Indexing

Abstract: The increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance concrete necessitates accurate prediction of its mechanical and durability properties. This study developed Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models to estimate compressive, flexural, and tensile strength, as well as setting times and workability parameters, based on inputs of pulverized plastic waste (PPW) and cinchona industrial ash (Ci). The model was trained and validated using experimental datasets. Evaluation metrics such as RMSE, MAE, R2 , and scatter index confirmed excellent model performance, especially for strength-related outputs (R2≈0.99 ). These results were consistent with related ANN applications in literature, reinforcing its predictive robustness. The proposed model can aid in optimizing concrete mixes using industrial waste, contributing to circular economy and sustainable infrastructure. Further application in field-scale design is recommended.

Keywords: ANN; Cinchona Industrial Waste (Ci); Mathematical Model; Pulverized Plastic Waste (PPW).

Title: A Model to Predict the Strength of Highway Culvert made from Cinchona industrial Waste and Pulverized Plastic as Partial Replacement of Cement and Sand in Concrete

Author: Omach Antony Owuonda, Fundi Isaac Sanewu, Nyongesa Daniel Wekesa

International Journal of Recent Research in Civil and Mechanical Engineering (IJRRCME)

ISSN 2393-8471

Vol. 12, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 75-86

Paper Publications

Website: www.paperpublications.org

Published date: 13-August-2025

Abstract: Concrete production heavily relies on fresh water, a challenge given growing global water scarcity. Treated wastewater (TWW) is a sustainable alternative but raises concerns regarding its impact on long-term durability. Despite numerous studies, inconsistencies exist in evaluating TWW’s effects on concrete durability, particularly under aggressive environmental conditions. This study investigates how TWW and chemical admixtures (Sodium Gluconate [SG] and Silica Fume [SF]) affect concrete's durability parameters such as electrical resistivity, water absorption, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). Six concrete mix designs, using FW and TWW with/without SG and SF, were assessed. Durability tests included electrical resistivity (AASHTO TP 95), water absorption (ASTM C642), and UPV (BS 1881:203). Each parameter was tested at 7, 28, and 56 days of curing. Concrete made with TWW exhibited lower durability compared to that with FW, evident in higher water absorption and lower UPV and resistivity. However, the combined use of SG and SF significantly improved durability indicators in TWW mixes. Statistical analysis confirmed that differences among mix designs were highly significant (p < 0.001). TWW negatively impacts concrete durability, but SG and SF effectively mitigate these effects, making TWW a feasible alternative when properly treated and supplemented with admixtures.

Keywords: Treated Wastewater (TWW); Concrete Durability; Sodium Gluconate (SG); Silica Fume (SF); Electrical Resistivity; Water Absorption; Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV); Sustainable Concrete.

Title: Evaluation of Effects of Treated Wastewater on Durability of Concrete

Author: Jackson Musyoka Munuve, Kakoi Beatrice, Odero Brian

International Journal of Recent Research in Civil and Mechanical Engineering (IJRRCME)

ISSN 2393-8471

Vol. 12, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 63-74

Paper Publications

Website: www.paperpublications.org

Published date: 13-August-2025

Abstract: The increasing human population has remained the primary factor for plastic waste generation. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads are cellular lightweight plastics material that consists of well-arranged spherically shaped particles that are composed of about 98% air and 2% polystyrene. Polystyrene foam is a non-biodegradable, material that commonly serve as a packaging material for fragile items. Several studies have examined the use of polystyrene beads as partial replacement for aggregate materials in the production of lightweight concrete. However, its general acceptance has been limited by the low strength properties of the resultant concrete. Usually, this is achieved through trial mixes on a trial-and-error basis. This method is generally difficult, especially when more concrete components are involved, hence, the need for a mathematical model that can accurately predict and optimize polystyrene concrete. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a mathematical model for the optimization of the mechanical properties of polystyrene lightweight concrete, using the Osadebe’s second degree polynomial regression model. The materials used for this study were sand, water, coarse aggregate, ordinary limestone cement and expanded polystyrene beads. Except for polystyrene beads and coarse aggregates, which were mixed and batched together as a single material in volume, the materials were batched according to their weights. The partial replacement level considered was 12% replacement (88% coarse aggregate + 12% polystyrene) using an initial mix ratio of 1:3:6 (cement, sand and coarse aggregate) in accordance to BS EN 1992 for Structural Concrete for 20 N/mm². The materials were mixed manually in the laboratory and the test results of the corresponding concretes were used for developing the prediction and optimization models respectively. Curing for all specimens was done as per NIS 87 (2004). The 28^th day laboratory test results for the compressive strength were also obtained. From the aggregate mix ratio of 1, 2.42, 0.462 and 4.68 for cement, sand, water and coarse aggregates respectively, the model predicted a compressive strength value of 35.59 N/mm² with an optimized strength of about 40.99 N/mm². The model's results demonstrated that polystyrene lightweight concrete can be used as partitions in high-rise buildings and achieve a concrete strength suitable for residential use.

Keywords: Polystyrene, Concrete, Lightweight, Sustainability, Environment, Housing, Waste, Mathematical Model, Optimization, Osadebe and Compressive Strength.

Title: An Engineering approach to Environmental and Housing Sustainability Using Osadebe’s Second degree Polynomial Model

Author: Stanley Emmanuel Ubi

International Journal of Recent Research in Civil and Mechanical Engineering (IJRRCME)

ISSN 2393-8471

Vol. 12, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 54-62

Paper Publications

Website: www.paperpublications.org

Published date: 09-August-2025

Abstract: The project is intended to control the speed of a D.C. motor by varying voltage across the terminal. The concept behind the project is, since the speed of D.C. motor is directly proportional to the voltage applied therefore the duty cycle of the pulse is varied (i.e. Pulse with Modulation is used) to control the speed. A microcontroller is used to interface two input buttons for controlling motor speed. The microcontroller programmed in Embedded C language generates PWM i.e. Pulse Width modulation at the output according to program instructions.  The ON and OFF time of the pulses or the duty cycle changes the average voltage given to the motor and therefore the speed of the motor changes. The PWM signals are received by a motor driver interfaced to microcontroller for delivering required output in controlling DC motor speed. Working of this project displayed by 16×2 LCD Display.

Keywords: Duty cycle; GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output); Digital output; Analog input (if using potentiometer for speed); Interrupts (if used for sensors); Timer module Serial communication (UART, if monitoring speed); Closed-loop control (if sensors used for speed feedback); Open-loop control (if no feedback).

Title: Speed and Direction Control of DC Motor using Microcontroller

Author: Sarang Dure, Alfiya Sayyad, Shraddha Kapse, Sagar Zadake, Amit Hangarge, Bhagwan Suryavanshi, Prof. S.S. Mane, Prof. S.N. Gaikwad, Prof. V.S. Gangane

International Journal of Recent Research in Civil and Mechanical Engineering (IJRRCME)

ISSN 2393-8471

Vol. 12, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 46-53

Paper Publications

Website: www.paperpublications.org

Published date: 25-July-2025

Abstract: Corn (Zea mays L.), commonly known as maize, is among the most widely cultivated cereal crops worldwide, serving as both a staple food and a critical raw material for animal feed and industrial applications. In developing economies, traditional harvesting practices remain predominantly manual, resulting in labour-intensive, time-consuming operations and substantial post-harvest losses. This study aimed to design, fabricate, and evaluate the performance of an affordable and efficient maize harvester constructed entirely from locally sourced materials. The machine integrates a power drive system, cutting blade assembly, screw conveyor, and threshing unit, fabricated in accordance with detailed engineering drawings and optimized for smallholder farm conditions. The total fabrication cost was estimated at ₦1,713,900, representing a substantial reduction compared to comparable imported machinery. Performance evaluation was carried out under field conditions to assess operational capacity, threshing efficiency, grain damage rate, and ease of maintenance. Results demonstrated that the fabricated maize harvester achieved consistent separation of grains from cobs, maintained a high throughput capacity, and minimized kernel damage within acceptable thresholds. The findings underscore the feasibility of indigenous fabrication as a strategy to reduce reliance on imported equipment, strengthen local technical capacity, and promote sustainable mechanization among small and medium-scale farmers. This study contributes empirical evidence to the growing body of knowledge on locally engineered solutions for enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: maize harvester, mechanization, indigenous fabrication, post-harvest loss reduction, smallholder agriculture.

Title: Design, Fabrication, and Field Evaluation of a Locally Developed Corn Harvester

Author: Adefidipe, E. R., Abodunrin D.O., Abegunde-Abikoye O.S.

International Journal of Recent Research in Civil and Mechanical Engineering (IJRRCME)

ISSN 2393-8471

Vol. 12, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 37-45

Paper Publications

Website: www.paperpublications.org

Published date: 21-July-2025

Abstract: The growing use of washed gravel as a cost-effective and practical alternative to crushed granite in concrete production emphasizes the need to understand its strength properties. This study investigates the development of compressive, flexural, and split tensile strengths in washed gravel concrete at 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, and applies the Ibearugbulem regression model to predict the 28-day strengths. Laboratory strength tests were conducted on 17 concrete mix ratios—12 for model formulation (N1–N12) and 5 control mixes (C1–C5) for validation. The compressive strength test yielded a peak 28-day strength of 30.54 N/mm² (experimental) versus 28.76 N/mm² (predicted) for a mix ratio of 1:1.2:1.5 (w/c = 0.4). Similarly, flexural strength peaked at 7.39 N/mm² (experimental) compared to 6.53 N/mm² (predicted) for a mix ratio of 1:2.5:3 (w/c = 0.55), while the split tensile strength peaked at 2.35 N/mm² (experimental) and 2.14 N/mm² (predicted) for a 1:2:2.5 mix (w/c = 0.6) at 28 days. The accuracy of the model’s prediction of the concrete strengths was checked using Fisher’s F-test at a 95% confidence level. Our results show that washed gravel is a viable material for concrete production with rapid strength development, with 81% of the 28-day strengths attained in 3 days, and the model reliably predicts these strengths attained.

Keywords: Washed gravel concrete, Compressive strength, Flexural strength, Split tensile strength, Regression model, Concrete mix design.

Title: Prediction of the Structural Properties of Washed Gravel Concrete Using Ibearugbulem’s Regression Model

Author: Esther A. Etta, Godwin A. Akeke, Stanley E. Ubi, Emmanuel O. Ozioko

International Journal of Recent Research in Civil and Mechanical Engineering (IJRRCME)

ISSN 2393-8471

Vol. 12, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 25-36

Paper Publications

Website: www.paperpublications.org

Published date: 17-July-2025

Abstract: Flexural strength appraisal of marine board plywoods in Nigerian market was conducted in a bid to provide relevant technical insights to obviate the superfluous deprivation of earnings frequently encountered with failures when inept marine board plywoods are used for diverse needs due to lack of such knowledge. Painstakingly in a diligent and elaborate approach, the most frequently used as well as common ones across Nigeria markets were identified out of which the first three were selected and subjected to test to establish their bending strength at peak or ultimate bending strength. As required by the testometric machine, the materials were conditioned and tested. Plots of flexural strength versus the associated strain were obtained with computer program from data generated. Analysis show that Marine Plex marine board plywood had the least ultimate bending strength of 17.96 N/mm² while Nplex marine board plywood recorded 21.502 N/mm². Super Plex marine board plywood had the best flexural strength at peak of 65.84 N/mm². Super Plex marine board plywood recorded 0.8516 % strain, Nplex marine board plywood recorded 0.3875 % strain while Marine Plex marine board plywood recorded 0.2471 % strain at their ultimate bending strength. This revelation comparatively reveals Super Plex marine board plywood as the best in Nigerian market based on their flexural strength forbearance. Construction firms and individuals should utilize this novel insight to forestall unwarranted loss of resources arising from marine board failures due to lack of this knowledge. Attention in future should be geared towards a similar research on high density fiberboard (HDF) and medium density fiberboard (MDF).

Keywords: Bending Rigidity, Bending Strength, Creep, Durability, Flexural Modulus, Flexural Stress, Mechanical Test, Modulus of Rupture, Rigidity, Stability.

Title: Flexural Strength Appraisal of Marine Board Plywood in Nigerian Market

Author: Chukwudi Paulinus Ilo, James Ifeanyichukwu Ajibo, Eberechukwu Chukwunyelum Dim

International Journal of Recent Research in Civil and Mechanical Engineering (IJRRCME)

ISSN 2393-8471

Vol. 12, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 18-24

Paper Publications

Website: www.paperpublications.org

Published date: 27-June-2025

Abstract: India is primarily an agricultural nation, with farming playing a key role in both the country’s economy and the livelihood of its people. A significant portion of the population-about 70% of rural residents-depend on agriculture for their income. Predicting crop yields is one of the most important yet challenging responsibilities faced by governments and farmers alike. Every farmer is eager to know the potential yield of their crops in the coming season. Traditionally, yield estimates were based on the farmer’s personal experience with the land and crop. However, with the rise of Machine Learning (ML), it is now possible to gain more accurate predictions and uncover hidden patterns within large agricultural datasets. These insights can guide farmers in selecting the most suitable crops for their fields and help increase their profits. This study explores different techniques for selecting relevant features for crop prediction and explains how ML algorithms can be applied. Toward the end, the research also considers future directions for improving agricultural forecasting systems. It is also recognized that many Indian farmers tend to follow conventional habits-growing the same crops repeatedly, using excessive fertilizers, and going along with popular choices-rather than data-driven decision-making.

Keywords: Agriculture and Machine Learning, Crop Classification Models, Decision Tree, K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN).

Title: Planting Prediction Using Soil Parameter

Author: Ayesha Shaikh, Shreyas Sawant, Sachin Malkunaik, Gauri Ghodke, Prof. A.S.Hangargekar, Prof. J.M.Shaikh

International Journal of Recent Research in Civil and Mechanical Engineering (IJRRCME)

ISSN 2393-8471

Vol. 12, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 11-17

Paper Publications

Website: www.paperpublications.org

Published date: 30-May-2025

Abstract: The increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective construction materials has driven research into alternative materials that can replace conventional concrete components. This study evaluates the cost-benefit analysis, mechanical performance, durability, and environmental impact of incorporating pulverized waste-tyre rubber (PWTR) as a partial replacement for cement (2%) and sand (3.5%) in the production of pre-cast concrete power cable trenches. Conventional concrete trenches face challenges such as high material costs, excessive weight, and susceptibility to cracking and water ingress, leading to increased maintenance expenses and operational failures. A systematic experimental approach was adopted, including material selection, mix design, cost estimation, mechanical testing (compressive and flexural strength), durability analysis (water absorption and acid resistance), and environmental sustainability assessment. Results showed that the PWTR-modified concrete achieved a compressive strength of 24 MPa compared to 25 MPa for conventional concrete, with significant improvements in impact resistance, flexibility, and durability. Cost analysis revealed a 16% reduction in material costs, while the environmental impact assessment projected a 4,353.76 metric ton reduction inCO2  emissions and the repurposing of over 5.3 million waste tyres, contributing to 30% landfill diversion. These findings demonstrate that PWTR-modified concrete is a viable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative for infrastructure applications, particularly in utility trench construction. Future research should focus on further optimizing mix designs, investigating long-term performance, and exploring surface treatments or supplementary cementitious materials to enhance mechanical properties and durability.

Keywords: Cost-effective Construction; Eco-friendly; Pulverized Waste-Tyre Rubber; Sustainable Construction.

Title: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Investigating the Use of Pulverized Waste-Tyre Rubber in Construction of Pre-Cast Concrete Power Cable Trenches

Author: Dominic Wambugu Mwaniki, Fundi Sanewu Isaac, Mungathia Tulatia

International Journal of Recent Research in Civil and Mechanical Engineering (IJRRCME)

ISSN 2393-8471

Vol. 12, Issue 1, April 2025 - September 2025

Page No: 1-10

Paper Publications

Website: www.paperpublications.org

Published date: 24-April-2025