Quality of construction outcomes:
The role of competent materials testing
PRESENTED AT THE WORLD ACCREDITATION DAY
PRESENTER:S.WAHOME
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT ,INFRASTRUCTURE, HOUSING AND
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
MATERIALS TESTING AND RESEARCH DIVISION
DATE:9/06/2017
VENUE;OLE SERENI HOTEL,NAIROBI
INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW OF MATERIALS TESTING
Materials testing is often the first step in the construction process. If
the material that goes into the product is defective, then the product
(structure) may be defective. Understanding the material’s properties
can help to better predict the construction outcome.
There are various reasons why we need material testing before
construction, key among them
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Quality control of materials used for construction to ensure that
they meet the required specifications
Quality control of procedures to be followed during preparation of
construction materials
The resultant effects of the above quality controls are:
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Assuring full utility of structures as per their designs
Prolonged life and durability of structures
Enhanced safety of structures
Enhanced functionality of structures
Dangers of incompetent material testing processes
Inaccurate and unreliable tests results which can
lead to such negative events like.
 Collapsing of buildings
 Failing road pavements
 Poor functionality of structures.
 Loss of time and resources during litigations arising
from poor workmanship and failure to achieve
contractual obligations.
To assure competence of materials testing
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Ensure the equipment used are:
calibrated by accredited institutions,
well maintained and serviced;
Digitization & modernization of testing equipment to enhance
traceability of tests results;
Implementation of relevant quality management systems;
Charging market friendly testing fees;
Creating awareness to stakeholders-contractors, consultants
,manufactures etc
Accreditation of all testing facilities-govt and private
Collaboration and sharing of experiences among various
testing bodies
Ensuring that Material and test methods are standardized.
Ensuring that the personnel responsible for testing are
competent.