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Review Article
Material Efficiency Through Mechanics: A Systematic Review of Advanced Structural Modeling for Load-optimized Building Design
Girmay Mengesha Azanaw*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
22-39
Received:
1 June 2025
Accepted:
18 June 2025
Published:
4 August 2025
Abstract: Material efficiency has become a pressing concern in modern building design, driven by the need to reduce resource consumption and lower environmental impacts. This systematic review explores how advanced structural modeling contributes to the development of load-optimized, materially efficient structures. By focusing on computational techniques-including finite element analysis, topology optimization, parametric modeling, and AI-assisted design-the review underscores how these methods enhance the alignment between structural form and internal force distribution. Recent developments in geometry-informed design strategies, form-finding methods, and performance-based workflows are examined for their capacity to reduce material usage without compromising structural integrity or performance. Applications in shell structures, high-rise buildings, and complex architectural forms are presented as case studies, demonstrating how computational design approaches can deliver practical and measurable benefits in real-world contexts. At the same time, the review acknowledges persistent challenges such as computational accuracy, scalability of modeling methods, and the integration of engineering analysis with creative architectural processes. These issues highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous refinement of digital tools. The findings suggest that structural mechanics can serve not only as a means of evaluation but also as a generative framework for design-guiding the creation of efficient, sustainable structures from the early conceptual stage. By bridging structural analysis and material responsibility, this study contributes to a broader conversation about how digital innovation and engineering principles can support the transition toward a more sustainable and resource-conscious built environment.
Abstract: Material efficiency has become a pressing concern in modern building design, driven by the need to reduce resource consumption and lower environmental impacts. This systematic review explores how advanced structural modeling contributes to the development of load-optimized, materially efficient structures. By focusing on computational techniques-in...
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Research Article
Performance Evaluation of Major Intersection for Improvement of Traffic Safety and Efficiency in Shashemene Town
Muktar Jemal Wabe*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
40-52
Received:
5 September 2025
Accepted:
19 September 2025
Published:
9 October 2025
Abstract: Intersections are one of the most crucial parts of urban transportation systems since they actively contribute to developing strategies to reduce traffic congestion. One of the major issues that nations around the world face is traffic congestion on roads and intersections. More than 90% of intersections on high-speed roads in developing countries have poor turning space, compared to 64% in developed countries. This study evaluates the performance of major intersections for improving traffic safety and efficiency in Shashemene Town. The objective of this study was to assess current traffic flow patterns, evaluate the effectiveness of existing traffic control measures, and propose potential improvements to enhance safety and efficiency at the selected major intersections. The scope of the study was limited to the three major intersections in Shashemene Town, such as Awasho Roundabout, Abosto Intersection, and Semaniya-Andi Intersection, with a focus on understanding the challenges faced in this urban context. The data were collected using a combination of traffic volume counts and user surveys during peak traffic hours. The SIDRA Intersection Version 8.0 software was employed to evaluate key performance indicators, including travel time, delay, travel speed, LOS, and V/C ratio. The analysis revealed significant congestion at the Awasho Roundabout, with an average travel speed of 35 Kph, a control delay of 24.1 s/veh, LOS C, and a V/C ratio of 0.81. The Abosto Intersection showed moderate delays with a delay of 34.1 s/veh, LOS D, and a V/C ratio of 0.98, while the Semaniya-Andi Intersection performed the best with a delay of 12.8 s/veh, LOS B, and a V/C ratio of 0.64. The findings indicate that while the Semaniya-Andi Intersection operates within acceptable performance levels, the Awasho Roundabout is severely congested, necessitating immediate interventions. To guide drivers, install clear and visible road markings, and ensure pedestrian safety. Installing well-marked pedestrian crossings improves traffic safety and efficiency of the roundabout as a short-term intervention. As a long-term improvement, redesigning the roundabout to accommodate higher traffic volumes and improve flow.
Abstract: Intersections are one of the most crucial parts of urban transportation systems since they actively contribute to developing strategies to reduce traffic congestion. One of the major issues that nations around the world face is traffic congestion on roads and intersections. More than 90% of intersections on high-speed roads in developing countries ...
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Research Article
Building Site Selection of the Light Industry Plant Using AHP and GIS in NSDL Environment
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
53-62
Received:
12 August 2025
Accepted:
9 September 2025
Published:
12 November 2025
Abstract: Building site of the light industry plant should be selected with full consideration of land, electricity, water, transport, raw material supply and environment protection condition of the corresponding area, otherwise it may have a negative effect on the cost of product. Therefore, the optimal selection of building site is very important to the economic revival of enterprise. We have considered a plant building site selection with AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) and Geographic Information System (GIS) in NSDL environment. NSDL (Net-oriented System Language) is a complex system modeling tool, which has been developed by combining the advantages of Petri Net with Object-Oriented Programming Language VB (Visual Basic). AHP is a comparative assessment method using human sense, which models the influence of the criteria associated with decision making into a hierarchical structure and allow to choose the best among alternatives to be selected. AHP is widely used in various fields of economy, military, society, management, education, medicine, etc. Also, this method can deal with qualitative or quantitative data. Unlike the other AHP tools, the hierarchical structure models were made by Petri net diagram of NSDL, provides the automatic information link with the AHP module to improve the intuition, flexibility and convenience of decision making tools. In addition, using the object-oriented VB script language of NSDL with powerful integration ability, ArcGIS were combined to perform geographic information analysis to determine the optimal plant building site.
Abstract: Building site of the light industry plant should be selected with full consideration of land, electricity, water, transport, raw material supply and environment protection condition of the corresponding area, otherwise it may have a negative effect on the cost of product. Therefore, the optimal selection of building site is very important to the ec...
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Research Article
Integrating Construction Job Hazard Analysis into Technical College Curriculum for Safer Construction Practices
Oyindoubra Doukpola*,
Chiduhiegem Chukwudi-Rewha Wordu
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 2, December 2025
Pages:
63-70
Received:
19 November 2025
Accepted:
4 December 2025
Published:
29 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajcbm.20250902.14
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Abstract: The lack of adequate training and information on safer construction practices by technicians and artisans in the construction industry and their neglect to safe working procedures in Rivers State is alarming, the rise in cases of accidents and incidents in construction projects in Rivers State led to this work. The aim of the study was to determine Integrating Construction Job Hazard Analysis into Technical College Curriculum for Safer Construction Practices. Specifically, the study explored the importance of the task and environment components of construction job hazard analysis (CJHA) to be included into the curriculum of brick block laying and concreting for safer construction practices. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design and the population of the study was 46 respondents, comprising 30 Technical college Teachers and 16 Instructors from the four Government Technical Colleges in Rivers State. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Job Hazard Analysis Training Questionnaire”. The instrument was subjected to face and content validation by three experts. The internal consistency of the instrument was established using test-retest reliability method. With the aid of statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 22, a reliability coefficient of study was .77. Data collected from the respondents were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions and t-test statistics were used to test the null hypotheses at .05 level of significance. Based on the data analyzed the following conclusions were drawn, that students should be trained to break down tasks into smaller activities or steps, while adopting best hazard control measures for each step of the said task promotes safer construction practices and that students should be trained to know work ergonomics, their working environment, environmental hazards to carry out their duties safely. It was recommended based on the findings of the study that CJHA be added to brick/blocklaying and concreting curriculum to better equip the students for the world of work, necessary funding be made for teachers and instructors to have required resources for effective instructions.
Abstract: The lack of adequate training and information on safer construction practices by technicians and artisans in the construction industry and their neglect to safe working procedures in Rivers State is alarming, the rise in cases of accidents and incidents in construction projects in Rivers State led to this work. The aim of the study was to determine...
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