Building- Conference Papers

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    Open Access
    An alternative sustainable walling material for building projects in construction industry
    (ASOCSA2023, 2023) Oladiran O.J.; Anugwo I.C.; Simeon D.R.
    Purpose Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is an eco-friendly and sustainable material. This study evaluates the acceptability and key drivers as a walling material. Design methodology Seventeen online questionnaires were sent via email to South African construction practitioners in five provinces and 99 questionnaires self-administered to construction professionals in Lagos, Nigeria. The statistical techniques used for analyses were frequency distribution, percentages, ranking, mean score and percentage mean unit. Findings The top four AAC block types used in building projects in South Africa are those AAC made using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) of grade 52.5, OPC of grade 42.5, Aluminum Powder (AP) or Rice Husk Ash (RHA), and Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) or Pulverized Fuel Ash (PFA). The top factors influencing the use of AAC in Nigeria are its lightweight characteristics, ecological improvements, energy efficiency, adaptation to hot regions, excellent heat assimilation characteristics, good fire resistance, and adaptability to architectural flairs. Whereas, AAC is mostly used in South Africa due to its outstanding fire insulation properties, lightweight characteristics, energy efficiency, superior thermal absorption characteristics, adaptability to any type of architecture, eco-friendliness; and remarkable thermal conductivity. Research implications The research draws the conclusion that AAC block producers that manufacture AAC variations outside the four listed above would probably not grow in business since they would receive little support from construction practitioners. Practical implications Although lightweight characteristics is the most important driver for both nations, the relevance of drivers for the use of AAC blocks varies. This suggests that practitioners in both nations prioritize the block's lightweight properties, which could be preferred for tall projects due to lower costs for the foundation and other structural components.
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    Open Access
    Effects of contract planning on project performance.
    (Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos., 2020) Oladiran O.J.; Musa V.S.
    Construction projects suffer poor performance due to certain causes, such as inefficiencies, though its root cause is lack of adequate contract planning in the execution of construction projects. On the basis of the huge cost usually invested into construction and the need for project failure to be addressed to enhance sustainability, the problem that this study seeks to solve is poor project outcomes due to improper planning. This study investigated the effect of contract planning on project performance. The specific objectives are to identify the types of contracts frequently adopted in construction projects, to establish the relationship between contract planning and project performance, and to evaluate the challenges of contract planning in construction projects. The population of the study is construction professionals (i.e. architects, builders, quantity surveyors and engineers) in Lagos State. A total of 150 questionnaires were administered to the respondents. The respondents were purposively selected from the population. Frequency, percentage and mean were used to analyse the data. The findings reveal that several types of contract are adopted on construction projects, including traditional, management, integrated among others. Contract planning also contributes positively to project performance, especially in the aspect of quality, cost, time, functionality and minimization of rework, thereby fostering sustainability in construction projects. It is concluded that although there are various types of contract, they are adopted differently on specific projects. It implies that the type of project could determine the type of contract to be adopted. Additionally, certain challenges must be addressed for contract planning to achieve sustainability and other intentions on construction projects. It is recommended that increased attention should be drawn towards the less frequently adopted contracts. This can be done via seminars, conferences, and other training programs. Measures for contract planning to achieve sustainability in construction projects must also be initiated by construction organizations and institutions.
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    Open Access
    THE SCOPE OF CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS’ SKILLS.
    (Nigerian Institute of Building, 2015) Oladiran O.J.
    Skills are essential in the construction industry. Construction works are complex and labour-intensive. Construction professionals are saddled with the responsibility of managing these complex works and pharaonic-human resources. Thus, the professionals require specific skills to carry out these tasks. The study investigates the scope of construction professionals’ skills in Nigeria. The objective is to establish the content of the skills expected of construction professionals. This is achieved by comparing the opinions of two groups of respondents, namely: the educators and industry practitioners in Lagos State. Questionnaires were administered to the educators via census method and to the industry practitioners via purposive sampling method. A sample size of 65 was used, while descriptive and inferential tools were used for analysis. The study reveals 21 skills that should form the scope of construction professionals’ skills. The study therefore recommends that construction professionals should strive to develop themselves in these skills for optimal performance in the industry. The study is significant because these skills could serve as benchmarks for engaging professionals and to measure their performance.
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    Open Access
    Onsite and offsite construction methods for sustainable housing delivery in Nigeria.
    (Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos., 2020) Oladiran O.J.; Akomolafe A.
    Sustainable housing delivery is a huge challenge in developing countries in view of the rapid urbanization, which has led to tremendous increase in population. Onsite and offsite construction methods have been identified as means of procuring houses sustainably. The aim of this study is to assess various onsite and offsite construction methods for appropriate housing delivery. The objectives of the study are to assess the adoption of onsite and offsite construction methods; to examine factors that influence the choice of construction methods in construction organizations; and to determine the sustainability of onsite and offsite methods. The research design used was survey design, and questionnaires were used to collect data. The population of the study include Architects, Builders, Civil Engineers and Quantity Surveyors who are duly registered with their various professional bodies. The sampling frame for the study was the 56 registered construction organizations with the Lagos State Ministry of Housing. Frequency, percentage and mean were used to analyze the data. The study found out that there are eight onsite and offsite construction methods used for housing delivery out of which block/brick mortar is the most adopted method. High profitability is the most influencing factor for choice of any construction methods. It is concluded that although there are several methods for procuring houses, cost and not necessarily sustainability, is still the major determinant of adopted methods, which implies that block/brick method enhances profit margin. It is recommended that constructional professionals should increase the usage of other construction methods that are more sustainable, in lieu of block/brick method. This can be achieved through training by construction organizations and institutions. Professionals should also endeavor not to be too profit-inclined in the selection of their construction methods. This can be realized by Government encouraging professionals who engages sustainable methods, through providing fiscal incentives in the form of tax reliefs in acquisition of building permits and certificate for Completion and Fitness for Habitation.
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    Open Access
    Government policies in the construction industry: awareness, application and effects.
    (Australasian Universities Building Education Association (AUBEA), 2023) Oladiran O.J.; Okonkwo C.; Komolafe T.A.
    The construction industry in developing countries is faced with many challenges affecting its output and appears to be lagging in improved project outcomes. Governments influence the industry’s productivity and performance via monetary and fiscal policies. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of government policies on construction projects, with the view to improving project outcomes. The objectives of the study is to examine the level of awareness and application of government policies; and the effect of government policies on construction project outcomes. The population of the study was construction professionals in Lagos, Nigeria. The study reveals that devaluation of the Naira, Nigerian currency, is the government policy that the respondents are mostly aware; other government policies with high level of awareness include but not limited to: increase in import duties, high taxation and increased government spending. The study concludes that government policies have the highest effect on cost performance of construction projects. It implies that good government policies could lessen construction cost and improve affordability of housing. The study recommends that awareness among construction professionals on government policies should be improved. This can be done by professional bodies and associations embarking on enlightenment seminars and workshops to intimate construction professionals on the government policies available within the construction industry and their resultant effects to companies and other stakeholders.