Defects on quality and strength of Hollow Concrete Blocks Production in Local Market

Abstract

In construction industry, defects in HCB production is common challenge in developing countries. The main objective of this paper was to identify the most frequent factors that reduce quality of HCB in local market for the construction industry and to compare the quality of HCB in local market to requirements stated in building codes. The research is carried out by collecting information on qualities of ingredients, method of production through questionnaires and by conducting a compressive strength test of hollow concrete block in the laboratory then compare the result that we have got from the test with minimum strength requirement set on recommended standards.From results of questioner survey and laboratory results, the study help us to known that most block manufacturer do not use the appropriate process and materials quality due to this they become failed through compressive strength test when we compared to the standards so their samples have rejected and the others full fill the requirements listed I standard code so their samples are not rejected. The results of this study may help HCB manufacturers, construction planners and supervisors understand the challenges and improve the quality of HCB.