https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/146 Sat, 06 Jun 2026 16:17:25 GMT 2026-06-06T16:17:25Z https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4406 Title: Design of a shielded turntable with reduced radiated emissions for EMC and antenna testing applications Authors: Wait, Ibraheem Gerhard Adriaan Abstract: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing is critical for ensuring reliable operation of electronic systems in increasingly complex electromagnetic environments. At the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), the need for consistent and repeatable EMC and antenna measurements led to the development of a shielded, automated antenna test turntable (ATT). This research details the design, implementation, and validation of a lowemission, portable turntable platform for use in shielded chambers and open-area test sites. The project followed a structured engineering design methodology, beginning with a comprehensive literature review on EMC principles, EMI sources, coupling mechanisms, and applicable standards such as CISPR 32, IEC 61000, and MIL-STD-461. The ATT was engineered to rotate equipment under test (EUT) through 360° with high positional accuracy (±1°), while minimizing electromagnetic interference using shielded enclosures, filtered connectors, and fibre-optic communication. Subsystems—including a linear power supply, stepper motor with driver, and a microcontroller-based control interface—were housed in dedicated RFI-shielded cavities. Functional testing confirmed reliable rotation under a 25 kg load at speeds up to 3 rpm, precise angular control within ±1°, and robust serial communication over 10 m fibre-optic links. Pre-compliance EMC testing using near-field probing and common-mode current measurements demonstrated emission attenuation of up to 30 dB compared to an unshielded configuration. Common-mode coupling remained below 14 dBμA, supporting the platform’s low-noise design. Compliance-level radiated emissions testing confirmed adherence to CISPR 32 Class B limits, with measured peak emissions at least 15 dB below the limit across 30 MHz–300 MHz and an average margin of 30 dB below the limit from 0.3–6 GHz. No pulsed emissions were detected, validating the system’s suitability for sensitive EMC and antenna testing environments. A cost saving of approximately 80% was achieved compared to commercial EMC turntables. This research delivers a cost-effective, low-noise solution for automated EMC testing and lays the foundation for future enhancements such as closed-loop control, advanced shielding, and integrated sensor feedback. Description: Thesis (MEng (Satellite Systems and Applications))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2026 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4406 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4394 Title: An approach to the management of road deterioration on national route 12 between Beaufort West and Klaastroom, Western Cape, South Africa Authors: Mkoka, Msawenkosi Abstract: The present National Route 12 road (classified as the TR33/5) between Klaarstroom and Beaufort West in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, shows rapid deterioration. The road falls under the Western Cape Provincial Roads’ jurisdiction. The deterioration is evident on the road pavement through surface deformation, severity in cracking, and surface disintegration. Road pavement is defined as the entire structure of the roadway regardless of type or composition, including stabilised subbase and all the layers of construction, including the final wearing course and embankments. The deterioration of the road pavement affects the condition of the vehicles using it, thus increasing motorists’ maintenance costs, and possibly leading to fatal incidents. This research study thus sets out to develop a risk management approach to identify, evaluate, and manage different types of road distress on the TR33/5 road. The study employed a mixed methods approach using both quantitative and qualitative data from the Western Cape Provincial Government, such as climate conditions, historical imagery, Conditional Survey Report data, Material Investigation Report data, traffic volume data, and any environmental factors. An integrated risk management approach aligned with ISO 31000:2018, incorporating quality tools such as gap analysis, an Ishikawa diagram, 5 Whys technique, and Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) was followed. A pilot study was conducted on Jakes Gerwel Drive, one of the City of Cape Town roads, to test for validity of this study. After integrated risk management analysis, the National Route 12 was found to be 28 years old, and without adequate maintenance to prolong the design life, which resulted in moisture entering through the surface, causing supporting layer deterioration, despite the traditional means of repair. The current method used for the preventative maintenance of the road surface, which involves using cold mix asphalt to repair pavement deterioration, is not entirely adequate. Introduction of infrared asphalt road repair maintenance is the recommended solution to overcome pavement deterioration on the TR33/5 road, and this study recommends that this solution should be implemented in South African roads as a whole. The study also recommends the implementation of industrial engineering management tools in the civil engineering management industry. Description: Thesis (MEng (Engineering Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2026 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4394 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4391 Title: Exploring barriers and strategies for the adoption of industry X.0 technologies in civil engineering consulting firms in South Africa Authors: Matlakala, Resego Thabiso Abstract: Industry X.0 technologies—spanning Building Information Modelling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drones, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence and digital twins—promise measurable gains in delivery certainty, coordination and lifecycle performance for civil-engineering consulting. Yet adoption in South Africa has been uneven, shaped by resource constraints, skills gaps and interoperability challenges. This study investigates the current state of adoption, quantifies realised benefits, ranks barriers, and identifies practical strategies to accelerate integration in South African civil-engineering consulting firms. A crosssectional, mixed-methods design was employed using an online questionnaire with closed Likert-type items and optional open-ended responses to capture both prevalence and practitioner commentary. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics for frequencies, proportions and mean barrier scores, complemented by thematic coding of free-text responses to surface implementation insights. Results indicate that perceived benefits are concentrated in efficiency/productivity (73.9%) and accuracy/error-reduction (71.6%), with collaboration (50.0%), cost savings (46.6%) and sustainability (36.4%) also frequently reported. Among firms that had adopted one or more Industry X.0 tools, nearly one-third observed high improvements (>21%), while roughly half reported moderate gains (6–20%), and a minority noted low or no measurable improvement— consistent with tools being in early pilot phases. Ranked barriers show a clear hierarchy: cost (mean≈3.58/5) and technical skills (≈3.50/5) dominate, followed by insufficient training (≈3.40/5), resistance to change (≈3.33/5) and workflow/interoperability challenges (≈3.13/5). Practical levers preferred by respondents include in-house workshops (≈59%), online courses/certifications (≈55%) and on-site demonstrations (≈46%), alongside policy ideas such as BIM-informed procurement and fiscal incentives. Technology-specific signals point to strong momentum in GIS/BIM, expanding drone use (with a substantial share relying on outsourced flight services), and growing interest in IoT and digital twins as data standards mature. The study concludes that benefits materialise most reliably when tools move from isolated pilots into disciplined workflows supported by people development and data-integration practices. It recommends a cyclical framework—rapid diagnostics; parallel tracks for financing, skills and technical integration; threshold-based pilots; and scale-up through internal knowledgesharing—to convert pilots into institutionalised capability. These findings offer an evidencebased roadmap for firms, professional bodies and public clients seeking to close the gap between innovation and routine practice in the South African context. Description: Thesis (MEng (Engineering Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2026 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4391 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4380 Title: Enhancing quality management through semi-automation and digital integration for solar energy solutions Authors: Cornelius, Robyn Abstract: This study investigates how semi-automation and digital integration can strengthen quality management within a start-up battery manufacturing environment producing lithium-ion battery packs for solar energy systems. Start-up manufacturers often rely heavily on manual processes, which increases variability, defect risk, and inefficiencies. The research therefore examines whether introducing semi-automated welding and digital integration tools can meaningfully improve product quality, process consistency, and operational efficiency. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining quantitative production data from torqued (manual) and welded (semi-automated) assembly lines with qualitative insights from audit reports, observation logs, and internal quality documentation. The quantitative findings show that semi-automation significantly enhanced process stability. Although welded packs recorded more defects in absolute numbers, they represented far lower defect rates when normalised to output. Variability in electrical performance decreased markedly, with statistically significant improvements across discharge, charge, and final-charge voltage stages. Real-time monitoring data further indicated narrow voltage spreads and low internal-resistance variation, demonstrating equipment stability and consistent weld integrity. Operational efficiency also improved. First Pass Yield for welded packs stabilised close to 100%, while the manual line continued to fluctuate. Throughput on the welded line exceeded 350 packs per month compared to fewer than 100 on the manual line. Time-study results confirmed an overall 14% reduction in assembly time, with the greatest savings achieved in joining stages where laser welding replaced labour-intensive manual operations. Although scrap costs were initially higher for welded packs due to early learning-curve defects, machinedriven faults were more systematic and easier to eliminate than persistent human-error variation. Qualitative findings supported these results by highlighting how semi-automation reduced reliance on operator skill, improved traceability, and strengthened process control in a context where documentation consistency, training gaps, and fragmented data previously hindered quality performance. Overall, the study demonstrates that semi-automation and digital integration substantially enhance quality management in start-up battery assembly environments. Improvements in process stability, defect predictability, throughput, and real-time monitoring show that even under resource constraints, digital and semi-automated systems offer a practical and scalable pathway toward higher quality and operational excellence. Description: Thesis (Master of Engineering (Quality))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2026 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/4380 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z