Assessment of the Use of Compressed Stabilized Interlocking Earth Block for Building Construction in Nigeria

With the increasing pace of technology and the ever growing client’s desire for comfort and optimum value for money, the need to diversify and try other materials and methods of building construction that will yield the expected result is necessary. One of such materials is the Compressed Stabilized Interlocking Earth Block (CSIEB) which is gaining popularity among construction professionals in most developing countries. This research therefore assessed its usage for building construction in Nigeria, using a questionnaire survey administered to construction professionals which includes; Architect, Quantity Surveyors, Engineers and Builders. Data gathered were analyzed using percentage, mean item score and correlation analysis. Findings revealed that CSIEB is gaining popularity among construction professionals and the present level of usage is encouraging. Correlation analysis showed that there is a strong relationship between its suitability and respondents’ willingness to adopt it for building construction. Findings further revealed that CSIEB is suitable for building construction and most professionals are willing to use it for subsequent projects. Its perceived benefits include; cost effective construction, aesthetically pleasing finish and reduction in cost of maintenance.  The study therefore recommends that the use of CSIEB should be encouraged among stakeholders as an alternative to the conventional materials use for building construction in Nigeria. Keywords: Building construction, Compressed Stabilized Interlocking Earth Block, Construction professionals, Nigeria, Suitability.

Assessment of the Use of Solid Concrete and Interlocking Stones in the Construction of Walkways in a Tertiary Institution

Over the years solid concrete and interlocking stones have gained popularity in the construction of walkways due to their immense benefits. This study therefore assessed their usage in the construction of walkways in a tertiary institution, using the Federal University of Technology, Akure as a case study. The study, through the review of documentary evidence, personal observation and interview, assessed the level of usage of these materials within the institution, the present condition of these walkways, factors influencing the usage of these materials and the factors affecting their present conditions. The study revealed that the use of solid concrete for walkway construction is gradually fading away as most of the walkways newly constructed are done with the use of interlocking stones. This is as a result of the need for beautification and the need to meet up with present trend. The major defects associated with solid concrete walkways within the institution are cracks and breakages while that of interlocking stones are presence of vegetative growth in between voids, removal of interlocking stones and undulating walkways. The major factors responsible for these defects include; adverse weather condition, poor construction, poor usage and poor maintenance. The study therefore recommend adequate maintenance, use of underground drains beneath sub soil to allow proper draining of absorbed water, shading of concrete walkways through use of light weight covering and proper filling and compaction of sub-base to avoid underground settlement. Keywords: Construction, Interlocking stone, Pavers, Solid concrete, Walkways

Stakeholders' Perception of Sustainability in Educational Buildings in Nigeria

Building plays a vital role in the delivery of quality education. It is therefore necessary to provide not just buildings but sustainable ones, since educational buildings are meant to serve both the present generation and generations to come. This paper presents the findings of the assessment of sustainability in educational buildings in Nigeria from the stakeholders view point. A survey design approach was adopted and questionnaire was administered on construction participants in selected higher institutions. Data gathered were analyzed using percentage, relative importance index, and Kruskal-Walis H-test. The study revealed that sustainability in educational buildings in the country is on the average with the social dimension ranking a bit higher than the economic and environmental dimensions. There is also a significant divergence in the view of construction stakeholders as to the sustainability features of educational buildings. This divergence tends to affect the priority placed on sustainability as some critical sustainability features such as thermal, visual and acoustic comfort, needed for sustainable educational buildings were found to be very low. If this is to change, then more orientation of construction stakeholders as regards sustainability is needed. The study therefore recommends that educating construction participants, on the concept of sustainability is necessary in order to improve the understanding of sustainability among participants, and achieve sustainability in its holistic form. The study contributes to the body of knowledge as it brings to light the sustainability nature of educational buildings in the country from the stakeholders' perspective; an aspect that has lacked research attention in the discussion of sustainable construction in the country. It is therefore believed that its findings will assist those responsible for the delivery of educational buildings across the country in delivering sustainable buildings for effective learning

Challenges of Sustainable Construction: A Study of Educational Buildings in Nigeria

Buildings are essential facilities in the delivery of quality education in any nation. Providing not just buildings but sustainable ones is necessary, since educational buildings are meant to serve both the present generation, and generations to come. However, bold statements as to the poor sustainability nature of construction projects in most developing countries around the world have been made by researchers. This study therefore assessed the challenges of sustainable construction (SC) and the possible measures for mitigating the issue of poor sustainability in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). Survey design was employed and questionnaire was administered on construction participants in selected higher institutions. Data gathered were analyzed using percentage, mean score, Kruskal-Walis H-test, and factor analysis. The study revealed that the significant challenges of SC are majorly construction related, sustainability awareness and knowledge related, finance related, and government related. To improve on the sustainability of construction projects, then strict government policy on SC, and jettisoning the traditional method of construction for innovative sustainability oriented methods, is necessary. The implication of this finding is that, the method and process of operations within the NCI does not favor the attainment of SC. Therefore, if sustainability is to be achieved, a review of construction activities and processes within the industry is necessary

African BIM Report 2020

While it may seem like the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) across Africa is slow-paced, the increasing advocacy efforts from various stakeholders is now resulting in a widespread drive for implementation and deployment. Coupled with the ongoing disruption by the global COVID-19 pandemic, there is now a very high degree of the utilization of digital technologies by construction professionals. As a first of its kind across the continent, the African BIM Report was conceived to provide a continuous review of the state of implementation of BIM by the industry. The report will progressively highlight exceptional projects, industry leaders and research experts across Africa. A pan-African survey will integrate the opinion from a wider range of professionals. As a dynamic, future-focused, and thriving community, BIM Africa is well-positioned to champion the digital transformation of the built industry across Africa. Our approach covers broad industry education, extensive research, professional development and certifications, quality networking and the formulation of locally adapted standards. Our Research and Development Committee comprises of a thriving portfolio of internationally certified and brilliant academic researchers of African descent; the coming together of bright minds to impact their motherland