STAKEHOLDERS PERCEPTION ON THE AWARENESS OF GREEN BUILDING RATING SYSTEMS AND ACCRUABLE BENEFITS IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN NIGERIA

The construction industry has been relying on the government building codes to plan and execute most construction projects. Numerous researchers have shown how green building rating systems have various intrinsic advantages, and offers solutions to many environmental related problems, relative to the convectional practices. The study investigates the construction professional’s perception on the awareness of green building rating systems and the accruable benefits in construction projects in Nigeria. The study objective include assessing the awareness status of green building rating systems as well as the most preferred rating system for possible adoption in Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from various respondents who were construction professionals. Random sampling techniques were used to select one hundred-fifty (150) respondents out of which ninety-one (91)were used for data analysis. The results indicate that most of the building industry professionals in Nigeria are familiar with green building rating systems and preferred Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design(LEED)for possible adoption in Nigerian construction projects. The findings have important implications for policy and practice. The study recommends full establishment of Green Building Council of Nigeria (GBCN) that will be responsible for awareness creation, introduction of guidelines, tools and techniques that will drive green practices for future project

DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCRETE FROM METASTABLE CALCINED CLAY AND RICE HUSK ASH WITH SUPERABSORBENT POLYMERS

The research was conducted to determine the potential use of metastable calcined clay (MCC) as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in a binary binder for high-performance concrete (HPC) production. The attractive properties of calcined clay based on literature have influenced an SCM choice in concrete production. Therefore, to improve the performance of the structural elements regarding increasing height, span length, and load, a thermally activated MCC of Nigerian origin gave a point of view to more investigation and compared with rice husk ash (RHA). Different HPC mixtures at 5-30% with MCC or RHA content of cement replacements of five steps intervals were produced with superabsorbent polymers (SAP) introduced as an internal curing agent. The water-binder ratio (W/B) of all the mixes was kept constant at 0.3 while Masterglenium Sky 504, a polycarboxylate ether-based superplasticiser (PCE), was used to improve the HPCs workability. To obtain the properties of the cementitious materials, the chemical composition, mineral phases, morphology, calcination efficiency, and physical properties were quantitatively analysed using the advanced techniques of X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared/Attenuated total reflection (FTIR/ATR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), laser particle sizing and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) nitrogen absorption method. The MCC's effect on the workability, early-age degree of hydration, early-age compressive strength, hardened mechanical properties (compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths), durability (water absorption, sorptivity, and chemical attack), and microstructure (morphology and crystalline phases) of hardened MCC based HPCs samples were determined. The determined early-age compressive strength of HPC mortar was further curve-fitted into Powers' model to assess the relationship between compressive strength and gel/space ratio. All the properties of HPCs containing MCC were compared to those of PC mixes. The XRF result shows that the chemical oxide composition of MCC confirmed the pozzolanic material requirements with recorded high useful oxides content. At the same time, the SEM image presents particles of broad, solid masses with a wider surface area of irregular shape. The XRD results show that the MCC was a major illite-based clay mineral calcined at a maximum temperature of 650 ℃, as revealed by the TGA. The MCC addition increases the slump flow of HPCs at certain cement replacement with a comparative early-age compressive strength with the control. The MCC incorporation at 10% cement replacement best improved the porosity of HPCs at a later age resulting in increased mechanical, durability, and microstructural properties of tested samples. A simulation of MCC and RHA contents into the Powers' model signalled compatibility for predicting strength development trends in the HPC with SAP. The study has shown that MCC and RHA, which are locally sourced, can be used to produce Class I (50 – 75 MPa) HPC with enhanced mechanical, durability and microstructural properties. Therefore, it is recommended that MCC addition within 10% binder content be adopted for low W/B Class I HPC at no deleterious results on mechanical and microstructural properties of the concrete

Construction Professionals’ Perception on Green Building Awareness and Accruable Benefits in Construction Projects in Nigeria

The negative environmental impact of buildings to the environment has led to aclamour for improved practice. Attempts of implementation of environmental friendlyprinciples to the entire construction projects phases is as a result of such clamour and hasbeen linked to the evolution of evolving concept termed “green building”. The study aimsat investigating the construction professionals‟ perceptions on green building awarenessand accruable benefits in construction projects in Nigeria. The study objectives includeassessing the level of the adoption of green building principles in construction projectsand to determine the benefits accruable to its use in projects. A structured questionnairewas used to collect information from various respondents who were built environmentprofessionals. Purposive random sampling technique was used to select one hundred-fifty(150) respondents out of which ninety-one (91) responses were used for the data analysis.The results indicate that most of the building industry professionals in Nigeria arefamiliar with green building principles. Building industry professionals agree on most ofthe rankings of the green building benefits. The study also indicates that there is nosignificant difference in the levels of awareness of green building practices among builtenvironment practitioners. The findings have important implications for policy andpractice. The study recommends full establishment of Green Building Council of Nigeria(GBCN) that will be responsible for awareness creation, introduction of guidelines, toolsand techniques that will drive green building practices for future project.Keywords: Awareness, Construction Professionals, Green Building, Nigeria, Perception

Stakeholders Perception of Factors Determining the Adoptability of Green Building Practices In Construction Projects In Nigeria

Within the Nigerian construction industry there has been a lack of research profiling the adoptability of green building practices in construction projects. The aim of this study is to investigate factors determining the adoptability of green building practices. The objectives of the study are to compare perception of stakeholders on factors determining the adoptability of green building principles in construction projects and also to find out the constraints in implementing green building principles. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from various respondents who were built environment professionals. Random sampling technique was used to select one hundred and fifty (150) respondents out of which ninety-one (91) responses were used for the data analysis. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results indicated that green building practices adoptable by  building industry professional include, site sustainability, material and resource conservation, energy conservation, maintenance and building operation, occupant health and safety, water conservation, recycling and waste reduction.  Barriers affecting green practices include lack of awareness, expertise and higher cost. The findings have important implications for policy and practice. The study recommends full establishment of Green Building Council of Nigeria (GBCN) that will be responsible for awareness creation, introduction of guidelines, tools and techniques that will drive green building practices for future project. KEYWORDS: Adoptability, Green Building, Nigeria, Perception, Stakeholders

Critical success factors (CSFs) influencing the implementation of industrialized building Systems (IBS) in Nigeria

Conventional method of construction hinders the actualization of triple success project objectives of time, cost and quality delivery of construction projects while IBS method is used for closing these negative effects. Hence, this study aimed at examining critical success factors (CSFs) influencing the implementation of industrialized building systems (IBS) in Nigeria. Adopting a cross-sectional survey design, a close-ended questionnaire was purposively administered online to construction professionals who have distinct knowledge and experience on projects where IBS has been implemented. The data was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics using IBM SPSS v. 21. The study findings showed that good working relationship, training of skilled workforce, effective communication route and financial capacity are the CSFs furthering the implementation of IBS in a developing country like Nigeria. The implication for practice is for construction stakeholders to develop these competencies to maximally improve the implementation of IBS projects. The study developed a framework that the project stakeholders can implement for an efficient industrialized building system on construction projects

Assessment of the Durability Dynamics of High-Performance Concrete Blended With a Fibrous Rice Husk Ash

[Abstract] The present study examines the durability properties of Class 1 (50–75 MPa) high-performance concrete (HPC) blended with rice husk ash (RHA) as a partial replacement of CEM II B-L, 42.5 N. Six HPC mixes were prepared with RHA and used as 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% of CEM II alone and properties are compared with control mix having only CEM II. The binders (CEM II and RHA) were investigated for particle size distribution (PSD), specific surface area (SSA), oxide compositions, mineralogical phases, morphology, and functional groups using advanced techniques of laser PSD, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection (FTIR/ATR), respectively, to understand their import on HPC. Durability properties, including water absorption, sorptivity, and chemical attack of the HPC samples, were investigated to realise the effect of RHA on the HPC matrix. The findings revealed that the durability properties of RHA-based HPCs exhibited an acceptable range of values consistent with relevant standards. The findings established that self-produced RHA would be beneficial as a cement replacement in HPC. As the RHA is a cost-effective agro-waste, a scalable product of RHA would be a resource for sustainable technology

ASSESSMENT OF INTEGRATION OF BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: PROFESSIONALS` PERSPECTIVES

The study assessed the integration of various Building Automation Systems (BAS) to enhance efficiency and productivity in residential buildings in developing countries: Professionals` perspectives. A survey technique was used for this research. Both Qualitative data and Quantitative data were obtained. 100 structured questionnaires were distributed to the professionals involved in construction of the systems. The data were analyzed and ranked based on Relative Importance Index (RII) calculation. The result showed that high energy management, improved security, improved safety in buildings were the most important benefits while High cost of purchasing devices and high maintenance cost., lack of adequate power supply, lack of technical-know where the challenges encountered in the use of BAS. There is lack of awareness of BAS by professionals. It recommended that there should more enlightenment and training of the construction professionals on the importance of building automation for better efficiency and productivity

Awareness, benefits and drawbacks of net zero energy building practices: construction industry professional’s perceptions

In a bid to overcome climate change and global warming, the adoption of net zero energy building (nZEB) practices in construction projects has become a viable measure of reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions in buildings. nZEB is a facility with a significantly lowered energy needs such that the rest of the energy requirements can be supplied by on-site or off-site renewable technologies. The present study therefore investigated the awareness, benefits and challenges confronting the actualization of nZEB in Nigeria construction industry. A cross sectional survey design was adopted wherein a close ended questionnaire was purposively administered online to construction industry professionals who have understanding of nZEB initiatives. Descriptive statistical tests were conducted, with the results showing about 9% and 25% of the selected professionals been not aware of nZEB concepts and have not been involved in the concept in their professional career. Further details revealed that reduction in the land use effect, reduction in vulnerability of power infrastructures to vandalism and economic competitiveness were dominant benefits of nZEB practices. However, low return on investment, conflict with public policy regulation and policy clarity, lack of evaluation and valuation processes were perceived as the top hindering factors to nZEB practices. The implication for practice is for construction stakeholders to participate and develop effective implementation strategies towards nZEB for could be ecological and economical friendly

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CONCRETE STRENGTH UTILIZING QUARRY-CRUSHED AND LOCALLY SOURCED COARSE AGGREGATES

The use of two types of course aggregates for different works is examined in this study. Typical strength concrete is being made from various aggregates and their impact on various characteristics to the subsequent concrete. Compressive strength is the most vital property of a concrete. In this paper, two forms of coarse aggregates, crushed stone(granite) and unwashed gravel were utilized. Sharp sand is the fine aggregate. Initial laboratory examination was carried out to establish the appropriateness of utilizing the aggregates for construction purpose. Particle size distribution (sieve analysis) and slump test were investigated. Mix ratio (1:2:4) was used for this work and mix structures were analyzed by absolute weight technique. A total of 32 cubes (150×150×150mm) were cast to permit the compressive strength to be observed at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Test results revealed that concrete produced from unwashed gravel has a better workability than crushed granite. Higher compressive strength at all period was observed with concrete produced from granite aggregate. Compressive strength patterns were suggested as a result of age at curing

JOB SATISFACTION OF FEMALE CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS IN MALE DOMINATED FIELDS

Employee satisfaction plays a crucial role in organizational performance and survival. The present study assessed job satisfaction of female construction professionals in male dominated fields specifically, construction. The study adopted a cross sectional survey research design with the aid of questionnaires to elicit information purposively from 50 female construction professionals in Lagos, Nigeria. Data from the survey was analyzed by means of descriptive statistics like frequencies, means, cross tabs and inferential statistics like correlation. The major finding is that most of the respondents’ within the age bracket of 30 and 39 were dissatisfied with their salaries and fringe benefits. There was also a correlation between respondents’ age and level of satisfaction. The study recommends that construction organization should improve on their salaries and fringe benefits so that employees can be motivated to put in their best thereby increasing organizational performance