Consciousness and Prospects of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Blocks for Wall Construction: A Comparative Study of Nigeria and South Africa
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Date
2024
Authors
Oladiran O.J.
Simeon D.R.
Journal Title
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Publisher
University of Cape Town
Abstract
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Block (AACB) is a viable, sustainable walling material for building projects but has not been
given the attention it deserves in developing countries. To increase the usage of AACB on building projects, this study
examines the consciousness and prospects for its use in Nigeria and South Africa. The objectives are to evaluate the degree
of knowledge about AACB in both countries; and to assess the likelihood of adopting AACB in Nigeria. The study centres
on Lagos and five provinces in South Africa. Lagos was chosen in Nigeria because the State is the only place in Nigeria
where AACB have been used. A total of 145 questionnaires were administered to professionals who had been involved in
AAC projects. In contrast, 17 South African respondents familiar with AACB in construction projects were contacted.
Convenience and snowball sampling techniques were used for construction professionals in Nigeria and South Africa
respectively. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Statistics such as
percentages and mean scores were explored in addition to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Mann-Whitney U test.
Findings indicate that construction professionals in Nigeria know very little about 19 of the 20 documented AACBs.
However, the South African professionals are very knowledgeable about AACB grade 42.5 OPC and AACB of AP/RHA
and fully aware of AACB with grade 52.5 OPC, though they know nothing about the Bamboo Leaf Ash (BLA) AACB. This
means that Nigerian professionals have a moderate stance on using AACB. The study concludes that South African
professionals are more aware of AACB and its variants than Nigeria. This implies that AACB manufacturing in Nigeria
would not thrive in the construction market due to poor patronage since patronage is directly related to product awareness.
The study therefore suggests that construction professionals should increase their understanding of AACB through
continuous development training, workshops and seminars on environmentally friendly building materials. Another
suggestion is for consultants, clients, developers, contractors, governments and research institutions to continuously conduct
research and embrace findings on AACB and new building construction materials regarding usage, wear, tears and durability
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Citation
Oladiran O.J. & Simeon, D.R. (2023). Consciousness and prospects of Autoclaved Concrete Blocks for wall construction: A comparative study of Nigeria and South Africa. Journal of Construction Business & Management, 6(2), 1 – 10.