressive conditions, while the histogram confirms a concentration of results within the upper range of aggressiveness. The boxplot analysis reveals a relatively high variability, with extreme values indicating localized zones of particularly high chemical risk. In addition, the relationship between depth and acidity suggests that aggressive conditions are not limited to surface soils but may persist across deeper layers, which has important implications for foundation design. These findings emphasize the critical need to systematically integrate chemical soil analysis into geotechnical investigations in developing countries. The study demonstrates that Baumann-Gully acidity is not only a practical and cost-effective tool, but also a scientifically relevant parameter for predicting soil-induced degradation of concrete. Its adoption could significantly improve infrastructure durability and reduce maintenance costs in resource-limited settings.
Abstract: The premature deterioration of concrete infrastructures in West Africa is frequently attributed to mechanical and environmental factors, while the role of chemical soil aggressiveness remains largely underestimated and insufficiently investigated. In many developing countries, geotechnical studies rarely include comprehensive chemical characterizat...
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Review Article
Multicriteria Review of the Compressive Strength Behavior of the Cement Concrete and Concrete with Ferrallitic Aggregate Replacement
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
61-79
Received:
24 April 2026
Accepted:
18 May 2026
Published:
12 June 2026
Abstract: Concrete remains the most widely used construction material globally, with compressive strength serving as its primary performance indicator. In tropical regions such as Cameroon, the availability of ferrallitic (lateritic) soils presents an opportunity to develop cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to conventional concrete. However, the influence of these materials on compressive strength requires systematic evaluation. This study investigates the compressive strength of concrete produced with partial replacement of fine aggregates by ferrallitic materials. Concrete mixes were prepared with laterite replacement levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% at a constant water–cement ratio of 0.50. Standard cube specimens (150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm) were cast, cured, and tested at 7, 14, and 28 days in accordance with ASTM standards. Results show that compressive strength decreases with increasing ferrallitic content. However, mixes with 10–30% replacement exhibited strength values comparable to conventional concrete, with optimal performance observed at approximately 20% replacement. Beyond 30%, a significant reduction in strength was recorded due to increased porosity and weaker interfacial bonding. The findings confirm that ferrallitic materials can be effectively utilized in structural concrete within controlled limits. The study concludes that partial replacement of fine aggregates with laterite (≤30%) is feasible for structural applications, contributing to sustainable construction practices. Recommendations are provided for optimal mix design and future research on durability and long-term performance.
Abstract: Concrete remains the most widely used construction material globally, with compressive strength serving as its primary performance indicator. In tropical regions such as Cameroon, the availability of ferrallitic (lateritic) soils presents an opportunity to develop cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to conventional concrete. However, the in...
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Research Article
In-vitro Testing and Analysis of the Anchoring Capacity of Steel Anchor Plates in Chemical-Anchor-Based Prestressed Reinforcement
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
80-92
Received:
22 April 2026
Accepted:
4 June 2026
Published:
15 June 2026
Abstract: To verify the reliability of the composite anchoring system consisting of chemical anchors and anchoring adhesive for the external prestressing reinforcement of concrete T-beams, this study conducted a systematic investigation through laboratory tests, theoretical derivations, and finite element simulations using MIDAS/FEANX. Tensile pull-out tests were designed using chemical anchors with three diameters (12, 16, and 20 mm) and five embedment depths ranging from 5D to 10D. Concurrently, tests were conducted on C50 concrete specimens to evaluate the bond strength at the adhesive interface and the composite anchorage capacity. Relevant theoretical formulas were derived, numerical models were established, and the failure modes and load differences were compared and analyzed. The results indicate that chemical anchors primarily exhibit a combined conical-adhesive failure mode. For 16 mm anchors with embedment depths ranging from 6.5D to 10D, the safety factor reaches 1.45 to 2.02. The anchoring adhesive increases the initial stiffness of the steel anchor seat by 42.6%, and the ultimate load-bearing capacity of the composite system is 93.7% higher than that of specimens using pure anchoring adhesive. The average error between the theoretically derived formula and experimental values was 5.8%, and the relative error between finite element simulation results and experimental values was 5.3%, both demonstrating high accuracy.
Abstract: To verify the reliability of the composite anchoring system consisting of chemical anchors and anchoring adhesive for the external prestressing reinforcement of concrete T-beams, this study conducted a systematic investigation through laboratory tests, theoretical derivations, and finite element simulations using MIDAS/FEANX. Tensile pull-out tests...
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Case Report
Study on Implementation and Effectiveness of Base Isolation System Using Lead Rubber Bearing in a Residential Building at Bharuch, India
Agamoni Das*,
Debasish Bandyopadhyay
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
93-104
Received:
17 May 2026
Accepted:
30 May 2026
Published:
18 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jccee.20261103.14
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Abstract: The research presented herein investigates the ability of an adaptive seismic isolation system to protect the structure built in Bharuch, Gujarat, India subjected to earthquake ground motion. As Seismic hazards remain a challenge to engineers, to reduce loss of life and damage to property due to earthquake, Seismic Isolation technique has been adopted which causes reduction in earthquake forces by lengthening period of vibration of the structure. Seismic isolation for the structure was done using Lead Rubber Bearings (LRB) with four basic requirements, i.e. effective stiffness, damping, acceleration response and shear. This technical paper discusses performance evaluation of the Elastomeric isolators (LRB), based on tests carried out both on rubber compound and full-scale devices to simulate and evaluate actual performance of Isolators. The building is of 4-storeyed residential apartment was base isolated using LRBs. This study discusses the theoretical method or numerical analysis in ETABS for selection of dimension of LRB as well as the laboratory tests to verify the properties. The isolator system performs three functions: horizontal flexibility, energy dissipation and rigidity against normal lateral loads. The important isolator property; effective stiffness, damping, displacements were evaluated as per both theoretical and experimental investigations. Several trials have been conducted with respect to selection of dimensions, rubber hardness, shear modulus which is suitable to match the target design base shear and displacement of structure during design basis and maximum credible earthquake. Finally the selected LRB was found suitable to achieve the targeted base shear and displacement as per both numerical analysis and experimental investigation.
Abstract: The research presented herein investigates the ability of an adaptive seismic isolation system to protect the structure built in Bharuch, Gujarat, India subjected to earthquake ground motion. As Seismic hazards remain a challenge to engineers, to reduce loss of life and damage to property due to earthquake, Seismic Isolation technique has been adop...
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Research Article
Influence of Geosynthetic Reinforcement on the Thermal and Structural Performance of Reinforced Concrete Beams
Akande Adeyemi,
John Wasiu,
Ibrahim Abdulrazaq Olayinka*,
Osegbowa Douglas Enoguan
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
105-118
Received:
21 April 2026
Accepted:
3 June 2026
Published:
23 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jccee.20261103.15
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Abstract: Concrete structures are frequently exposed to elevated temperatures during fire incidents, leading to significant degradation of mechanical and durability properties. This study experimentally investigates the thermo-mechanical performance of reinforced concrete beams incorporating geosynthetic reinforcement when subjected to elevated temperature exposure. Concrete cubes and reinforced beams, with and without embedded geotextile layers, were cast and tested under ambient conditions and after thermal exposure at temperatures up to 300°C for cubes and 600°C for beams. Both destructive and non-destructive tests, including compressive strength, rebound hammer, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and flexural strength tests, were conducted to evaluate residual mechanical performance. The results indicate that geosynthetic-reinforced concrete exhibited higher compressive and flexural strength retention compared to conventional reinforced concrete after thermal exposure. At 300°C, geotextile-reinforced concrete showed a compressive strength reduction of approximately 9.6%, compared to 20.4% for plain concrete. Similarly, flexural strength loss at 600°C was reduced from about 40% in control beams to 25% in geosynthetic-reinforced beams. Increased ductility and reduced stiffness were observed at elevated temperatures due to polymer softening and microstructural changes. Overall, the findings demonstrate that geosynthetic reinforcement can enhance post-fire mechanical performance of reinforced concrete members, although its thermal limitations must be carefully considered in fire-resistant structural design.
Abstract: Concrete structures are frequently exposed to elevated temperatures during fire incidents, leading to significant degradation of mechanical and durability properties. This study experimentally investigates the thermo-mechanical performance of reinforced concrete beams incorporating geosynthetic reinforcement when subjected to elevated temperature e...
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Research Article
Construction Management Role in Mitigating Well-being and Occupational Health Hazards
Ogbebor John Imentinyan,
Ibrahim Abdulrazaq Olayinka*,
John Wasiu
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
119-129
Received:
21 April 2026
Accepted:
3 June 2026
Published:
23 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jccee.20261103.16
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Abstract: The construction industry is a major employment sector globally but is characterized by complex operations and high exposure to occupational hazards, which pose risks to workers’ physical, psychological, and social well-being. This study evaluated the role of construction management in mitigating occupational health hazards and promoting worker well-being in selected construction companies within Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria. A survey research design was employed, administering structured questionnaires to project managers, site engineers, safety officers, and site workers across five companies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential techniques (regression and ANOVA) via SPSS. Findings indicate that the workforce is predominantly male (86.66%), largely within the 34–49-year age group (43.80%), married (58.09%), and well-educated (53.33% tertiary education). While awareness of basic safety practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) was high, compliance varied across sites and tasks. Most respondents avoided using mobile phones (81.00%) and worked cautiously around unfinished or hazardous areas (94.29%), though electrical hazard exposure remained significant (39.00% frequently troubleshooting). Weather rarely affected PPE use (69.52%), and prior safety orientation positively influenced adherence to safety protocols (76.19%). The study concludes that effective construction management—through safety orientation, supervision, and enforcement—is critical for reducing occupational hazards and enhancing worker well-being. Continuous training, hazard monitoring, and systematic implementation of safety policies are recommended to achieve sustainable construction practices.
Abstract: The construction industry is a major employment sector globally but is characterized by complex operations and high exposure to occupational hazards, which pose risks to workers’ physical, psychological, and social well-being. This study evaluated the role of construction management in mitigating occupational health hazards and promoting worker wel...
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Research Article
A Novel Shannon Entropy Approach and Interface Computer Calculators for the Diagnosis of Highway Pavement Performance (Pavement Entropy Index — PEI)
Radu Andrei*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
130-140
Received:
25 May 2026
Accepted:
5 June 2026
Published:
23 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jccee.20261103.17
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Road pavement condition assessment is a fundamental component of highway asset management, underpinning decisions related to maintenance scheduling, resource allocation, and infrastructure investment. Existing methods — including the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), the International Roughness Index (IRI), rutting measurement, deflection testing, and automated distress detection — each provide valuable but inherently partial perspectives on pavement performance. A persistent limitation of these methods is their reliance on scalar metrics, empirical thresholds, and — in the case of visual survey techniques — subjective human judgement, none of which offer a theoretically grounded framework for characterizing the complexity or disorder of pavement deterioration. This paper proposes an original approach for the individual and integrated quantitative evaluation of road pavement condition based on Shannon information entropy. Rooted in information theory, entropy provides a mathematically rigorous measure of disorder and uncertainty that is directly applicable to the multi-dimensional, stochastic nature of pavement degradation. The proposed framework introduces a suite of entropy-based indices covering distress diversity, roughness profile complexity, rut pattern irregularity, crack network structure, and structural non-uniformity, which interface systematically with each of the established assessment methods. These component indices are synthesised into the Pavement Entropy Index (PEI) through a hierarchical weighted model. The framework is applied to three categories of case studies: flexible (asphalt) pavements, rigid (concrete) pavements, and transport infrastructure earthworks. Specific interactive digital calculators implementing the framework have also been developed with the aid of AI.
Abstract: Road pavement condition assessment is a fundamental component of highway asset management, underpinning decisions related to maintenance scheduling, resource allocation, and infrastructure investment. Existing methods — including the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), the International Roughness Index (IRI), rutting measurement, deflection testing, an...
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