Evaluation on the Use of Plants and Equipment in Building Project Delivery in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Modern construction is characterized with complex designs, new and innovative materials that are sensitive with high precision. In addressing the accompanying challenges, mechanization of construction process is said to be the guarantee especially in this era of crash programmes and advancement in technology to reduce poor workmanship and eliminate avoidable holdup in construction processes in the industry. Amidst this belief, attributes of construction industry in Imo state still reflect ineffectiveness in the use of plant and equipment. Hence, the study assesses the involvement of plants and equipment in building delivery for improved project performance. Field survey and work measurement methods were adopted to gather both non-parametric and parametric data respectively. The survey design targeted the sampled building professionals while work measurement focused on selected earth and concrete works in the area of the study. Inferential and descriptive statistical tools of Chi-square on likert scale and Comparative measurements on work activities respectively were used to analyze the respective non-parametric and parametric data. Findings show that selection of various plants are dependent on their rates of use for increased site work productivity; while the socio-economic and political issues as militating factors against effective use of plants are determined by their levels of acceptance. It was also discovered comparatively that mechanization of construction processes is more time and cost effective in building project than manual approach at work. The study therefore recommends that a systematic and holistic awareness be created by the stakeholders on the usefulness of mechanization of construction process in physical development. Besides, government should enforce construction methodology plan as a mandatory document for approval of any building plans; while frantic effort should be targeted at reviving the abandoned steel manufacturing industry at Ajeokuta, Ogun state to revolutionize the construction methodology of construction industry in Nigeria.