Anugwo, I C; Appau, W M; Simpeh, F and Attakora-Amaniampong, E (2024) Exploring the challenges of hydraform blocks as a sustainable building material: The experts' view. In: Thomson, C (ed.) Proceedings of 40th Annual ARCOM Conference, 2-4 September 2024, London South Bank University, UK.
Abstract
Hydraform blocks form an innovative medium for construction in low-income countries. Despite its contribution towards sustainability, its adaptation in developing countries has been low. Studies so far have focused on the chemical composition of hydraform block but have limitedly established the challenges of its usage. This study aims to assess the challenges of the adaptation of hydraform blocks in Northern Ghana. Fusing the study in the context of frugal innovation theory, Delphi technique among 11 senior contractors and 7 principal contractors were selected to work on Ghana Government Agenda 111 hospital projects in Northern Ghana. The findings revealed a strong consensus that the lack of expertise in processing and the cost of purchasing hydraform machines at the pre-construction stage was high. Aside, lack of maintenance and breakages of blocks were established as a critical challenge at the post-use stage. Along with the findings, the study points out that increasing the localization of developing hydraform block machines and training in the developing world will facilitate sustainable building construction.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Delphi method; frugal innovation; hydraform blocks; sustainability; Ghana |
| Index terms: | adaptation, Ghana, sustainable building, purchasing, Delphi method, sustainable building material, Delphi technique, principal contractor, pre-construction, innovation theory, localization, developing country, income |
| Subjects: | project delivery, sustainable materials, procurement strategy, urban planning, Geography, development economics, data collection methods, practitioner, theoretical framing, sustainable construction, user focus, economic analysis |
| Topics: | Project Management, Geographical Context, Governance, Roles and Professions, Procurement, Sustainability, Design Practice, Research Practice, International Construction, Business Strategy |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here