A study of storage practices of reinforced concrete materials contractors in the construction firms in Ghana

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Date
June 2015
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Abstract
Materials management is one of the most important aspect in every construction process. Proper storage of construction materials is a key aspect of the processes. Studies have revealed that effective storage of concrete materials at the construction processes have positive effects on the successful completion of the project. The main aim of this research was to study the effect of poor storage of concrete materials on construction sites in Ghana. To achieve the stated aim, the following specific objectives were set, to identify the materials management practice contractors’ use, to identify the mode of storage of concrete materials on site and to identify the effect of poor storage of concrete materials on site. Literature related to the aims and objectives were reviewed. The study involved twenty-five (25) respondents from D1K1 and D2K2 construction firms, registered with University of Education, Winneba and University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast. The data collection methods adopted were both qualitative and quantitative approaches. This was done to get better understanding of the objectives. Data obtained from the survey was further analysed using both descriptive statistics and relative importance index techniques. The study revealed that almost all the respondents had fair knowledge in materials management processes. Planning being the highest procedure applied in the processes and logistics being the least. The study also revealed the effects of poor storage of materials on building projects, and included the following; ineffective cash flow, delays in project duration, adequate security, low productivity level, working space, waste and double handling. The effect on the ineffective cash flow due to poor storage practice was recorded the highest and goes a very long way to affect the project and all the parties involved. It is then recommended that effective proper storage of concrete materials is very important and should be a priority in every construction since it forms about 25% - 30% of the materials used in construction.
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A thesis submitted to the Department of Building Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in Construction Management, 2015
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