Construction Technology and Management

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An Assessment of Practice and Challenges of Educational Material Resource Management in Government Primary Schools of Lemi Kura Sub City
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-09-01) Andualem Getachew; Demoze Degefa
The practices and challenges of educational material resource management (EMRM) are studied in government primary schools of Lemi Kura Sub-City Addis Ababa by assessing the effectiveness of planning, acquisition, utilization, control and maintenance with particular emphasis on controlling EMRM. The study utilized a descriptive survey design and followed mixed method research that combined qualitative and quantitative analysis. AS: BANDED SCORING In this manner, the data were obtained from 125 respondents (principals, vice-principals, heads of department and teachers) by using stratified and simple random sampling method. The main tool of data collection was questionnaires, and it was supported by semi-structured interviews and document review to ensure the triangulation of methods. Descriptive statistics such as means and standard deviations, percentages were used in the analysis of data. Results EMRM practices were moderate on average with strong performance in planning and acquisition, and poor performance in controlling, using and maintenance of materials. Some of the main challenges facing EMRM were under-allocation by the budget, suspension in resource delivery, lack of proper storage facilities and poor coordination among management bodies coupled with weak staff training on resource management. The study concluded that existing EMRM practices in the sub-city’s government primary schools are not sufficient to provide high-quality teaching and learning. Suggestions to improve the efficacy of resource management include consistent and adequate financial support, timelines distribution, improving storage facilities, and providing regular, targeted professional development opportunities for school staff
Assessment of Physical Properties of Ambo and Jema Sand and Evaluation of their Performance as Fine Aggregate in High Strength Concrete
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-06) Shimelis Gemechu; Biruktawit Taye
In Ethiopia, the construction of high-rise buildings, long span bridges and complex concrete structures which make use of high strength concrete is becoming common in recent times. In order to meet the ever increasing demand for fine aggregate in concrete construction, an alternative to the river sand is inevitable as river sand is quickly depleting and its quality from time to time is becoming questionable. The use of sand stone as a replacement to the fine aggregate for the production of High strength concrete in Ethiopia is an important study area since sufficient research on detail engineering characteristics and performance is not yet fully investigated. In this research, the performance and rate of strength development of high strength concrete made from sand stone sampled from Ambo and Jema river basin is studied. In addition, a comparison of strength development of High Strength Concrete was made between the sandstone fine aggregates and river sand (control sand). The experimental concrete is prepared and mixed in two separate sizes of coarse aggregate, 19 mm and 12.5 mm nominal maximum. The corresponding water cement ratio for 19 mm coarse aggregate was 0.27 and for the 12.5 mm coarse aggregate it was 0.29. Chemical admixture was used for all the concrete mixes in proportion to the cement content. The control concrete mix has attained the target strength for C70, C80 and C90 when 520 kg, 550 kg and 580 kg of cement per metric cube of concrete used and when 19 mm coarse aggregate used whereas it has not attained the C90 strength when 12.5 mm aggregate used. Concrete made with Ambo sand has attained the target strength of C70, C80 but failed for C90 for both types of coarse aggregate when used in the mix. Concrete made with Jema sands has not attained the target strength of C70, C80 and C90 for same amount of cement and coarse aggregate sizes that was used for the control mix. For Ambo sand concrete, when 19 mm aggregate is used, the percent of the compressive strength against the control concrete is 96.4%, 96.6%, 96.1% for C70, C80, C90 and it is in order of 97.1%, 97.7%, 94.4% when 12.5 mm aggregate used. The percent of the compressive strength of Jema sand concrete against the control concrete when 19 mm aggregate is used is 90.8%, 87.6%, 85% for C70, C80, C90 and it is in order of 89.5%, 87.5%, 87.3% when 12.5 mm aggregate used. The flexural test values, the modulus of elasticity values and mortar strength test results of concrete made from Ambo and Jema sands have met the requirement while Ambo sand produces a concrete with marginal increment than Jema sand. From the cost computation, to produce a unit volume of high strength concrete, the cost of concrete made from Ambo sand is 3.26% cheaper than Jema sand and it is 1.16% cheaper than the control sand.
A FUZZY DEMATEL SYSTEMATIC APPROACH FOR RISK ANALYSIS IN THE CASE OF ADDIS ABABA’S ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ©
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-03) Enyew Lemma; Abraham Assefa
Construction industry is a complex, dynamic and challenging industry that each process and activities in creating new things are susceptible to risk. In its dynamic nature, there is always a change in interpretation of and compliance with many applicable laws, codes, and regulations; gathering of considerable amount of resources, including labor, equipment, and material; and communications with and coordination among multiple parties, such as the owner, the design professional, other contractors and subcontractors, and suppliers, all of whom may have different purposes and goals. In relation to the dynamic nature of the industry, many factors that are not planned and expected might arise during the construction process. In this context, both the Ethiopian road construction industry in general and Addis Ababa’s Road construction sector in particular demonstrate a significant need for an effective risk analysis approach to evaluate the impact of various risks and uncertainties on project performance. An effective risk analysis method should account for the dynamic nature of risks throughout the project life cycle and incorporate feedback loops that influence overall risk outcomes. This project paper proposes and applies a Fuzzy DEMATEL-based systematic approach; an enhanced and practical method that explicitly identifies, quantifies, and analyzes key risk influences. Forty-Five major risks were identified, grouped into 21 categories, and analyzed within a Systematic, hierarchical framework. The findings confirm that Procurement Risks, Economy-Related Uncertainties, Time Uncertainties/Risks, and Technological Uncertainties are the most critical risks impacting the achievements of the project goals. The identified risk factors have also been organized into a causal hierarchical risk structure, with the most prominent risk categories ranked accordingly.
Project Construction Operation Planning and Controlling of Building Projects a Case Study on Crafts Construction PLC
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-10-01) Arsema Hagos Tesfay; Abebe Dinku
Almost every study finds that failures are caused primarily by poor project man agement, especially the failure to plan properly, (P. Lewis, 2007) My research focuses, how we can prepare detailed good, realistic & applicable good plan. Once the detailed plan is developed the next step is how we can control resource productivity, cost & time by identifying the cause for resource productivi ty variance, direct cost variance and time variance. Finally applying corrective measures to minimize the wastage of input resource and improve the performance by applying planning and controlling which are the management processes with case study on crafts construction plc. The research findings indicated that financial progress report of the organization shows to date work executed of the projects is below 50%of the contract amount until the completion time is elapsed. The result more over indicates that most of the projects are unable to finish the project on its completion time. According to the result of the research, most of the surveyed projects of the organ ization are an able to obtain the profit they anticipate from their project plans. The anticipated planned profit from the surveyed project is 60% without considering the overheads of the project & head office, where as the actual profit is 30%. The major contributing factors, in order of their influence are in adequate planning, lack of cost controlling systems, in accuracy of quantity estimation, in accuracy of duration estimation , in accuracy of resource estimation during planning stage and unable to revise the plan. Lack of recorded daily productivity output of past experience of the organization and the absence of summarized, revised, of standard of these daily productivity output are the major errors in estimating physical resources (labour, material equipment & time) and their direct costs. The result revealed the organization cost controlling process is not integrated with the budget prepared for the project budgetary control is not popular. The process focuses mainly on revealing the amount of profit and fails to indicate identify ac tivities or operations. In addition to this the organization uses MS-project software only for scheduling of activities without resource assignment in each activity. The organization does not use software‘s for planning and controlling. During direct cost controlling, the organization identifies the direct cost variance of (labour, material & equipment), however it does not go deep through the cause of the direct cost variances like for Labour (productivity variance & rate variance), for material (usage variance and price variance) and for equipment (rent/ pur chase price variance and productivity variance).If you have no plan, by definition, you have no control, because it is your plan that tells you where you are supposed to be in the first place. Furthermore, if you don‘t know where you are you can‘t have control. This knowledge comes from your in formation system, (P. Lewis, 2011).
Project Construction Operation Planning and Controlling of Building Projects A Case Study on Crafts Construction PLC
(Addis Ababa University, 2015-10) Arsema Hagos; Abebe Dinku
Almost every study finds that failures are caused primarily by poor project man-agement, especially the failure to plan properly, (P. Lewis, 2007) My research focuses, how we can prepare detailed good, realistic & applicable good plan. Once the detailed plan is developed the next step is how we can control resource productivity, cost & time by identifying the cause for resource productivi-ty variance, direct cost variance and time variance. Finally applying corrective measures to minimize the wastage of input resource and improve the performance by applying planning and controlling which are the management processes with case study on crafts construction plc. The research findings indicated that financial progress report of the organization shows to date work executed of the projects is below 50%of the contract amount until the completion time is elapsed. The result more over indicates that most of the projects are unable to finish the project on its completion time. According to the result of the research, most of the surveyed projects of the organ-ization are an able to obtain the profit they anticipate from their project plans. The anticipated planned profit from the surveyed project is 60% without considering the overheads of the project & head office, where as the actual profit is 30%. The major contributing factors, in order of their influence are in adequate planning, lack of cost controlling systems, in accuracy of quantity estimation, in accuracy of duration estimation , in accuracy of resource estimation during planning stage and unable to revise the plan . Lack of recorded daily productivity output of past experience of the organization and the absence of summarized, revised, of standard of these daily productivity output are the major errors in estimating physical resources (labour, material equipment & time) and their direct costs. The result revealed the organization cost controlling process is not integrated with the budget prepared for the project budgetary control is not popular. The process focuses mainly on revealing the amount of profit and fails to indicate identify ac-tivities or operations. In addition to this the organization uses MS-project software only for scheduling of activities without resource assignment in each activity. The organization does not use software‘s for planning and controlling. During direct cost controlling, the organization identifies the direct cost variance of (labour, material & equipment), however it does not go deep through the cause of the direct cost variances like for Labour (productivity variance & rate variance), for material (usage variance and price variance) and for equipment (rent/ pur-chase price variance and productivity variance). If you have no plan, by definition, you have no control, because it is your plan that tells you where you are supposed to be in the first place. Furthermore, if you don‘t know where you are you can‘t have control. This knowledge comes from your in-formation system, (P. Lewis, 2011).
Effects of Hospital Waste Ash as a Partial Cement Replacement on the Properties of C-30 Concrete
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-06) Birtukan Dejene; Biruktawit Taye
In Ethiopia, rapid urbanization and new environmental regulations have led to rising construction costs and material shortages. As cement demand continues to grow, identifying sustainable alternatives has become essential. This study explores the utilization of hospital waste ash (HWA) as a cement partial replacement in the properties of C-30 concrete to reduce cost and improve mechanical properties. The hospital waste ash was collected from Yekatit 12 Medical College Hospital. The aim of this research is to is to identify the optimum percentage of hospital waste ash (HWA) as a partial replacement for cement and to investigate its effect on the fresh and hardened properties of concrete. In addition, the research objectives to assess the cost-effectiveness of incorporating hospital waste ash as a sustainable alternative to conventional cement.. The properties of materials were identified to get information about the material for the next steps and these tests was conducted using ASTM standard. This hospital waste ash was replacing the cement at the percent of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%. After identification of all properties of material design mix was prepared according to ACI method. Casting of concrete was made by using mechanical mixer and for compressive, flexural and split tensile strength test then cured for 3th, 14th and 28th day for those percentage of replacement. In addition, mechanical property test permeability test performed for all percentage of replacement. The setting time of concrete increases when hospital waste ash is added to the cement paste, a trend observed for both initial and final setting times across all replacement percentages. Similarly, workability decreases: the slump test showed lower slump values as the amount of hospital waste ash increased. The experimental results revealed that replacing 5% of cement with hospital waste ash significantly increased compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths among all mixes. Overall, a 10% replacement level was identified as the optimum proportion, showing good performance compared to other samples. However, concrete strength significantly decreased at replacement of 15% Within.In terms of durability, the 5% hospital waste ash mix showed low permeability, which means it is more resistant to water penetration, while the 15% mix showed high permeability. According to the results, a partial replacement of cement with hospital waste ash up to 10% improves the density and durability of concrete. On the other hand, there is an increase in higher replacement. porosity and decrease compactness. In addition to testing the mechanical properties, an analysis of the curing water was performed to check for heavy metals. The results showed that lead was present at 0.02 ml/g, while cadmium was not detected.
Use of Historical Bid Data to Estimate Future Unit Rate for Selected Building Work Items
(Addis Ababa University, 2026-05-01) Etsegenet Kenenissa; Abraham Assefa
This research work used historical bid unit rates of selected items found in most construction projects and have less specification deviation from one another on building projects to create a model that enables estimation of future unit rates. The scope was limited to projects in Ethiopia.Data for a total of 37 projects with 80 building blocks were collected and analyzed. Analysis using multiple linear regression technique was performed between the dependent variables (unit rates) and independent variables which are quantity of the work item; the distance of the project from the capital city of the country; building plot area,; total floor area; number of stories/floors; contract signing date; USD to ETB exchange rate on contract signing date; client type; function of the building and contract type. From the analysis, the regression models predicted the unit rate of C-15 sub structure concrete work with coefficient of determination as high as 0.906. Where, high value of coefficient of determination reveals that the link among outcome and predictor variable is respectable. Whereas, the least accurate model was developed for superstructure C20 concrete unit rate with coefficients of determination of 0.403.The key cost drivers or independent variables that appear in most of the regression models are contract signing date, distance of the project from Addis Ababa, Contract type, number of stories and USD to ETB exchange rate. This thesis has proposed a single formula to estimate unit rate for the selected work items. However, it is highly recommended to include more data for improved accuracy and predictive capability of the models. Therefore, the models developed in this research should serve as a stepping stone for further research on the topic rather than generalizing tool beyond the sample projects.
Assessment On The Factors That Cause The Delay Of 40/60 Housing Project Constructions In Addis Ababa: A Case Study of Ayat Condominium Project
(Addis Ababa University, 2022-10) Melen Kassu; Abebe Dinku
In search of a greater standard of living , a big population is currently moving from the rural area to the urban city. The expense of life and price of land have consequently increased significantly. As a result, the government has started constructing affordable homes for those with low and intermediate incomes.Nevertheless, despite having a contract duration of 730 calendar days, a total of 33,316 homes are still being built (AAHDC, 2021), despite an average of 5000 days having passed since the anticipated completion date. Accordingly,due to the rising rate of inflation and price increases, as well as the time that could be used to build other types of public infrastructure, this delay causes a major loss for both the government and the end users. Hence, the primary goal of this study is to identify the elements that influence the timely completion of 40/60 housing projects by taking Addis Ababa's Ayat condominium site as case study. In particular, the study examines the link between the dependent variable (time overrun) and the independent variables (such as labor skill, monitoring & control subcontractor/ speciality scarcity, communication problems payment delays and subcontractor negligence).This was studied using a control,subcontractor/speciality scarcity, communication problems, payment delays, and subcontractor negligence). This was studied using a mixed-methods approach (quantitative and qualitative), with a casual and explanatory research design. Professionals from contractors, consultants, and clients of ongoing 40/60 condominium housing developments Ayat site in Addis Ababa are the study target groups. A total of eighty (80) samples were taken from which sixty three (63) were collected. A stratified sample technique was used to choose respondents. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to determine the variables influencing the timely completion of the housing projects. In the case study, manpower skill, monitoring and control, subcontractor shortage, communication problems, payment delays, and subcontractor negligence were found to be statistically significant after analysing the data using SPSS.As a result, it is anticipated that the results of this study will be of great significance to the housing development program and its stakeholders, enabling them to better understand the factors that influence the timely construction of housing and to identify measures and solutions that will improve the provision of housing in the required quantity and quality. Additionally, it will help home-owners and end users decide what elements to take into account when choosing affordable housing.
Investigation on Construction planning and Scheduling Methods and Tools in Case of Federal Road Construction Projects
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-08) Beshir Mudesir; Abraham Assefa
Any effective construction management system should have as its primary objective to completing the project within allotted budget, on schedule and within necessary quality standards. Project planning and scheduling tools and methods are important tools for Contractors in ensuring efficient and effective project planning and scheduling. Traditional planning and scheduling procedures are widely used by road contractors while establishing the work program. However, due to the growing size and complexity of construction projects, as well as rapid technological progress, a move from traditional approaches to more technology intensive ways have required. Due to this, the study looks into the present planning and scheduling methods and tools adopted by the contractors in case of federal road projects, the factors that influence their choices, and the problems encountered using the chosen planning and scheduling tools and methods are studied. Road contractors working with Ethiopian Road Administration were included in the research. The questionnaire survey and case study were used for data collection and respondents are ERA road contractors. According to the findings, the most popular planning and scheduling approach used by local and foreign contractors is the bar chart, which is followed by critical path methods(CPM) in activity on arrow (AOA). Contractors, on the other side, rarely use the LSM, PERT, or GERT methodologies. Specialized software was most commonly used to create bar charts, milestone charts, and CPM in AOA, PDM, PERT, and GERT, while computer spreadsheet systems were usually utilized to create s-curve charts and linear scheduling method (LSM) The most widely used specialty software is Microsoft Project, whereas the most widely used computer spreadsheet system is Microsoft Excel. The most important criteria determining the choice of planning and scheduling methodologies are the size and complexity of projects. The requirements for detail information, computer hardware and software, and the inability to control the project's critical path are all problems experienced when employing non-network based approaches (bar chart, s-curve chart, milestone chart, and LSM). On the other hand, time Consuming, the need for a skilled and experienced Planner, detailed information, computer skills and software, and insufficient training are all major issues with adopting this method.
Analytical Hierarchy Process-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for Contractor Selection: A Case of Ethiopian Road Administration
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-11) Eden Mershaye Tessema; Abebe Dinku
Selecting a contractor is a crucial task for any client. The success of a project is likely to be compromised in the absence of an appropriate and accurate process for choosing the best contractor. This study looks at the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) as a model for decision-making while choosing a contractor. This methodology can help project management teams choose contractors based on criteria other than the lowest bid; it can help them discover contractors who are most likely to produce good results. Further, the study tests an AHP-based model on a real-world scenario whereby potential contractors are assessed. Primary and secondary data sources are both used in the research. A questionnaire was utilized by the researcher to get primary data, while document reviews and extensive literature reviews were used as secondary data to determine the contractor selection criteria to select contractors for road projects. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to analyze the collected data, which involved identifying 23 sub-criteria under four major categories: financial competency, past performance competency, technical competency, and management competency. These criteria were evaluated by 87 respondents. The analysis revealed that past performance competency held the highest weight at 38.56%, with a consistency ratio of 0.0880. It was followed by technical competency, weighted at 24.16% and a consistency ratio of 0.0794. Financial competency ranked next with a weight of 20.42% and a consistency ratio of 0.07368, while management competency had the lowest weight at 16.84%, with a consistency ratio of 0.0529. Following the identification of contractor selection criteria and the assessment of each criterion's relative importance, a case study was used to test the model validity. According to the results, the candidates were ranked based on each criterion, and the candidate with the highest overall score was declared as the winner. Selecting contractors solely based on the lowest bid is common practice but may overlook other crucial factors. Incorporating a multi-criteria technique ensures a more balanced decision that considers both the bid price and additional important criteria. The findings of this study benefit owners, stakeholders, and project managers in making well-informed decisions and guaranteeing that the contractors chosen for the projects fulfil their needs and expectations.
Assessment on Ethiopian Roads Administration Cost Estimate Validation System and its Impact on the Procurement of Road Projects
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-07) Biruk Yersaw; Abraham Assefa (PhD)
The validation of engineering cost estimates is fundamental to transparent and efficient procurement in public infrastructure. This study examines the key deficiencies and challenges in the review and validation of engineering cost estimates of Ethiopian Roads Administration (ERA) and the impact of the identified gaps on the procurement of road projects. The research employed a mixed-methods design to provide a robust analysis adopting both descriptive and explanatory designs, using a quantitative and qualitative research approach. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions from key management personnel directly involved in estimate validation. An in-depth study was conducted on a selected federal road project to assess and evaluate the capacity of the cost estimate validation system (ERAMS) using the collected secondary data such as Consultant‟s cost estimate, ERAMS validation report and Contractor‟s offer. Data analysis and presentation including coding, frequency analysis and presentation of questionnaire responses was carried out using relevant tools. Questionnaire data reveals key shortcomings which includes the absence of standardized review checklists and up-to-date guidelines, inadequate documentation practices, and limited traceability in the basis of estimate, with nearly 60% of respondents expressing dissatisfaction with the existing review and quality control processes. Further, the in-depth study quantified the technical limitations of ERAMS, showing that 56% of the 159 bill items in the sample project were not validated by the system's rate build-up due to its inability to validate non-standard (custom) items. This validation failure contributed directly to procurement challenges with variances on major individual items exceeding 300% due to the poor integration with market prices. Hence, discrepancies between consultants estimates and contractors bids remain significant, often due to inconsistencies in assumptions, lack of standardization, and differing approaches to risk assessment. The findings conclude that ERA's current cost validation system is inadequate, creating procurement risks and inefficiencies that needs urgent systemic reform focusing on updating technical guidelines, enhancing the functionality of ERAMS to validate all bill items, standardizing estimation procedures, building institutional capacity through training of dedicated estimation validation units, and improving data-sharing protocols to bridge the gap between estimates and market realities.
Web- Based Application for Activity-Based Construction Cost Control in Selected Building Projects in Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2023) Hanna Hailemicheal; Abraham Assefa (PhD)
Managing cost is the most important aspect in a construction project as it is an integral and sensitive part of a construction. The activities of contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers are dependent on the consistency of cash flow management of a construction project as it helps in determining how much money is profited after a project completion. If not, it can induce financial constraint or may lead to subsequent claims. However, in Ethiopian Construction Industry, the cost estimation method is usually not linked to the cost management and control mechanisms. In addition the current practice does not offer insight how to value projects or predict price for future bids. Furthermore, it is limited in supporting decision-making and performance control during construction. Current construction projects are also characterized by cost overruns and delays due to inefficient cost controlling processes besides other factors. This study develops a web-based Activity-Based Cost Controlling System by recording actual costs of onsite activities, analyzing and comparing it with budgeted cost, throughout a construction project life cycle to improve the project cost performance. The system uses a centralized database system to store actual cost information collected for each activity using cost codes (of which many activities in building construction share, the system records the daily executed quantities, the material, labor, equipment, and subcontract costs of each activity and analyzes to calculate the direct costs). A backend program is developed using PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) that integrates the cost information and the tender price (unit price) of each activity to compare it with the actual cost performance and finally provide performance reports that are automated for control of cost. The web-based application is tested using data from three building projects from different contractors and was found to be close to actual cost. Aside from creating performance reports, the web-based application can provide data on the activities’ start and finish dates, and cost information for activities including labor productivity and composition. The result of the study has shown that this web-based application facilitates automation, control, and follow-up of the cost controlling process for contractors.
Assessment of Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Practices on Selected Buildings in Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2023) Semhal Gebremedhin; Abraham Assefa (PhD)
Construction and demolition waste accounts for a significant portion of global solid waste production, with the majority of it ending up in landfills. Parallel to the rise in environmental consciousness, there is a growing awareness of waste issues all over the world. As a result, developing some construction and demolishing waste management solutions has become important. The objectives of this study is on examining the major building construction and demolishing waste materials, current practice of building construction and demolishing waste recycling, and testing the identified major building construction and demolishing waste material on selected buildings in Addis Ababa. The quantitative data gathered from the questionnaire was analyzed by straight forward percentages and frequency using SPSS. All other categories of respondents' interviews and responses/opinions to open ended data have yielded qualitative data and were summarized. The findings of this research revealed that most contractors try to reuse materials before disposing them but do not consider recycling at the site as an option; in terms of recycling, 4% of contractors said they recycle the waste from building construction and demolishing. And as for the amount of wastage from building construction and demolishing, HCB and cement take the first and the second place with 30 and 26 percentages respectively. The study also carried out laboratory test to compare the density and compressive strength of HCB with 50% replacement of its course aggregate with recycled HCB and HCB with standard mix which the HCB with 50% replacement yielded approximately close result to the HCB with standard mix. The study also found that contractors believe that by raising awareness, building recycling plants, and providing government incentives, recycling building construction and demolishing waste could be taken as an option by most contractors also potentially attracting private investors to invest in recycling factories
Study on the Impacts of Construction Technology Adoption on Risk Management, Accident Reduction and Insurance Premium in Ethiopian Construction Industry
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-06) Girma Yibeltal; Abebe Dinku (Prof.)
This study's main goal is to examine how the Ethiopian construction industry's use of construction technology affects risk management, accident rates, and insurance costs. The study looks into the effects of using cutting-edge construction technologies on insurance coverage and expenses. A thorough analysis of pertinent literature, including studies on risk management, insurance policies, and the adoption of construction technologies, is part of the research process. Disk studies, secondary documents, observation, surveys, and interviews with professionals in the field such as consultants, insurance firms, contractors, and clients are more methods used to gather data. The results demonstrate the intricate connection between insurance prices and the adoption of construction technology. It has been noted that using cutting-edge technologies might affect insurance costs in both positive and bad ways. Innovative building techniques and materials can, on the one hand, improve safety, lessen hazards, and possibly even save insurance costs. However, implementing new technology may bring with it unknown dangers like equipment failures and cyberattacks, which might raise insurance premiums. Recommendations for insurance companies and building industry stakeholders are included in the study's conclusion. These suggestions center on the necessity of cooperation and information exchange between insurers and construction industry professionals, the creation of specialized insurance plans that address technological risks, and the application of risk management techniques that keep pace with the changing construction environment.
Value Stream Mapping Integrated with Discrete Event Simulation for Productivity Improvement of Aluminum Window and Door Production
(Addis Ababa University, 2025) Yoseph Animaw; Abraham Assefa Tsehayae (PhD)
Aluminum window and door manufacturing sector in Ethiopia plays a critical role in supporting the country’s construction and infrastructure development. However, this sector faces several productivity challenges, including long lead times, inefficient resource use, unbalanced workloads, equipment downtime, and limited adoption of modern tools and methods. This research investigates the integration of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) with Discrete Event Simulation (DES) to identify and mitigate these inefficiencies in a real-world manufacturing setting. A case study was conducted at Vision Aluminum Manufacturing PLC located in Sululta, Ethiopia. The current state production process was mapped using VSM to visualize material and information flow, identify wastes, and propose improvement alternatives. Simphony CYCLONE was used to develop and validate a DES model, which simulated proposed changes before physical implementation. Three improvement scenarios were tested: (1) application of lean tools such as Kanban, 5S, TPM, and cellular manufacturing; (2) strategic upgrades like CNC machine repair and using cutting optimization software; and (3) labor optimization to balance production lines. Simulation results revealed that Scenario 1 improved productivity by 22.11%, Scenario 2 raised it to 31.96%, and Scenario 3 added a 5.8% gain by optimizing bottlenecks. Combined, the improvements enhanced overall productivity by 49.87%, reducing production time from 6,670.02 to 3,333.51 minutes, increasing the production rate from 0.222 m²/min to 0.386 m²/min, and enhancing labor productivity from 0.579 m²/man-hour to 1.287 m²/man-hour. The study demonstrates that integrating VSM with DES provides a practical, data-driven framework for continuous improvement in aluminum window/door manufacturing. It enables manufacturers to make evidence-based decisions, reduce waste, and optimize operations efficiently.
Application Of 4D/5D Bim in Construction Project Management: The Case of Selected Building Projects in Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-05) Eyerusalem Melese; Abraham Assefa (PhD)
This thesis investigates the application of 4D and 5D Building Information Modeling (BIM) in construction project management, focusing on selected building projects in Addis Ababa. It addresses challenges faced by the Ethiopian construction industry, including low productivity, inadequate schedule control, and ineffective cost management due to traditional project management methods. The study begins with a comprehensive literature review outlining the theoretical framework of construction project management and the limitations of conventional practices. It emphasizes how technological advancements, particularly BIM, can significantly enhance project outcomes through improved visualization, coordination, scheduling, and cost estimation. A developed 4D/5D BIM framework is applied to three projects: the New Ethiopian National Theatre (Project A), Addis Capital Goods Mixed-Use Building (Project B), and Ethiopian Petroleum Station Mixed-Use Building (Project C). The research highlights how the framework integrates 3D modeling with time (4D) and cost (5D) dimensions to boost project efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. Key BIM objectives identified include improving design quality, transitioning from conventional designs to integrated BIM workflows, ensuring quality control, and facilitating effective stakeholder communication. By utilizing advanced BIM tools like BEXEL Manager, the study demonstrates the benefits of automated processes such as clash detection, quantity takeoff, cost estimation, and progress monitoring. For Project A, the implementation of a federated BIM model resulted in significant advancements in collaboration, data management, and construction planning. However, challenges were noted in Projects B and C, including incomplete mechanical systems, undefined model elements, and inconsistencies in work planes. These issues were attributed to deviations from ISO 19650 standards, Ethiopian Standard ES and the lack of critical documents like the BIM Execution Plan (BEP) and Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR). The findings indicate that while the projects reached basic BIM maturity (Level 2), substantial gaps remain in achieving higher levels of integration and optimization. Limitations include a shortage of skilled personnel, incomplete data for 4D/5D processes, and reliance on generic models. To address these gaps, the study emphasizes the need for adherence to ISO 19650 standards, the development of robust BEP and EIR documents, and targeted training programs for stakeholders. The research concludes with a roadmap for improving BIM maturity, transitioning from basic 3D modeling to fully integrated 4D/5D workflows. By addressing identified gaps, the Ethiopian construction industry can fully realize BIM’s potential, thereby setting a benchmark for large-scale public infrastructure projects. This study contributes to the knowledge on BIM implementation, offering practical insights and recommendations for advancing BIM adoption in resource-constrained environments.
The Practices of Project Management Offices in Public Building Construction Projects: The Case of Selected Organizations in Addis Ababa
(Addis Ababa Universiy, 2025-06) Marsimoyi Weyuma; Abraham Assefa (PhD)
Project Management Offices (PMOs) have emerged as key institutional mechanisms in Ethiopia's public construction sector for improving project governance and execution. Despite their growing prominence, many PMOs are not fully integrated into enterprise-level governance structures, and project outcomes are frequently below expectations. This study investigates PMO practices, challenges, and effectiveness in three public building construction organizations in Addis Ababa: the Mega Projects Construction Office (MPCO), Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), and Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU). An exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory multiple-case study design was employed, along with a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods approach. Data were triangulated across 21 semi-structured interviews, 33 structured survey responses, and a review of organizational documents. The data were analyzed using thematic and content analysis supported by descriptive statistics. The findings show that PMOs have improved cost control and schedule adherence, but their impact is limited by departmental boundaries, fragmented governance structures, poor risk management practices, and low stakeholder engagement. Capacity gaps remain due to a lack of a structured recruitment framework, an overreliance on experience-based staffing, a low adoption of professional certifications, and inconsistencies in training provision. Systemic challenges, including fragmented regulatory frameworks, and frequent leadership turnover, continue to inhibit PMO effectiveness. The study concludes by proposing policy- and practice-oriented recommendations to strengthen PMO governance, institutionalize competency-based staffing, enhance structured training systems, and adopt global project management standards and frameworks to the specific context of Ethiopia’s public construction sector. The findings contribute to a better understanding of PMO practices in developing country contexts, addressing a critical gap in empirical research and providing practical insights for improving project governance in Ethiopia's public construction sector.
Experimental Investigation of Aloe Vera Gel as a Self-Curing Agent in Concrete Production
(Addis Ababa University, 2023-05) Meron Tadesse; Biruktawit Taye (PhD)
Nature-based admixtures are emerging as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic additives, promoting sustainable practices in construction by replacing depletable resources. Aloe Vera gel is easily accessible and low-cost plant extract that has the potential to be used as a bio-admixture in concrete, improving workability and enhancing compressive strength. Due to the viscose nature of the plant, it is desired to examine the self-curing effect of aloe vera gel in concrete. The research examined the effects of using Aloe Vera gel as a self-curing agent for the concentration of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight of cement. The investigation started with selecting the appropriate concrete making ingredients such as cement, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate. The important physical tests, parameters useful for categorizing the ingredients and helpful for designing concrete, have been conducted in a laboratory. ACI mix design method was the procedure followed for designing C-30 grade concrete. Workability, split tensile strength, flexural strength, water absorption, drying shrinkage, and compressive strength tests were conducted on concrete samples at specified time intervals. Additionally, mortar samples were cured under two conditions—water-cured and sealed-cured—and their compressive strength was evaluated. The study also analyzed the effect of Aloe Vera gel on the consistency and setting time of cement paste. The addition of Aloe Vera gel improved workability and strength, with 1% gel showing optimal mortar compressive strength, and 2% gel yielding the best overall performance in concrete. On the long term, this natural additive has had an increasing drying shrinkage with the increase in dosage, however the change in length was marginal laid within the allowable limit. Additionally, the natural additive has a retarding effect on the setting time of cement paste. In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of Aloe Vera gel as a sustainable alternative to conventional additives, warranting further research on optimization and large-scale applications
Study of Price Adjustment Practices in Medium Building Projects of Ethiopia Over the Last Ten Years
(Addis Ababa University, 2024-10) Abenezer Abera; Abebe Dinku (Prof.)
Price adjustment clauses in construction contracts serve to account for fluctuations in material and labor costs, helping to maintain fairness and financial stability for all parties. These clauses typically adjust contract prices based on economic indicators such as inflation, exchange rates, or key commodity prices. Their use reflects the inherently volatile nature of construction projects, where unexpected economic shifts can cause significant cost deviations. Incorporating such mechanisms allows stakeholders to manage risks and uphold contract balance amid changing market conditions. This study focuses on medium-sized building construction projects in Ethiopia, aiming to evaluate the causes and impacts of price escalation, and to assess current price adjustment practices. The research highlights the importance of managing price fluctuations effectively to support sustainable construction and economic development. Data were collected using a combination of desk studies, self-administered questionnaires (both open- and closed-ended), unstructured interviews, and archival records. Cronbach‘s alpha, Spearman‘s correlation coefficient and the Relative Importance Index (RII) were employed to analyze survey data and rank contributing factors. Results show that internal issues such as inaccurate cost estimation, poor planning, and unclear contract clauses significantly contribute to price escalation. External factors include volatile material prices and exchange rate instability, particularly affecting items like cement, fuel, and ceramics. These fluctuations result in project delays, cost overruns, cash flow problems, and contractual disputes. Findings indicate that while the Public Procurement Agency (PPA) contract form is generally effective in addressing price adjustments, concerns remain regarding contractors‘ understanding of the mechanism and the accuracy of applied indices. Recommendations include enhancing contractor awareness, refining tender estimates, improving price databases, and encouraging regulatory oversight. These measures aim to reduce the negative effects of price escalation and strengthen the resilience of Ethiopia‘s construction industry.
A Study on the Performance of Housing Projects: A Post Project Evaluation of Branch Two 40/60 Housing Projects in Ethiopia.
(Addis Ababa University, 2025-05) Helen Woldeselassie; Abebe Dinku (Prof.)
Integrated Housing Development Program was created as part of the nation's economic development strategy, In order to boost local companies, encourage the use of locally produced building materials, and provide job opportunities. The 40/60 housing scheme is one of the initiatives. The Addis Ababa city administration started the 40/60 saving housing project at reasonable costs for middle-class city citizens in order to address the housing issue. The country's largest city Addis Ababa, is home to a sizable population, and it is anticipated that this population will continue to grow in the near future. This has occasionally led to an increase in the demand for housing, which has resulted in the most complex socioeconomic issues in the city. Since 2013, the IHDP lottery registration system has been inaccessible to new applicants, as there is a waiting list that currently stands more than 800,000. Additionally, previously scheduled IHDP construction developments have been postponed.Ex post evaluation is an assessment technique that emphasizes the project's long-term results. The lack of a system for evaluating building performance is one of the causes for our inability to obtain crucial data on our buildings, which leads to reoccurring errors and ineffective projects. Project assessment can be helpful in demonstrating openness and accountability as well as in allowing lessons learned to be shared in the construction of knowledge and expertise. In this regard this research is conducted to evaluate the performance of the 40/60 housing projects. Beside observed information this research identify and analyse data to determine the performance of the housing projects, to identify the underperformance areas in the housing projects, to investigate factors contributing to underperformance of the housing projects and to identify the post occupation issues or defects of the housing projects.The data is collected from customers, brokers and employees of the organization that are involved in the building construction projects through an interview, questioner , project reports and documents. The housing projects under this research construct in total of 14,724 houses and 4932 shops. Among these buildings 158 of them are delivered and 7,963 numbers of keys are transferred to the owners. In total 737 people benefited from this project employment opportunity and among them 139 of them are women. This projects helps landlords in creating wealth And also help as an option for the peoples who can’t afford the rent and the cost of real-estate apartments. However there is a difference between the number of blocks constructed and transferred, there is also price increment on the buyers in each round which makes accountability and affordability of these condominium houses questionable and also Water leakage, dampness and mold growth are among the common quality problems observed in these projects. Delayed design, delayed contractor payments and time estimates that are unrealistic compared to the actual work are some of the reason mentioned for the observed delays. And the reasons for the difference in quantity among the materials given to the contractor by the government and actual consumption were the standard being not prepared back then, due to inefficient uses of material by contractors, in some cases due to robbery issues and also the change in supervisor in different times from the client side causing a gap in information.

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