Research Article
Diagnostic Load Test of a Scaled Post-Tensioned Flat Plate Concrete Slab
Mohammed Faruqi*
,
Carlos Vargas
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
114-122
Received:
7 August 2025
Accepted:
18 August 2025
Published:
11 September 2025
Abstract: A flat plate floor system is a concrete system that has uniform thickness. They are generally cast-in-place or they may be casted at the ground level and lifted into their final position by the use of jacks at the columns. This system can be post-tensioned. Flat plate post tensioned concrete slabs are widely used in office buildings, institutional structures, parking structures, apartment buildings, and hotels. Therefore, it is important to have a good understanding of the behavior of these elements that form the fabric of the total structural system. The main goal of this work was to perform a design evaluation on a constructed scaled post-tensioned 4 ft x 4 ft flat plate concrete slab with American Concrete Institute (ACI) design provisions. The 28 days compressive strength of concrete was 5000 psi. The slab thickness was 1/2 in, and 1/16 in post-tensioning cables inside a plastic sheathing were used as the reinforcement. The slab was loaded using a designed water tank of 4 ft x 4 ft x 6 ft dimensions. The water depth generated the distributed load on the slab and a dial gauge measured the slab deflections. Distributed load and deflection data were collected. The design evaluations were carried out with respect to deflections, stresses, shear and flexural capacity using a developed ACI provisioned spreadsheet and experimentally obtained load and deflection data. The scaled constructed concrete slab satisfied the ACI design provisions.
Abstract: A flat plate floor system is a concrete system that has uniform thickness. They are generally cast-in-place or they may be casted at the ground level and lifted into their final position by the use of jacks at the columns. This system can be post-tensioned. Flat plate post tensioned concrete slabs are widely used in office buildings, institutional ...
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Research Article
Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Fruits, Nuts, Kernels and Oils of Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca) from Three Locations in Northern Cameroon: Industrial Potential
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
123-133
Received:
27 October 2025
Accepted:
10 November 2025
Published:
8 December 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.eas.20251005.12
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Abstract: The objective of this work is to study the food and technological potential of Balanites aegyptiaca through the physico-chemical properties of fruits, nuts, kernels and oils in the northern zone of Cameroon (Garoua, Maroua and Kousseri). The fruits, nuts and kernels were characterized. The physico-chemical properties of kernels and oils were determined by standardized methods. The kernel mass to fruit mass ratio is 11.67% for the samples from Garoua, 11.12% for those from Maroua and 13.40% for those from Kousseri. The oil content is higher than 44% regardless of the provenance of the kernels. The acid index values (1.21±0.07 mg KOH/g of oil for Maroua, 1.25±0.09 mg KOH/g of oil for Kousseri and 1.36±0.16 mg KOH/g of oil for Garoua) are lower than the standard of 4 mg KOH/g of oil recommended by CODEX standard for edible oils. The iodine index values are 114.30±0.05 mgI2/g for Maroua, 114.82±2.6 mgI2/g for Garoua and 115.42±1.95 mgI2/g for Kousseri. These values are close to those of cottonseed oil. The peroxide index values in meqO2/Kg for the three localities are lower than 10 meqO2/Kg, the recommended standard for edible oils. The saponification index gave the values of 189.33±4.8 for Kousseri, 186.52±2.4 for Maroua and 190.73±2.43 for Garoua. These values are lower than those of some conventional oils (copra, palm seed) used in soap making. Balanites aegyptiaca oil was found to be a stable oil with good preservation. It is semi siccative and less susceptible to oxidation than some conventional oils. This oil could be used as a main component for soap production.
Abstract: The objective of this work is to study the food and technological potential of Balanites aegyptiaca through the physico-chemical properties of fruits, nuts, kernels and oils in the northern zone of Cameroon (Garoua, Maroua and Kousseri). The fruits, nuts and kernels were characterized. The physico-chemical properties of kernels and oils were determ...
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