Browsing by Author "Katambara, Z"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Analysis of Flooding Effects on the Msingi Masonry Arch Bridge in Mkalama, Singida, Tanzania
    (MUST Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2025-06-30) Katambara, Z; Kifanyi ,G; Barthazar, D
    Human induced hydraulic factors have emerged as the leading cause of bridge failures since the 1990s, accounting for approximately 50% of incidents recorded in the authors' database. These failures often occur without warning and result in substantial structural damage. With the intensifying impacts of climate change globally and particularly in Tanzania, such events are projected to become more frequent. Among hydraulic causes, flooding poses the most significant risk, primarily through mechanisms like erosion, high hydraulic forces, and sedimentation. This study assesses the vulnerability of the Msingi Masonry Arch Bridge to flooding, examining both immediate and long-term impacts on its structural integrity. It evaluates the bridge's exposure to flood-related hazards and compares the original design discharge capacity of 1497.57 m³/s with the updated estimate of 1777.90 m³/s, revealing a critical under-capacity during peak flows. Based on these findings, the study proposes adaptive strategies to enhance the bridge’s flood resilience. Key recommendations include reinforcing embankments with stone retaining walls, raising the bridge elevation to accommodate future flood levels, and redesigning piers with upstream V-shaped walls to reduce debris accumulation. Additionally, the study advocates for community engagement through awareness programs and the preservation of natural riverbank vegetation to mitigate erosion. These measures aim to inform stakeholders and serve as a reference for flood-resilient infrastructure planning in similarly vulnerable regions.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Application of Conceptual Model in Developing the Jangwani Mini-Hydropower Plant in Ruvuma Region, Tanzania
    (Mbeya University of Science and Technology Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2021-10-28) Katambara, Z
    The Seventh Sustainable Development Goal is on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy. The promotion and the use of renewable energy sources is inevitable. Within the spectrum of renewable energy sources, there are the mini-hydropower plants which have been reported to have the potential to provide for rural electrification. The existence of reliable flowing water necessitates the investment in mini hydropower for off grid systems. To prove the viability of such schemes, a hydrological analysis of the Mtandazi River was conducted. The Australian Water Balance Model, a conceptual model, was used to model the stream flows using the California Method. The results suggest that for 95% exceedance, the flow is 1.62 m3/s. The flows will enable the installation of the Jangwani mini hydropower plant to generate 226.7 kW of electricity in Ruvuma Region, Tanzania. The study recommends for the conservation of the catchment for the sustainability of the flows.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Assessing Key Performance Factors in Final-Year Civil Engineering Students at Mbeya University of Science and Technology, Tanzania by Using Principal Component Analysis
    (Mbeya University of Science and Technology, 2025-03-10) Katambara, Z; Matungwa William
    This study applies Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to evaluate and under stand academic performance among final-year Civil Engineering students at Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST) in the academic year 2023/2024. Responding to Tanzania’s growing demand for skilled engineers, this research provides data-driven insights into student achievement patterns, revealing the core factors impacting performance. PCA was utilized to reduce dimensionality, transforming course grades into uncorrelated components that capture underlying performance structures. The results identify three primary components: Core Academic Knowledge, explaining 41.38% of the variance; Specialized Applied Skills, contributing 10.07%; and Advanced Independent Skills, accounting for 6.71%. Together, these components explain 58.16% of total performance variance, indicating a robust framework for understanding student success drivers. Additional analysis, including correlation matrices and descriptive statistics, highlights patterns across courses, revealing strong relationships within core competencies and independent distinctions in advanced courses. Findings suggest curriculum enhancements and targeted interventions that could better pre pare students for industry needs, focusing on core academic support, practical skills enhancement, and resources for advanced technical areas.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Positioning Mbeya University of Science and Technology in Tanzania in the Systems of Innovation Perspective
    (Mbeya University of Science and Technology Journal of Research and Development (MJRD), 2013-11-13) Katambara, Z
    The chronological development of universities ranges from the state at which universities are considered to be knowledge accumulators followed by knowledge factories and finally the knowledge hubs. The various national systems of innovations are aligned with the knowledge hubs and it involves a substantial amount of research activities. The newly established Mbeya University of Science and Technology is recognized as a knowledge hub in some particular niches. However, there are a limited number of research ac activities conducted at the university and this study is an attempt to identify the reasons that limit research activities. Well-structured research questionnaires were designed and distributed to academic staff members and thereafter the respondents were analyzed by using SPSS software package. The lack of knowledge, skills and funds as well as equipment was earmarked as the reason that hindered the research activities. Therefore, resources are required to improve the capabilities of the staff members and the study recommends on the need for deliberate efforts to improve the knowledge of the staff members with respect to research activities.