Determining Wind Actions in Kenya according to the Eurocodes

Abstract

This paper provides guidance on using existing national parameters with the Eurocodes for determination of wind loads on buildings. The current code of practice allows engineers to use 3-second gusts which end up making the structures unnecessarily robust and uneconomical. This paper argues the case for using sustained wind speeds in the Eurocodes as opposed to wind gusts. The use of sustained wind speeds allows a 30% reduction on the magnitude of wind actions applied to a structure during design and consequently, a reduction in construction costs. Next, this paper demonstrates the method in which the current wind speeds given in 3-second gusts are converted to 10-minute wind speeds. The use of sustained wind speeds allows the engineer to come up with economical designs, thus improving the economic viability of construction projects. This paper provides guidance to applying wind actions on structures according to the Eurocode standard KS EN 1991-1-4.

Modified UTAUT2 to Determine Intention and Use of E-Commerce Technology Among Micro & Small Women Entrepreneurs in Jharkhand, India

“…ICT and e-commerce can help women entrepreneurs to reduce time and mobility constraints, increase market reach, upgrade skills and enable wider participation in business network [41].Women entrepreneurs are increasingly prompted to use ICTs like mobile phones, SMS, e-mail, social network and internet based telephony (such as Skype) to reach their existing and potential customers and business partners, thereby increasing their confidence in conducting economic activities [3,45]. Big marketplaces like Amazon Mahila-e-Haat, e-Bay, Alibaba.com amongst others are continuously inspiring and encouraging Indian women entrepreneurs to adopt ecommerce [36,46,56].…”

The Role of Colonialism in the Transformation of the Indigenous Naming System of the Amuthambi of Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya, 1920-1963

“…The exercise of collecting tax and forcefully recruiting young men into labor was new to the local people, therefore, the chiefs experienced a lot of resistance and hatred from the local people. Munyua (O.I, 2022) states that the local chiefs were very ruthless in their collection of the tax and sometimes they could confiscate goats or chicken from those who were unable to pay the tax. Since the tax could only be payable in colonial currency which the Africans did not have, they opted to seek employment in cash crop production in European plantations or other public works to earn money to pay the tax (Nyakwaka,2013).…”