BARRIERS AND IMPROVEMENT STRATEGIES FOR THE USE OF AUTOCLAVED AERATED CONCRETE (AAC) BLOCKS IN BUILDING PROJECTS.
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Date
2023
Authors
Simeon D.R.
Oladiran O.J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Department of Building, University of Uyo, Nigeria.
Abstract
Purpose: Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) has been in existence for over a century and used in Europe
and other parts of the world, however, its adoption on building projects in Nigeria and Africa at large is still
very low or non-existent. Thus, this study investigated significant barriers impeding the adoption of AAC
blocks and improvement strategies for its adoption in Nigeria and South Africa.
Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted survey research for the investigation. The population of
the study was construction professionals in Nigeria and South Africa using structured questionnaires. The study
utilized multi-sampling method, where both convenience and snowball sampling techniques were deployed to
select sample for the study. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency,
percentages, mean score and ranking; while Mann-Whitney U was used to test hypothesis.
Findings: The result revealed that the barriers impeding the adoption of AAC blocks on building projects in
Nigeria include inadequate government policies and supports, market potentials and low level of awareness
and knowledge on the concept of sustainability; whereas they were huge capital to set up AAC plant, lack of
readily available accessible information and availability of conventional materials in South Africa. Strategies
to improve the adoption of AAC in both countries were also discovered.
Research Limitations/Implications: The limitations include inexistent of construction professionals in
Nigeria and few South African professionals who have used AAC blocks. The contribution to knowledge is
that this study established barriers and strategies for the deployment of AAC blocks in Nigeria and South
Africa.
Practical implications: It is recommended that appropriate strategies be deployed to combat the challenges of
AAC implementation in the building industries. This can be achieved via creation of its awareness among
construction stakeholders by governments, professional bodies and media organizations.
Originality/value: The study determined the differences and similarities between both countries on barriers
and strategies for the usage of AAC blocks in Nigeria and South Africa.
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Citation
Simeon, D.R., & Oladiran, O.J. (2023). Barriers and improvement strategies for the use of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks in building projects. Journal of Contemporary Research in the Built Environment, 7(1), 61 – 73..