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Evaluating the mechanical performance of Kukui seed shells as coarse aggregates in light weight aggregate concrete
(Discover Concrete and Cement, 2026-03-26) Bagombeka, Ancel; Kyakula, Michael; Ssenyondo, Vicent
Uganda’s population growth, currently at 3.2%, has increased the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Concrete constitutes nearly 60% of construction materials on building sites, and aggregates contribute 70–85% of its total weight. This places pressure on existing natural aggregate sources, creating the need for sustainable alternatives. Lightweight aggregates offer a potential solution, yet kukui seed shells (an organic and waste-derived option) have never been studied in the Ugandan context, despite their possible contribution to sustainable construction. This study adopted a combined experimental and numerical methodological framework to evaluate the suitability of kukui seed shells as lightweight aggregates. Mechanical characterisation of the shells was followed by an experimental program in which normal aggregates were partially replaced with kukui seed shells at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% for both Half Seed Shells and Quarter Seed Shells. The resulting concrete mixes were assessed through mechanical and water absorption, Fire resistance, and Thermal conductivity performance tests, while serviceability behaviour was analysed using ANSYS finite element simulations. The shells demonstrated satisfactory Aggregate Impact Value (AIV), Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV), Los Angeles Abrasion (LAA), and soundness performance. Increasing the replacement percentage led to reductions in density, compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, and thermal conductivity. Quarter Seed Shell mixes generally outperformed Half Seed Shell mixes. Based on overall performance, a 50% replacement using Quarter Seed Shells is recommended, yielding a compressive strength of 25.1 MPa, thermal conductivity of 1.6 W/mK, and reduced density of 2,112 kg/m³, making it a viable lightweight concrete option for sustainable construction in Uganda.
Procurement planning on construction project performance: factors affecting infrastructure projects in Kampala city
(Kyambogo University (Unpublised work), 2025-11) Asio, Martha Okiring
The procurement process involves recognizing the demands of a project, outlining its specifications, and securing the right contractors that are crucial for finishing a construction project successfully in terms of cost, schedule, and quality. In Uganda, there have been issues with procurement in terms of accountability, scheduling conflicts, and budget overruns in construction projects. This study looked at the effect of procurement planning and how it influences the success of construction projects. Procurement planning was studied as an independent variable to determine its effect on project performance. The dependent variable in this study was project performance, which was assessed based on time, cost, and quality using a descriptive survey research design. The data was collected from construction clients, contractors and consultants through questionnaires. The study findings established that contemporary procurement within construction projects incorporate planning phase prior to the initiation of bidding. Despite the implementation of these measures during the planning stage, a notable discrepancy exists as numerous construction projects experience delays, and cost overruns. The survey reveals a strong agreement on the necessity of assessing client needs at 78% and material assessment at 86% during the planning stage. It emphasizes the necessity for all stakeholders to synchronize these elements before the commencement of the bidding process, as they profoundly influence project cost, construction timeline, quality of the final deliverables, and overall customer satisfaction.
Experimental and numerical investigations of fire resistance of a hybrid slab
(Kyambogo University (Unpublised work), 2025-09) Asiimwe, Ronald Wilfred
In Uganda, there has been a growing use of hybrid slabs which include timber steel and concrete within floor systems. On the 26th of September 2022, the government of Uganda through the minister of works and transport issued a ban on building houses with hybrid slab floor systems until enough studies have been done to deem it safe as a construction method. Therefore, there was a need to conduct an experimental and numerical investigation on the performance of the hybrid slab when subjected to a fire. The experimental and numerical model parameters and specifications considered were obtained from the baseline study carried out on buildings, designers and contractors employing the use of hybrid floor systems in Uganda. A 4x3m slab model was built on a construction site in Katta, Wakiso district. The model was constructed with a 75mm concrete topping cast on expanded metal lathe fixed, on top of 100x100mm Eucalyptus grandis beams, spaced 600mm cc which were simply supported on I-beams top flanges. The I beam were supported by SHS 75x75x5mm columns at the ends. The I-beams were spaced 2000mm perpendicular to the 4m side. Burnt clay brick wall were constructed around the perimeter of the structure to keep the heat in. Three openings were constructed on the 4m side and two openings were constructed on the 3m side. Due to the unavailability of the large laboratory furnaces to carry out the experiment, a natural fire was considered as the fire scenario to be used for experimenting following Eurocode specifications. It was observed from the experimental setup that hybrid slab could with stand a natural fire for more than one hour with the ability to maintain its load carrying capacity. Numerical simulation was done using ABAQUS-CAE a Finite Element Model programme. Natural fire curve, ECPC, ASTME119 and ISO 834 fire curves were used for numerical simulation. The numerical natural fire curve observations were consistent with the experimental results. The hybrid slab therefore meets the east African code recommendations of one hour fire resistance without collapse based on natural fire tests and therefore can be used as a construction method.
The ability of the slab to withstand fire action will depend among other factors the composite action between the timber and concrete therefore an investigation of the degree of composition between the timber and concrete was be determined considering three-inch wire nails and expanded metal lathe as shear connectors. Four test samples were cast according to Eurocode 4 for each of the connectors. A Universal Testing Machine (UTM) was used to test the samples under monotonic loading, and linear variable displacement transducers (LVDTs) were used to measure slip. It was determined that both the nails and expanded metal lathe create partial composite action between the concrete and timber elements.
Advancing indigenous knowledge research epistemologies and research methodologies in LIS research
(IGI Global Scientific Publishing., 2026-03-28) Rugambwa, Nina Olivia; Lyaka, Martha
This chapter explores the integration and advancement of Indigenous knowledge systems within Library and Information Science (LIS) research, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous epistemologies and research methodologies. It critically examines how traditional LIS paradigms can be expanded to incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing, valuing cultural context, oral traditions, and community-based approaches. Special attention is given to the cultural context, oral traditions, and community-centered approaches that underpin these epistemologies. The chapter advocates for the development of inclusive research frameworks that respect Indigenous epistemologies, fostering more equitable and culturally responsive LIS scholarship. By advancing these paradigms, the chapter aims to promote greater recognition, validation, and utilization of Indigenous knowledge in information practices and research through providing guidance on how researches biased towards indigenous knowledge systems can be effectively conducted in the LIS discipline.
Advancing child-centred research methodologies in the school library context
(IGI Global Scientific Publishing, 2026-03-28) Rugambwa, Nina Olivia; Lyaka, Martha
Research involving children in the field of Library and Information Science (LIS) has mainly relied on traditional data collection methods rooted in social research paradigms. Common techniques include interviews, documentary analyses, and surveys. This chapter emphasizes the importance of child-centered research methods in LIS, especially for understanding children's information-seeking behaviors in school libraries. A study conducted in two primary schools in Kampala and Mukono involved 32 children, using storytelling and flower maps, to share their views on libraries. Children perceive good libraries as safe spaces, with children's pets, knowledge hubs, places for adventure and relaxation. Conversely, children also described negative aspects of libraries, such as noise, disorganization, dirtiness, unfriendly staff, non-functional information tools, and intimidating content, which characterized bad libraries. The chapter advocates adopting child-centered methodologies to foster a more inclusive understanding of children's informational experiences and needs.