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• EFFECTS OF MECHANICALLY STABILIZED GRADED ASSORTED COARSE-GRAINED SOILS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF UNPAVED ROAD: A CASE STUDY IN GOFFA ZONE, SAWLA AREA

  E. Esho, E. Quezon

  International Journal of Research - Granthaalayah (2019). Edire Erko Esho, Prof. Emer Tucay Quezon, and Democracy Dilla. (2019). “Effects of Mechanically Stabilized Graded Assorted Coarse-Grained Soils in the Performance of Unpaved Road: A Case Study in Goffa Zone, Sawla Area.” International Journal of Research - Granthaalayah, 7(8), 133-156. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3380234

  
  

  Abstract

  Road network development in Ethiopia is booming, radiating from Addis Ababa towards NorthSouth directions, and East-West directions, due to the good economic growth of the country. However, there are challenges always facing by the pavement designers, and materials engineers for every road project, specifically the unpaved roads in Goffa Zone. It was because, most parts of the existing unpaved road sections within the study area are heavily damaged, and lack proper maintenance. The source of good quality sub-base course materials limited and becoming depleted. It is for this reason that the research study focused on the investigation of the effects of mechanically stabilized graded assorted coarse-grained soils. Disturbed and undisturbed samples from different quarry sites were considered and tested in the laboratory. Laboratory tests for each location performed, and the results served as control values of the engineering properties of natural soils. The Disturbed samples tested for Gradation, Atterberg's Liquid Limit Tests, and Compaction, while, the undisturbed sample tested for the CBR strength, using the ASTM manual. The results of the assorted materials for the sub-base course were analyzed and compared with the AASHTO and ERA Standard Specifications.

  Abstract
  Road network development in Ethiopia is booming, radiating from Addis Ababa towards NorthSouth directions, and East-West directions, due to the good economic growth of the [...]

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• Identification of Road Traffic Accident Blackspot locations and its countermeasures in Oromia Region, East Wollega Zone

  E. Quezon

  International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research (2016). Gashaw Fekadu, Prof. Emer T. Quezon. Identification of Road Traffic Accident Blackspot locations and its countermeasures in Oromia Region, East Wollega Zone. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research. 2016; 7(10): 1372-1379

  
  

  Abstract

  One of the inputs for the economic development of a country is the expansion of the road network, which is important for the transportation of people and freights from place to place. With this expansion, the occurrences of a road traffic accident is increasing in all parts of the world from time to time, killing the lives of many peoples and damage to properties. This problem is growing with the highest rate in sub-Saharan African countries like Ethiopia. The general objective of this study is to identify the hazardous locations of road traffic accidents and suggest countermeasures to mitigate the occurrence of road accidents. The study area was conducted in the East Wollega Zone of the Southwestern part of Ethiopia in the Oromia Region. Districts exposed to high traffic volume are sampled using the purposive sampling method. Those sampled districts include Digga, Sibbu Sire, Nekemte town, Wayyu Tuka, Guto Gidda, Gobbu Sayyo, Leka Dullacha, and Jimma Arjo. Road accident data are collected from all administrative districts from September 2012 to June 2015 (2005 -2007 E.C), and it was used for the analysis. In addition, a field survey was made to observe the existing geometry, an environment of the roadside, traffic flow regulators, and markings of the road sections. To rank each of the sample districts, evaluation of Priority value had been used consisting of a number of deaths, minor and major injuries that occurred for three years. Based on these parameters, each of the districts was listed from highest to lowest (i.e. Digga, Nekemte town, Sibbu Sire, Wayyu Tuka, Guto Gidda, and Gobbu Sayyo) out of the whole sample districts. This research study had found out that there was a significant increase in terms of the number of deaths occurring due to road traffic accidents as a result of the increase in the coverage of road crashes and their consequences. The major causes of road accidents include over-speeding, ignoring warning posts, road geometry, deterioration of pavement, and roadside environment. In order to minimize the frequency of road traffic accidents at the identified hazardous road locations, countermeasures are recommended, addressing to the concerned agency which includes speed breakers, installation of guardrails at curvatures, installation of hazard light to minimize night-time road accidents, removing roadside obstructions, repair, and maintenance of pavement defects to restore to as-is good condition and building additional facilities for pedestrians in an urban area.

  Abstract
  One of the inputs for the economic development of a country is the expansion of the road network, which is important for the transportation of people and freights from place [...]

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• Investigation on the Suitability of Waste Plastic Bottle as Partial Replacement of Sand in a Cement Tile Production

  E. Haile, E. Quezon, G. Kebede

  American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture (2019). Elshaday Haile, Emer Tucay Quezon, and Getachew Kebede, “Investigation on the Suitability of Waste Plastic Bottle as Partial Replacement of Sand in a Cement Tile Production.” American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture. 2019; 7(3): 121-127. Doi: 10.12691/ajcea-7-3-1.

  
  

  Abstract

  The rapid growth of the world's construction industry is profoundly affecting the cost of construction materials, as well as the natural resources required to produce the materials and environment. Besides, waste plastic bottles are also becoming another challenge in our surroundings due to their presence in large amounts and their nonbiodegradability property. Even if various methods were attempted to manage this waste, applying it as the partial replacement for different construction materials seems feasible concerning solving the above-stated problems. The objective of this research was to investigate the competency of waste plastic bottles as partial replacement of sand in a cement tile production through conducting workability, dry density, water absorption, and compressive strength test on it at the particular 7th and 21st days of curing. Experimental laboratory method used in this research design for testing some physical and mechanical properties of cement tiles. Other than this comparative method was also applied to compare different properties of controlled cement tile with cement tile made with just 3%-33% ground waste plastic bottle as sand at 3% incremental ratio and also cement tile produced by sodium hypochlorite treated plastic sand. The result showed an increment in the workability of the fresh concrete of the cement tile, decrement in compressive strength, reduction in dry density, and declined water absorption result. Finally, the study concluded the possibility of partial plastic replacement of sand in a cement tile production up to 32.11% replacement ratio for 21st day curing ages and even if the replacement above 32.11% had an adverse effect on the compressive strength and workability of cement tile, it also got an advantage with respect to dry density and water absorption. Also, the study revealed the power of sodium hypochlorite solution in improving the high physical and mechanical properties of cement tile. It recommended for the responsible parties to apply this technology in the real production process of cement tile.

  Abstract
  The rapid growth of the world's construction industry is profoundly affecting the cost of construction materials, as well as the natural resources required to produce [...]

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• Assessment of Factors Affecting Labor Productivity on Road Construction Projects in Oromia Region, Bale Zone

  E. Quezon

  International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research (2016). Melese Mengistu, Prof. Emer T. Quezon, Getachew Kebede. Assessment of Factors Affecting Labor Productivity on Road Construction Projects in Oromia Region, Bale Zone. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research. 2016; 7(11): 899- 910.

  
  

  Abstract

  Road construction in Ethiopia is booming and radiating from Addis Ababa towards North-East and East-West directions to fulfill its long-term development program. Transportation is a prime mover to all sectors in the country to uplift the economic activities of the populace in the locality. In most countries, experience and related literature have revealed that road construction labor costs accounted for 30-60% of the total cost of a project, depending on the terrain and source of materials, labor, and equipment to be utilized. Therefore, construction labor productivity plays a vital role in the performance and profitability of road construction projects. Road sector construction projects in Ethiopia are means through which development strategies are achieved. This research study gives insight on the assessment of the factors affecting labor productivity in road construction projects through a structured questionnaire survey of 83 respondents working on construction road projects in Oromia Region, Bale Zone. Respondents were required to rate how the 61 factors affecting labor productivity with respect to the importance and frequency of occurrence. Understanding these factors is helpful for the construction professionals who work on the initial phase of construction planning in order to efficiently deliver the project plan and to solve poor labor productivity. The results of this survey were then analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) and ranked. The reliability of these 61 factors for assessing the effect on labor productivity was tested by Chronbach’s alpha measurement, and the results indicated that the 30 factors tested are reliable (α= 0.973), and checked by SPSS. The result of this analysis showed that there are 11 groups that have significant impacts on the labor productivity ranked as Material and Equipment Factor with RII=0.819, Manpower and WorkForce Factor with RII=0.764, Management Factor with RII=0.737, Quality Factors with RII=0.720, Supervision Factor with RII=0.699, Safety Factor with RII=0.691, Motivation Factor with RII=0.682, Schedule Factor with RII=0.647, Political Factor with RII=0.620, Natural and environmental Factor with RII=0.566 and Cultural and Religious Factor with RII=0.541. Based on the results of this research study, the top factors that affect labor productivity includes Lack of experience of labor, Material construction shortage, Lack of labor skills, Accident, Tools and Equipment shortage, Labor’s bad habit, Poor site management, Lack of Labor surveillance, Payment delay and Ignore safety precautions. Therefore, this research study suggests that the contractors should assign project managers and construction supervisors with sufficient managerial skills in road construction projects so that when there are any problems which may arise, it would be acted and solved immediately at the project site. On the other hand, the role of the Ethiopian government in project implementation is very significant, which requires proper attention to the productivity issue to enforce hard and fast laws and regulation which help to obtain productive workforce in the road construction industry.

  Abstract
  Road construction in Ethiopia is booming and radiating from Addis Ababa towards North-East and East-West directions to fulfill its long-term development program. Transportation [...]

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• Analysis of Road Traffic Accident Related of Geometric Design Parameters in Alamata-Mehoni- Hewane Section

  E. Quezon

  International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research. (2017). Teyba Wedajo, Emer T. Quezon, Murad Mohammed. Analysis of Road Traffic Accident Related of Geometric Design Parameters in Alamata-Mehoni- Hewane Section. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research. 2010; 8(1): 874- 881.

  
  

  Abstract

  Geometric design deficiencies on existing roads would lead to a potential accident, such as an accident that happens at the sharp curves, layered pavement conditions, and slippery pavement surface. A road traffic accident has been increasing in the Southern Region of Tigray, of which this area was shown to have alarming rates. According to the Southern Tigray Regional Police, a high figure of road traffic accidents was recorded in Alamata, Mehoni, and Hewane districts. This research study focused on the analysis of traffic accidents related to geometric design parameters of the existing asphalt road. While the data for the analysis covered route data, traffic accident reports from the police station containing some injuries, crashes, and damage to properties, as well as interviews and questionnaire surveys to people who are directly involved in road travels, are considered. The primary data have mainly covered the geometry of the road which was measured during the site survey, road safety audit using the checklist, interview, and questionnaire survey. On the other hand, the secondary data collected from the traffic management office in the district offices. On this, the results presented in the form of line graphs, pie charts, figures for road traffic accidents, and sketches for the suggested improvement in the road design problem. Based on the results of the study in the year 2010 to the year 2015, it found out that there were 866 Road Traffic Accidents have been occurring in the vicinity of the survey road sections. From this figure, the road traffic accident and damage to properties expressed as an equivalent amount of about 33,565,122.00 Birr. It revealed that the primary cause of road traffic accidents in the study area emanated from the road design elements due to some geometric deficiencies in the traffic accident-prone areas. Therefore, this study concluded that the frequency of occurrence of road traffic accidents and the figure of casualties is significantly increasing. This road accident would persist if the concerned agencies do not adequately address the malady. 

  Abstract
  Geometric design deficiencies on existing roads would lead to a potential accident, such as an accident that happens at the sharp curves, layered pavement conditions, and [...]

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• Comparative Study on Compressive Strength of Locally Produced Fired Clay Bricks and Stabilized Clay Bricks with Cement and Lime

  M. Hiwot, P. Quezon, G. Kebede, E. Quezon

  Global Scientific Journals (2017). Miskir Gebre Hiwot, Prof. Emer Tucay Quezon, Getachew Kebede. Comparative Study on Compressive Strength of Locally Produced Fired Clay Bricks and Stabilized Clay Bricks with Cement and Lime. Global Scientific Journals. GSJ: 2017; 5(12): 147- 157.

  
  

  Abstract

  The local fired brick production technique is the known method of brick making, especially in Jimma Town. Firing of bricks in local brick production method is conducted by burning of much amount of woods. But this method of firing bricks by burning of woods will affect the environment. The locale firing technique is difficult to control the firing temperature, which will result in non-uniform burnt bricks. The major objective of this experimental study was to compare the compressive strengths of locally fired clay bricks and the local unfired cement and lime stabilized clay bricks. Specifically, the index properties of soil used for brick production, the compressive strength of locally fired clay bricks, and stabilized clay bricks had been determined and compare with the standard specifications. This study, it was used contents of the stabilizer for cement and lime of 10%, 12%, and 14%, respectively. The mix ratio applied 1:9, 1:7, and 1:6 by volume of clay with stabilizer 10%, 12%, and 14%. Based on the result on the 28th day, the mean compressive strength test, the 10%, 12%, and 14% cement Stabilized clay bricks have compressive strengths of 2.91Mpa, 3.28Mpa, and 3.79Mpa respectively, which are better than the mean compressive strength of the locally fired clay bricks which is 2.73Mpa. On the other hand, the 28th day means compressive strengths of the lime stabilized clay bricks were 2.19Mpa, 2.51Mpa, and 2.69Mpa, respectively. Therefore, these results showed that the Fired Clay Brick fails the minimum mean compressive strength requirement based on the ES, ASTM, and IS standards. But the Stabilized Clay Bricks fulfill the minimum compressive strength requirements of IS standard for stabilized bricks. Among these three methods, the cement stabilized clay bricks indicated better quality than both locally fired and lime stabilized bricks.

  Abstract
  The local fired brick production technique is the known method of brick making, especially in Jimma Town. Firing of bricks in local brick production method is conducted by [...]

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• Evaluation on the Operational Characteristics of Gerji-Imperial Roundabout: A Case Study in Addis Ababa

  E. Quezon

  International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research (2017). Bewket Aynetaw, Prof. Emer Tucay Quezon, Tarekegn Kumela. Evaluation on the Operational Characteristics of Gerji-Imperial Roundabout: A Case Study in Addis Ababa. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research. 2017; 8(12): 1002-1009.

  
  

  Abstract

  Highly congested roundabouts are usually considered as the critical points within the urban road network and the evaluation of their performance provides valuable understanding and useful indication about the performance of the city road network system. Roundabouts should be designed to operate at no more than 85 percent of their estimated capacity. Beyond this threshold, delay and queues vary significantly from their mean values. The roundabout approach is dependent on the conflicting circulating flow and the roundabout’s geometric elements. In Addis Ababa, most of the intersections are congested and operate in poor LOS. During peak hours, it is common to see congestion, long queues, and delay at junctions. Accordingly, the objective of the study was to evaluate the operational characteristics of the selected roundabout in Addis Ababa. This research focused on the capacity and evaluation of the level of service at Gerji Imperial Roundabout and addressed the most important element of operational characteristics. The methodology employed for this study was the quantitative descriptive research design method. The necessary geometric data for the analysis (average entry width, circulatory road width, number of entry and circulatory lanes, and island diameter), traffic movement data with vehicle characteristics, and pedestrian volume were collected from the study area. The capacity analysis was done based on the gap – acceptance method that is adopted by the SIDRA Software program. Based on the results, the degree of congestion of the roundabout found out to have 1.749 which is far beyond the recommended values for a satisfactory level of service. Therefore, this indicates that the Gerji-Imperial roundabout is serving in a poor level of service. It is recommended to construct a road overpass or underpass at the most problematic approach to improve the operational capacity of the intersection.

  Abstract
  Highly congested roundabouts are usually considered as the critical points within the urban road network and the evaluation of their performance provides valuable understanding [...]

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• EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF STABILIZED EXPANSIVE SOIL USING PUMICE MIXED WITH LIME FOR SUBGRADE ROAD CONSTRUCTION

  R. Mesfun, P. Quezon, A. Geremew, E. Quezon

  International Journal of Research - Granthaalayah (2019). Robel Tewelde Mesfun, Prof. Emer Tucay Quezon, and Anteneh Geremew. (2019). “EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF STABILIZED EXPANSIVE SOIL USING PUMICE MIXED WITH LIME FOR SUBGRADE ROAD CONSTRUCTION.” International Journal of Research - Granthaalayah, 7(7), 118-124. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3355594

  
  

  Abstract

  Unsuitable soil materials along the alignment of road projects have a significant influence on planning, design, construction, and maintenance. Expansive soils are susceptible to considerable volume changes due to seasonal variations and moisture content. Most soils found in Jimma and Ambo Zones composed of plastic clay soil, causing severe damage at the intermittent of pavement sections. This research study conducted laboratory investigation considering combinations of materials blended to stabilize the expansive soil for subgrade construction. An experimental type of study performed started by collecting specimens. Two clayey soil specimens considered to test the free swell index obtained from a depth of 1.5m to remove the organic impurities. Results indicated the chemical analysis of pumice contained 82.68%, while its physical properties of the test of fineness specific surface and residue on 45 microns showed 3770 cm2/gm and 30%, respectively. As the lime content increased, the CBR strength also increased. But, if the percent content of lime decreased with an increasing pumice content, the CBR value did not show any significant increase. Both the chemical and physical properties satisfied the requirements according to ASTM C-618. Hence, this experiment obtained 7% lime + 3% pumice as an optimum mix ratio to stabilize expansive soils.

  Abstract
  Unsuitable soil materials along the alignment of road projects have a significant influence on planning, design, construction, and maintenance. Expansive soils are susceptible [...]

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• Traffic Safety Evaluation on Urban Road Un-signalized Intersection using Proactive Approach: A Case Study in Adama City

  E. Quezon

  Seifeddin Haji, MSc; Prof. Emer T. Quezon, P.Eng; Murad Mohammed, MSc; Biruk Yigezu, MSc. Traffic Safety Evaluation on Urban Road Un-Signalized Intersection using Proactive Approach: A Case Study in Adama City. Proceedings of the 2nd Annual Ethiopian Road Safety (RSC2018). Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, August 23-24, 2018

  
  

  Abstract

  Deaths and injuries as a result of road accidents are a recognized global problem and authorities are aware of the consequences this global phenomenon might lead to. Because of the rapid development of urbanization and motorization in developing and transitional countries, like Ethiopia, actions to improve traffic safety conditions are urgently needed. Highway intersections are among the greatest safety challenges because they are some of the most common highway features. Improving the safety level of the urban intersection is an important way to increase safety. Safety evaluations can help to develop effective safety countermeasures to lower crash rates and reduce crash severity. So how to diagnose safety problems and improve urban road intersection safety effectively becomes an important issue. Now, there have been quite a number of safety analysis methods and theories in the city intersection, but these methods and theories are formed on the basis of traffic accidents. However, the data on traffic accidents is not accurate enough, these theories are not appropriate for our country. Also, it is impractical and unethical to wait for accidents to occur before being able to draw statistically sound conclusions regarding safety improvement. Hence there is a need to develop a proactive approach, a non-accident-based approach, to evaluate urban road Unsignalized intersection safety performance. A proactive approach (indirect and non-accident based approach) was attempted to that of traditional reactive approach (direct and accident based approach) which is purely based on the existing conditions that have direct relationships or impacts to traffic safety such as the geometric, traffic control & engineering, road Surface and environment characteristics. The non-accident-based approach is based on field surveys under the conditions mentioned previously, summarizes the intersection safety diagnosis in a safety index to indicate the safety performance of the intersection. The study indicates that the proposed methodology and intersection safety diagnosis technique can be used to perform an evaluation of traffic safety and improvement at an intersection even when there are few resources available. Also, the use of intersection safety diagnosis is a more resource-efficient and ethically appealing alternative for fast, reliable, and effective safety assessment.

  Abstract
  Deaths and injuries as a result of road accidents are a recognized global problem and authorities are aware of the consequences this global phenomenon might lead to. Because [...]

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• Effects of Varying Dosage Replacement of Cement Content by Animal Bone Powder in Normal Concrete Mix Production

  A. W/amanuel, E. Quezon, M. Busier

  American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture (2018). Abrham Hawaz W/amanuel, Emer Tucay Quezon, and Mamuye Busier, “Effects of Varying Dosage Replacement of Cement Content by Animal Bone Powder in Normal Concrete Mix Production.” American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, vol. 6, no. 4 (2018): 133-139. doi: 10.12691/ajcea-6-4-1.

  
  

  Abstract

  Cement being the main constituent of concrete plays a vital role in concrete production. In Ethiopia, cement consumption has grown well with a growth rate of about 16.1% per year. Hence, an alternative material to partially replace cement was initiated to reflect the needs of the local community in the study area. The waste quantity of animal bones has impacted the environment which is unusual to see in other Non-African countries. The primary aim of the research is to investigate the effects of varying dosage replacement of cement by animal bone powder (ABP) in normal concrete production. The bone samples collected from the Seka Waste Disposal Site of Jimma town, approximately 10km from the bus station where a quantity of waste animal bones can be found. After cleaning and drying, the bone samples burned in the Furnace. The average required energy to burn the animal bone obtained at a temperature of 340°C. The burnt bone was allowed to cool before grinding in a hammer mill and sieving. There were six proportions prepared to start from 0% (as control specimen), 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% dosage increment by weight of bone powder, and evaluated the normal concrete strengths of C-25 grade concrete. The laboratory test results indicated the chemical analyses of a bone powder composed of similar compounds of oxide in cement but slightly lesser in content based on ASTM C-150. Likewise, the effects of replacing animal bone on the properties of cement such as consistency and setting time remained within the acceptable limits of the Standard Specifications. On the other hand, the results of compressive, flexural tensile, and split tensile strengths significantly declined from the control specimen during the dosage increment of the replacement made. Therefore, the optimum dosage of the bone powder indicated 10% by weight to replace cement content in normal concrete mix production.

  Abstract
  Cement being the main constituent of concrete plays a vital role in concrete production. In Ethiopia, cement consumption has grown well with a growth rate of about 16.1% per [...]

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