Concrete practice and defects during construction - case study

Abstract

This study is implemented for collecting information whether the activities that carried out at site are complied to the standard specification. This study concentrate on activities such as preparation, delivery, pouring, compaction and curing of concrete. Besides, preparation and installation of formwork and reinforcement also being stressed in this study. Condition of materials which are used in preparation of site mix concrete that will affect the workability and durability are also being discussed. The compressive strength of concrete can be influenced by quality of workmanship. Most of the methods in construction are not complied to the Standard Specifications for Building Works 2005. Furthermore, workers with lacking of skills, limitation of construction period, low quality of materials, design problem, limitation of workers and shortage of equipment will affect concrete quality and specification could not be complied. These factors affect the quality of concrete structure and number of tests is required to determine the actual strength of the concrete structure. Therefore, the right construction methods need to be implemented at site. As a result, the concrete structure will perform at optimum within long period.