Handling of Aggregates in The Ethiopian Construction Industry: The Case of Addis Ababa
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Date
2015-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Aggregate handling is one of the major tasks in the construction industry. It plays vital roles in
the effectiveness and efficiency of the construction industry. Hence, the study investigated the
problems of aggregate handling in the construction industry in Addis Ababa. It also investigated
the causes of unsafe handling of aggregates and forward recommendations to those who are
responsible in the construction technology and management. The researcher selected three
aggregate production plants, two concrete batching plants and four construction sites located in
Addis Ababa based on convenience and data availability. Two methods of data collection –
observation and key informant interview – were used. The concerned people were interviewed
and observations were made on those selected sections of the industry and interviews were
conducted to investigate the real situations of aggregates handling. Findings from the interview
and observation showed that there are huge gaps in the handling of aggregates in construction
industry. Contractors are responsible and liable for the supply and proper handling of aggregates
in the construction projects as per required standards. However, neither the consultant nor the
concerned regulatory bodies enforced the contractors to apply the right handling procedures.
Complete and proper handling mechanisms of aggregates are not properly implemented in the
construction industry. Consultants had not established well detailed safety mechanisms in
handling of construction materials in the construction projects while preparing binding contract
documents. In the cases examined, expert teams are seldom available to implement and control
the proper aggregate handling mechanisms. Contractors do not give special attention in handling
of aggregates either from the source or in the construction sites by providing relevant training for
workers responsible in handling aggregates. The workers employed in construction projects are
largely casual laborers with limited training in handling of aggregates. This resulted in production
of poor quality of concrete that will eventually affect the quality of the construction projects. The
government regulatory body, the Ministry of Urban Development and Construction, should
develop and implement a quality control mechanism on aggregate handling. The consultants
should also give proper emphasis to aggregate handling when preparing contract documents and
verify the implementation of the provisions about aggregate handling.
Key words: Aggregates, aggregate handling, construction industry, construction technology and
management, Addis Ababa.
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Keywords
Aggregates, Construction industry, Addis Ababa, Aggregate handling, Construction technology and management