An Assessment of Material Management on Building Construction Sites

Abstract

The paper considers the management of materials on building construction sites. In the study, method of material procurement practice on construction site, factors affecting material management on building construction site as well as causes wastages on construction sites were determined. The study further Suggest measures for effective material management in construction site. Data for the study was obtained through a structured questionnaire administered to respondents in ten different construction sites and head offices of the construction companies in charge of the sites in Minna metropolis Niger State. Findings reveal that, 31% of respondents organization procure materials for sites by head office provisions without site requisition, 64% of respondents organization procure materials for sites by head office provisions with site requisition and 5% of respondents organization procure materials for sites by through direct purchase by site manager or engineer. The respondent identified the following as the main causes of material wastage on building construction sites: Damage by mishandling, inadequate storage facilities on site, delay in material supply, inadequate supervision, poor site security, Weather and other natural occurrence, Rework, alteration of designs, over ordering of construction materials, theft and Vandalism. Based on the findings in the work, appropriate recommendations were being made for effective material management on building construction sites.