NBRRI designs, fabricates 13 software, machines
By Angela Atabo
The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) says it designed and fabricated no fewer than 13 machines and software using the reverse engineering process in 2023.
Prof. Samson Duna, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NBRRI, made this known on Wednesday at the Presentation of 2023 NBRRI scorecard to stakeholders in Abuja.
Reverse engineering, known as backwards engineering, is the process through which one attempts to understand through deductive reasoning how a previously made device, process, system or software accomplishes a task.
The process is specific to the object on which it is being performed. All reverse engineering processes consist of three basic steps namely, information extraction, modelling and review.
According to Duna NBRRI is mandated to conduct integrated and applied research and development activities into the varied aspects of the construction industry.
He said that several significant achievements were recorded in the last few years.
These achievements were in the areas of new innovations, upgrading some existing NBRRI innovations, evolving and embarking on new projects, embarking on aggressive outreach/extension programs, administration activities among others.
“The machines are: design and construction of a mini excavator, design and fabrication of interlocking sandcrete block-making machine and design and fabrication of particleboard rotary dryer.
“Others are design and fabrication of NBRRI concrete mixer, development of heavy-duty hydraulic forklift machine for building application and design and construction of earth compactor and asphalt cutting machine.
“There is also evaluating the viability of silica sand in Nasarawa and Benue states for the production of glass for construction industries and the application of intelligent sensors to monitor concrete hardening.
“We also designed demonstration project to develop modular toilets based on polymer-based composite material, including development and application of an intelligent traffic control system’’, he said.
Duna said that the NBRRI Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and building automation solution were also designed to enhance energy efficiency.
He added that Real Time Locators (RTLs) was designed to enhance the safety of workers on construction sites in the event of building collapse in Nigeria with the implementation of real-time locators.
He said that NBRRI also got two patent certificates giving the institute the authority or license to invent.
Duna said these were: the NBRRI Semi-Automated Interlocking Block Making Machine (Diesel Driven) and the NBRRI Semi-Automated Interlocking Block Making Machine (Electric Driven).
One of the main functions of the patent system, according to him, is to foster technological innovation by providing an incentive for research and development.
He said the patent system also helps in disseminating technical information and promote technology transfer as well as protect inventions that, useful and offer a significant improvement over what already exists.
The D-G said that NBRRI also carried various capacity programmes and developed a curriculum for artisans in the construction industry.
“NBRRI developed a robust, practical and relevant competency based curriculum for the training of artisans in 10 selected trades in the construction industry.
“These are: Masonry, carpentry, electrical installation, plumbing and fittings, floor finishes, Iron bending, painting and decoration and draughting.
“Others are: Concrete and reinforcement, health and safety,’’ he said.
Duna said that NBRRI carried out over 15 innovation, research and development projects in 2023.
He said one of the mandates of NBRRI is to conduct research into Local building and construction materials to determine the most effective and economic methods for their utilisation.
He said in line with that mandate NBRRI developed new ways of using available local materials in building, road and fabrication.
These included the production of asphalt from natural sand and bitumen, use of bamboo as reinforcement, the development of Rubberised Asphalt Mat (RAM), design and fabrication of an automatic wall plastering machine.
Duna said many opportunities abound in NBRI and urged Nigerians to leverage the institution’s milestone in works and housing sectors.
He said that poor funding, poor patronage of NBRRI products and preference for use of conventional building materials instead of NBRRI’s innovation were as some of the challenges faced by the institute.
He therefore, called on the Federal to increase funding for the institute as well produce policies that would compel patronage of its innovation as ways of strengthening its operations. (NAN)(www.nannews.com)
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Edited by Uche Anunne
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