Research Article
Statistical Analysis of Variation Indices of Different Support in a Steel Beam Girder
Olaitan Oluwasheun Akol,
John Wasiu,
Ibrahim Abdulrazaq Olayinka*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
304-311
Received:
9 June 2026
Accepted:
3 July 2026
Published:
22 August 2026
Abstract: The reliability and safety performance of steel beam girders are significantly influenced by the number of supports provided along their spans. This study presents a statistical analysis of the variation of reliability indices (β) of a steel beam girder subjected to bending, shear, and deflection limit states under different support conditions. Reliability indices were evaluated for girders having two, three, four, and five supports and compared with the target reliability index (βt = 4.0). The results show considerable variation in structural reliability with changes in support configuration. Shear reliability remained consistently high, ranging from 5.14 to 5.32, indicating adequate safety against shear failure. Bending reliability exhibited significant fluctuations, with indices ranging from 0.532 to 6.98, suggesting that support arrangement strongly affects bending performance. Deflection reliability increased progressively from 0.402 for two supports to 4.65 for five supports, indicating improved serviceability performance with increased support numbers. The study demonstrates that while increasing the number of supports generally enhances serviceability reliability, it does not necessarily guarantee improved bending reliability. Statistical evaluation revealed that girders with four supports achieved the most balanced performance, satisfying the target reliability requirement for all failure modes. The findings provide useful insights for the reliability-based design and optimization of steel girder support systems.
Abstract: The reliability and safety performance of steel beam girders are significantly influenced by the number of supports provided along their spans. This study presents a statistical analysis of the variation of reliability indices (β) of a steel beam girder subjected to bending, shear, and deflection limit states under different support conditions. Rel...
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Research Article
Microstructural Evaluation of Bagasse Ash Stabilized Sand-Bentonite Mixtures Using XRD SEM, and EDX Techniques
Amedu Lawal Makhu*,
Zekeri Jafaru,
Ahmed Alhassan,
Ifabiyi Stephen Olugbemniga
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2026
Pages:
312-323
Received:
16 July 2026
Accepted:
29 July 2026
Published:
11 September 2026
Abstract: The microstructure of compacted sand–bentonite mixtures (SBMs) modified with sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) was investigated to evaluate the mechanisms responsible for improving their suitability as sustainable landfill liner materials. SBA was incorporated at replacement levels of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5%, while the mixtures were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). XRD analysis of the control sand revealed quartz, kaolinite, and metahalloysite as the dominant mineral phases, with minor quantities of gibbsite and vermiculite. The mixture containing 10% bentonite and 12.5% SBA exhibited new diffraction peaks and peak broadening, indicating the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) and confirming the occurrence of pozzolanic reactions. SEM images demonstrated a progressive transformation from the loose, porous granular structure of the untreated sand to a dense, compact, and well-cemented matrix in the SBA-modified mixtures. EDX analysis of the optimum mixture recorded oxygen (61.40 wt%), silicon (17.37 wt%), aluminum (6.52 wt%), and iron (6.42 wt%), confirming the development of a silica–alumina-rich cementitious matrix. These microstructural modifications enhanced particle bonding, reduced pore spaces, and improved contaminant retention capacity. The findings demonstrate that SBA effectively induces pozzolanic reactions and pore refinement, making SBA-modified SBMs a sustainable and environmentally friendly material for engineered landfill liner systems.
Abstract: The microstructure of compacted sand–bentonite mixtures (SBMs) modified with sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) was investigated to evaluate the mechanisms responsible for improving their suitability as sustainable landfill liner materials. SBA was incorporated at replacement levels of 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5%, while the mixtures were characteri...
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