Investigating the Effect of Chemical Admixtures on the Quality of Concrete in the Construction Industry in Kenya
Legeto Cosmas Kirui1, Kivaa Titus Mbiti2, Ahmed Alkizim3
1Cosmas Kirui Legeto, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Msc. Construction Project and Management.
2Titus Kivaa Mbiti, Senior Lecturer Department of Construction Management, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT).
3Ahmed Alkizim, Senior Lecturer Department of Construction Management, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
Manuscript received on 20 May 2016 | Revised Manuscript received on 30 May 2016 | Manuscript published on 30 May 2016 | PP: 44-51 | Volume-5 Issue-2, May 2016 | Retrieval Number: B1589055216©BEIESP
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Quality of concrete has been the focus of key stakeholders of the construction industry in Kenya for sometimes now after several storey buildings have collapsed. The question has been what really leads to concrete failure; quality of material used; design mix adopted; method of batching concrete; method of handling and placing. This study has set out to find whether chemical admixtures are being used in the construction industry in Kenya and their influence on quality of concrete in a bid to solve the problem. The study adopted a mixed design approach which incorporates both qualitative and quantitative elements of research. The study came to several conclusions key among them; that chemical admixture are used in the construction sector with good effect on the quality of concrete; chemical admixtures enable projects to be managed easily. The study recommended formulation of legislation to guide the use of admixtures which will lead to solving of the current challenges of counterfeit chemical admixtures, lack of proper training by contractors and lack of interest from building statutory bodies on its use.
Keywords: Quality of Concrete, Construction Chemicals, Construction Industry.
Scope of the Article: Construction Economics