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Research Article
Study of Four Lateritic Soils from Benin and Recycled Lime to Produce Compressed Earth Bricks (CEB): X-ray Diffraction Analysis and Rietveld Refinement
Ernesto Cabral Houehanou*
,
Finagnon Crepin Alexis Togbe,
Guevara Nonviho,
Mansourou Bissilimou Orounla,
Frederic Hubert Gbaguidi,
Mohamed Gibigaye
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
146-161
Received:
29 May 2026
Accepted:
11 June 2026
Published:
29 June 2026
Abstract: Compressed earth bricks (CEBs) stabilized with lime represent a sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials in West Africa. However, the effective stabilization of lateritic soils depends strongly on their mineralogical composition, which remains insufficiently documented for Beninese soils. This study aims to provide the first quantitative mineralogical characterization of four lateritic soils collected from Dassa-Zoumé, Glazoué, N'Dali, and Zogbodomey in Benin, together with a recycled lime derived from oxy-acetylene welding residues, in order to assess their suitability for the production of stabilized compressed earth bricks. The investigation was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD) coupled with Rietveld refinement. Diffractograms were recorded over a 2θ range of 5-70° using a Rigaku diffractometer, and mineral phases were identified using the PDF-4 Minerals 2026 database. Quantitative phase analysis and crystallite size determination were performed through Rietveld refinement and the Scherrer equation, respectively. The results revealed that all four soils are dominated by a quartz-feldspar mineralogy, with quartz contents ranging from 40% to 56%. Significant mineralogical differences were observed among the soils. The N'Dali soil was distinguished by the exclusive presence of kaolinite-1A (26 ± 4%), indicating a high pozzolanic reactivity and strong potential for lime stabilization. In contrast, the Dassa-Zoumé and Zogbodomey soils exhibited predominantly quartz-rich compositions with limited reactive clay content, while the Glazoué soil showed elevated goethite content (12%) and evidence of a poorly crystalline or amorphous fraction. The recycled lime was characterized by a high portlandite content (85.4 ± 1.8%), confirming its suitability as a stabilization binder. The study demonstrates that mineralogical composition is a key factor governing the stabilization potential of Beninese lateritic soils. Among the investigated materials, the N'Dali soil appears to be the most suitable for lime-stabilized CEB production. These findings provide valuable scientific data for the development of sustainable, locally sourced construction materials in Benin and West Africa.
Abstract: Compressed earth bricks (CEBs) stabilized with lime represent a sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials in West Africa. However, the effective stabilization of lateritic soils depends strongly on their mineralogical composition, which remains insufficiently documented for Beninese soils. This study aims to provide the first q...
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Research Article
Construction Professionals and BIM: An Assessment of Awareness Level in Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Lagos State
Saka Afis Abiodun*,
Akinola Victoria Olufunke
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
162-167
Received:
18 May 2026
Accepted:
2 June 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jccee.20261104.12
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Abstract: This study assess construction professionals level of awareness of BIM, especially among those working in TCN projects in Lagos state. This is necessitated by the low awareness levels of BIM in Lagos state which undermines client demand for BIM deliverables, restricts its uptake among SMEs, and perpetuates the use of traditional fragmented methods that are prone to error and inefficiency. The method used to acquire data included the use of convenience sampling technique where information was obtained from construction professionals operating TCN projects in Lagos State. A structured questionnaire was sent to the 355 respondents and 253 questionnaires were returned with a return rate of 71.27%. Descriptive statistical measures such as mean, Chi Square and Post Hoc test was used. Mean and Chi Square results suggest that most of the respondents (small, medium, and large firms) are highly aware about BIM. This means that there is a significant difference among the opinions held by the respondent firm sizes (p<0.05). This was proven by post hoc results since there was a significant difference between the two groups including Small Size Construction Firm and Medium Size Construction Firm (p-value (0.000*) and Medium Size Construction Firms – Large Size Construction Firm (p-value (0.014*). It is therefore recommended that professional and regulatory bodies as well as higher institutions should sensitize public and private clients on the long-term lifecycle value of BIM.
Abstract: This study assess construction professionals level of awareness of BIM, especially among those working in TCN projects in Lagos state. This is necessitated by the low awareness levels of BIM in Lagos state which undermines client demand for BIM deliverables, restricts its uptake among SMEs, and perpetuates the use of traditional fragmented methods ...
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Research Article
Interactive Effects of Node, Location and Loading Orientation on the Flexural Properties of Ethiopian Highland Bamboo (Oldeania alpina (K. Schum.) Stapleton)
Beharu Demissie Shikur*,
Girma Zerayohannes,
Abrham Gebre Tarekegn
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
168-184
Received:
30 May 2026
Accepted:
13 June 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jccee.20261104.13
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Abstract: The flexural behavior of 180 split bamboo samples was examined in this study, along with the impacts of loading orientation, culm location and node presence on Oldeania alpina flexural properties. The material’s anisotropic, functionally graded anatomy was confirmed by the results, which showed significant main effects of node presence and loading orientation on flexural stiffness (MOEf) and strength (MOR) (p < 0.001). Nodes improved both properties (MOEf 62%; MOR 49%), establishing it as the primary contribution, while outer compression produced superior performance (MOEf 26%; MOR 18%). The top sections deformed 37% more than the bottom sections due to a significant thickness gradient, and position significantly influenced the MOEf (p = 0.024), with the middle culm sections exhibiting the highest values. Crucially, the outer compression mode significantly increased the node's stiffening impact, with flexural stiffness and strength reaching values as high as 18.29 GPa and 234.26 MPa, according to a significant Node × Loading Orientation interaction. This, together with a Node × Location interaction, suggested that the node's ability to reinforce changes across the culm. The load-deflection curves and flexural stress-strain behaviour were explained by the hierarchical structure of bamboo. According to the study’s findings, Oldeania alpina is a hierarchically optimized natural composite whose remarkable performance results from the coordinated use of longitudinal direction, loading orientation and nodal architecture. These findings offer recommendations for the high-performance use of this bamboo in structural design.
Abstract: The flexural behavior of 180 split bamboo samples was examined in this study, along with the impacts of loading orientation, culm location and node presence on Oldeania alpina flexural properties. The material’s anisotropic, functionally graded anatomy was confirmed by the results, which showed significant main effects of node presence and loading ...
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Research Article
Digital Transformation of Concrete Quality Management:
A Systematic Review of Advances and Challenges
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
185-202
Received:
2 June 2026
Accepted:
22 June 2026
Published:
17 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jccee.20261104.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Concrete quality management is essential for ensuring the structural safety, durability, and long-term performance of concrete structures. Traditionally, quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) of concrete rely on periodic inspections, laboratory testing, and manual documentation. However, these conventional methods often provide delayed feedback and limited insight into in-situ concrete behaviour, particularly for time-sensitive parameters such as compressive strength development and early-age plastic shrinkage cracking. This study aims to examine how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are transforming concrete quality monitoring and management by synthesising existing research on QA/QC practices, assessing technological contributions to monitoring compressive strength and plastic shrinkage, and identifying barriers to ICT adoption in practice. A mixed-methods systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework to ensure transparency and methodological rigour. A structured search strategy was applied across major scientific databases, guided by predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. From an initial pool of 2,426 studies retrieved from multiple academic databases, successive filtering based on publication year (2014-2025), subject area, and thematic relevance to concrete quality management reduced the number of eligible studies to 425. Following title, abstract, and full-text screening, 69 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analysed using both bibliometric and content analysis methods to identify key research trends, themes, and developments in concrete quality management. Findings show that IoT-based sensing systems, when integrated with Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Twin (DT) platforms, significantly improve the capacity for real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and curing conditions, thereby improving the management of early-age strength development and reducing the risk of cracking. These technologies strengthen QA and QC processes through proactive quality management, early detection of adverse conditions, and enhanced decision-making during construction. Despite these benefits, adoption remains limited due to data reliability issues, system interoperability challenges, skill gaps, organisational readiness, and the absence of standardised regulatory frameworks. The study recommends further validation of ICT tools under real construction conditions, development of standardised sensor calibration and data integration frameworks, and capacity-building initiatives to support broader implementation of ICT-enabled concrete quality monitoring systems.
Abstract: Concrete quality management is essential for ensuring the structural safety, durability, and long-term performance of concrete structures. Traditionally, quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) of concrete rely on periodic inspections, laboratory testing, and manual documentation. However, these conventional methods often provide delayed fe...
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