HAWASSA UNIVERSTY

INSTITUTTE OF TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

DEPARTEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

ASSESSMENT OF THE WAYS OF HANDLING AND STORAGE OF CONSTRUCTION

MATERIALS FOR BUILDING PROJECTS IN HAWASSA CITY

BY

YOHANNES TAMRAT

ELSHADAY DESALEGN

BEREKET TASEW

MARCH, 2022

HAWASSA, ETHIOPIA
 HAWASSA UNIVESRSITY

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

DEPARTEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMNT

ASSESSMENT OF THE WAYS OF HANDLING AND STORAGE OF CONSTRUCTION

MATREIALS FOR BUILDIG PROJECTS IN HAWASSA CITY

IN PARTIL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIRMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND MNAGEMENT

MARCH, 2022
ADVISOR’S APPROVAL SHEET

This is to certify that the BSc. Thesis proposal entitled “Assessment of the ways of handling
and storage of construction materials for building projects in Hawassa city” was prepared
by Yohannes Tamrat Id. No. Tech/1842/10, Elshaday Desalegn Id. No. Tech/0614/10 and
Bereket Tasew Id. No. Tech/0319/10 has met the required standard for submission in partial
fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Construction Technology
and Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Institute of Technology,
Hawassa University.

Approved by:

Ins. Bitseat Zeleke (MSc.)

Name of Advisor Signature Date

EXAMINER’S APPROVAL SHEET

As the member of the examining board of the BSc. Proposal defense, we certify that we have
read and evaluated the proposal prepared by Yohannes Tamrat Id. No. Tech/1842/10, Elshaday
Desalegn Id. No. Tech/0614/10 and Bereket Tasew Id. No. Tech/0319/ entitled with
“Assessment of the ways of handling and storage of construction materials for building
projects in Hawassa city” for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Construction Technology
and Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Institute of Technology,
Hawassa University.

Approved by:

Name of evaluator Signature Date

Name of evaluator Signature Date

Department Approval Signature Date

 Table of content

Table of Contents
Table of content ............................................................................................................................... i
ABBREVATIONS ......................................................................................................................... iii
List of tables ................................................................................................................................... iv
List of figures .................................................................................................................................. v
SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................... vi
CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................................. 1
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background ...................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Problem statement ............................................................................................................ 2
1.3 Research questions ........................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Objectives of the study ..................................................................................................... 3
1.4.1 General objective ...................................................................................................... 3
1.4.2 Specific Objectives ................................................................................................... 3
1.5 Significance of the study .................................................................................................. 3
1.6 Scope and limitations of the study ................................................................................... 4
CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................................................ 5
2. LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Classifications of construction materials ......................................................................... 5
2.3 General Handling and Storage of Construction Material ................................................. 6
2.4 Storage and Handling of Concrete Material in Construction Site .................................... 6
2.4.1 Cement ...................................................................................................................... 6
2.4.2 Aggregates ................................................................................................................ 7
2.4.3 Water ......................................................................................................................... 7
2.4.4 Reinforced Bar .......................................................................................................... 8

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 2.5 Material Management Challenges on Construction Site .................................................. 8
2.6 Effects of Improper Storage and Handling ...................................................................... 9
CHAPTER THREE ...................................................................................................................... 10
3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .......................................................................................... 10
3.1 Description of the study area .......................................................................................... 10
3.2 Study Subject.................................................................................................................. 10
3.3 Study Design .................................................................................................................. 11
3.3.1 Study type ............................................................................................................... 11
3.3.2 Population ............................................................................................................... 11
3.3.3 Sample size ............................................................................................................. 11
3.3.4 Sample procedure.................................................................................................... 12
3.4 Study Methodology ........................................................................................................ 12
3.4.1 Primary Data ........................................................................................................... 12
3.4.2 Secondary Data ....................................................................................................... 13
3.5 Data Management and Analysis ..................................................................................... 13
CHAPTER FOUR ......................................................................................................................... 14
4. WORK BREAK DOWN ....................................................................................................... 14
5. EXPECTED OUTPUTS ........................................................................................................ 15
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 16

ii
 ABBREVATIONS

GNP Gross National Product

iii
 List of tables
Table 1 Classification of steel on basis of carbon content ............................................................................ 8
Table 2 Work plan of the thesis .................................................................................................................. 14

iv
 List of figures
Figure 1 Map of Hawassa city .................................................................................................................... 10

v
 SUMMARY

Materials management is one of the most important aspects in every construction process. Proper
storage of construction materials is a key aspect of the processes. Studies have revealed that
effective storage of concrete materials at the construction processes have positive effects on the
successful completion of the project. Materials represent a major expense in construction around
60% to 70% of construction cost, so minimizing material costs improves opportunities for
reducing the overall project costs. Poor material management can result in increased costs during
construction. Efficient management of materials can result in substantial savings I project costs.
Materials may deteriorate during storage or get stolen unless special care is taken. The main aim
of this research is to study the practice of the handling and storage of construction material in
Hawassa city. To achieve the stated aim, the following specific aims are set, To identify the
practices of handling and storage of construction material especially cement, sand, aggregate and
rebar in construction site in Hawassa city; To investigate the cause and effects of mishandling of
these material; To investigate the involvement of government institution in regulating the
handling and storage of construction material in construction site in Hawassa city ;To identify
and propose solutions and measures to be taken in developing proper storage and handling of
construction material specially cement, aggregates and rebar’s in construction site of Hawassa
city.

Key words: storage, handling and concert materials

vi
 CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Construction industry is an industry, which involved in the planning, execution and evaluation
(monitoring) of all types of civil works (Asmara seyoum 2015, p.1). Construction industry plays
an important role in enhancing political, social and economic development of country.
Construction is not only one of the major firm of an economy but it is also the largest and
accounts from 12% to 25% of the GNP of both developed and developing countries. It consumes
the higher percentage of the annual budget of a country especially in our country Ethiopia it
covers 585 of the annual budget (Semre, 2006).

The construction industry needs more technological materials in order to achieve its goal. It
needs more effective materials which can facilitate the needs. It is a known fact that, resource
planning and management is one of the most important parameter for competitiveness and
profitability in today’s construction technology. One of the most important aspects of resource
management is management of construction materials in construction projects.

Materials represent a major expense in construction around 60% to 70% of construction cost, so
minimizing material costs improves opportunities for reducing the overall project costs. Poor
material management can result in increased costs during construction. Efficient management of
materials can result in substantial savings in project costs. Materials may deteriorate during
storage or get stolen unless special care is taken.

Material storage can be defined as the provision of adequate space, protection and control of
building materials held on site during the construction process (Chudley 2003). On the other hand
material handling can be defined as the provisions of proper handling techniques. Improper
storage and handling of materials on building projects, which could result to waste, can be caused
by inadequate supervision and carless attitudes, together with misplaced incentives. Hence there
is need for proper storage and handling of materials on building projects, as this could be a
solution to improper storage and handling of materials (Oladiran 2009). This study therefore

1
intends to identify methods of material storage and handling solutions to poor materials storage
and handling.

1.2 Problem statement

According to Tekle (2015) handling and storage of construction materials in the construction
industries is the necessary issue that should be considered to keep the materials fit for the
purpose.

According to Kahsay (2014) if materials don’t properly managed and handled the following
might occurred

 When cement contacts with moisture area or dump area, it will not have equal strength
with that of cement which stored in dry place, thus it will increase cost and also which
reduce the quality.
 Presence of impurities in fine aggregate may form coating and may weaken the bond
between the aggregate and cement paste.
 Improper handling of reinforcement bars may result corrosion, which leads to reduction
of cross section of reinforcement as a result cracking and splitting of concrete cover can
be occurred. The load carrying capacity of steel decreases in addition to this the
elongation properties and fatigue strength may be reduced more substantially by small
reduction in cross section and also there will be increase in cost which cause dispute
between the stake holders.

Most of the constructions sites have the behavior of mishandling and improper storage of
construction materials and this will lead to cost overrun and raises claim between stake
holders, and also the quality issue becomes in danger since the materials are already lost their
required characteristics.

1.3 Research questions

1. What are the practices of handling and storage of construction materials in

construction sites in Hawassa city?
2. What are the causes and effects of mishandlings of these materials?
3. What are the involvement of governmental institutions in regulating the handling
and storage of construction material in construction sites in Hawassa city?
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 4. What measures should be taken to have proper handling and storage of
construction material in the construction site especially cements aggregates and
reinforcement bar?

1.4 Objectives of the study

1.4.1 General objective

The main objective of this study is to assess the ways of handling and storage of construction
materials for building projects in Hawassa city.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

The specific objectives are:

1. To identify the practice of handling and storage of construction material especially

cement, aggregates and reinforcement bar in construction sites in Hawassa city.
2. To investigate the causes and effects of mishandling of these material.
3. To investigate the involvement of governmental institutions in regulating the handling
and storage of construction materials in construction site in Hawassa city.
4. To identify and propose solutions and measures to be taken in developing proper storage
and handling of construction material especially in cement, aggregates and reinforcement
bar in construction sites of Hawassa city.

1.5 Significance of the study

The findings of this study work are expected:

 To contribute towards the enhancement of ways and techniques of handling of
construction martial in building construction projects in Ethiopia particularly in Hawassa
city by analyzing past experiences;

 To contribute in minimize wastage that caused due to poor handling of construction

materials particularly cement, sand, aggregate and rebar.

 To increase the quality of the building constructions by handling the construction

materials properly and safely.
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  Though the thesis is limited only to this case, it is believed that such diagnostic approach
on the problems of the building construction material handling and storage can result
good benefit.

1.6 Scope and limitations of the study

This study will focus on the study of material handling and storage of concrete ingredients in
Hawassa. Hawassa city construction sectors experience severe problems resulted from poor
handling and storage of materials.

The research will only cover the Construction material handling and storage in aspects of cement,
fine aggregate, coarse aggregate and rebar in Hawassa city building construction project.

4
 CHAPTER TWO

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

In the construction technology, resource planning and management is one of the most important
parameter for highly competitiveness and beneficial factors. Tekle (2015) Sates in his research,
resource management is an important parameter in construction project during planning and
controlling. Material cost covers more than 40% of the total project cost. Therefore, a small
saving in material cost has a significant role in the industry. A research conducted in Ethiopia had
shown that building material takes 50%- 80% of the total cost of the project. Thus, it is very
important to ensure that construction materials are available at affordable prices. In most
developing countries, however, the costs of construction materials are very high, and their
availability is scarce.

Material management is the most fundamental thing as it has a great role in progress of the
project. Material management should be given special attention this means it should be
considered at every stage of the planning. Planning and controlling of this material is necessary
so as to increase the productivity and quality of the building and also so as to reduce the cost
overrun.

2.2 Classifications of construction materials

Studies have categorized construction materials in terms of how they appear, thus either in their
raw state or finished product. These classifications are as follows;
I. Raw materials: These categories represent the original state of the materials and are the
materials which are normally in its natural process. They are not affected so much by the weather
and pilferage; and most at times bulky in nature. Consumes a lot of space when not properly
planned well at the site. Chippings (gravels) and sand are examples;

II. Factory goods: These categories deal with those items which have passed a series of
processes and the end point are to pick and install. They are normally well packaged and most of

5
them are off the shelf items. Examples include cement, ceramic items (closets, bath, basin, tiles)
and

III. Workshop finished items: They are the semi-finished product, thus slight works will be
done on them before using. They are normally with their standard measurements and those
materials are normally expensive since any default on it will create for it replacement. Examples
include glass, timber, roofing materials, etc.

2.3 General Handling and Storage of Construction Material

According to DollTuku (2012), Materials that are required in construction execution shall be
stored, and handled in a way to reduce waste and to prevent deformation and damage to the
materials, ensure safety of workers in handling operations and non-interference with public life
including safety of public, prevention of damage to public property and natural environment.
Stored materials shall be separately stored under following classifications;
a) Climatically Sensitive Materials
b) Durable Materials
c) Materials Vulnerable to Rough Handling

d) Inflammable and/or Fire Sensitive Materials

e) Hazardous Materials

2.4 Storage and Handling of Concrete Material in Construction Site

Denamo (2005) States that Concrete is a composite material that consists essentially of binding
medium within which are embedded particles or fragments of relatively inert mineral filler. In some
cases, admixtures may be added to give the concrete strength and special properties. And also “The
filler material, called "aggregate," is generally graded in size from fine sand to pebbles or fragments
of stone which, in some concretes, may be several inches in diameter”.

2.4.1 Cement

In a concrete mixture the Function of the cement is to react with the water forming a plastic mass
when the concrete is fresh and a solid mass when the concrete is hard. Since the most widely used
cement is Portland cement, Portland cement is a finely powdered substance, usually gray or brownish
6
grey, composed largely of artificial crystalline minerals, the most important of which are calcium and
Aluminum silicates (Troxel, G.E and Davis (1956)) cited in Ademasie (2005).

2.4.2 Aggregates

Aggregates are the materials which used as filler with binding material in the production of
concrete and provide concrete with better dimensional stability and wear resistance. They are
derived naturally from igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks or manufactured from blast
furnace slag, etc. It is therefore significantly vital to obtain right type and quality of aggregates
(fine and coarse) because aggregates occupy 60% to 75% of the concrete volume (70% to 85%
by mass) and strongly affects the concrete’s freshly mixed and hardened properties, mixture
proportions, and economy (Tekle, 2015).
According to Tekle, (2015), he describes the characteristics or the requirements of aggregate that
should be included during the selection process. These requirements are as follows;
 facilitates the workability of fresh concrete

 Shape and texture

 Strength and durability

 Should resist whether

 Free from impurities

 Bulk unit weight

 Moisture content

 Free from injurious amounts of disintegrated pieces, alkali, vegetable matter and other
deleterious substances.

 Flaky and elongated pieces should be avoided

2.4.3 Water

The purpose of using water with cement is to cause hydration of the cement. Water in excess of
that required for hydration acts as a lubricant between coarse and fine aggregates and produces a
workable and economical concrete .In addition to this water is also used for washing aggregates
and curing.
7
The amount of water must therefore be limited to produce quality concrete required for a job. For
instance excess water weakens bond between the successive lifts of concrete, produce
honeycombed concrete and make concrete porous. On the other hand lesser water makes it
difficult to work with concrete.
Water to be used in construction shall be stored in tanks, bottom and the sides of which shall be
constructed with brick or concrete. Contact with any organic impurities shall be prevented DollTuku
(2012).

2.4.4 Reinforced Bar

As Kahsay (2014) describes “Metals are building materials which derived from ores by removing
impurities such as oxides, carbonates, sulphides and phosphates and used for engineering
purposes as ferrous metals, with iron as the main constituent, e.g. pig iron, cast iron, wrought iron
and steel and others like aluminum, copper, zinc, lead and tin in which the main constituent is not
iron as nonferrous metals”.
Steel is the most suitable building material among metallic materials; this is due to a wide range
and combination of physical and mechanical properties that steels can have. On the basis of
carbon content steel may be classified as under in the table below Table (1).As carbon content
increases steel gives high degree of hardness and strength but decrease the malleability and
ductility of the metal and it shows brittleness behavior.
Table 1 Classification of steel on basis of carbon content

Type of steel Carbon content (%)

Dead mild steel < 0.15
Mild steel 0.15 – 0.3
Medium carbon steel 0.3 – 0.8
High carbon steel 0.8 – 1.5

2.5 Material Management Challenges on Construction Site

Donyavi.S and Flanagan.R (2009) States the difficulties in handling construction material in
construction site as follows:
Materials management can be divided into five categories:
 The measurement and specification;

 The procurement and purchasing process where the order is transmitted to the supplier;

8
  Delivery to site and logistics of checking the order, offloading, and storing on site;

 The administrative and financial process of payment;

 Using the materials in production on the job site and removing the waste.

2.6 Effects of Improper Storage and Handling

The effect of improper storage and handling of construction material location is also an issue and
that can lead to poor productivity and waste. The effect of purchasing materials early may lead to
capital tied up and interest charges incurred on the excess inventory of materials and to top it all,
materials will deteriorate during storage and be stolen (Hendrickson, 2008). Oziegbe (1991) cited
in Oladiran (2010) shows that an effective storage system and handling of construction material
should be operated with the planned activities of construction and revealed the building projects,
procurement of materials should be well documented while location for materials should be made
in good time; and materials should be delivered according to the program of work. Improper
storage and handling of materials have made a lot of project stack along the way and costing the
client and also it causes claim between stakeholders (Chao et al., 2004). It is better to have proper
plans even before the start of the project.

9
 CHAPTER THREE

3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter deals with description of the general process in which the research will conduct.
Further it outlines the study area, the research type, study population and sampling techniques,
data sources, and method of data collection.

3.1 Description of the study area

The study area of this research will be Hawassa city 275km far apart from the capital city of our
country, which is the capital city for South and Sidama Nation, Nationalities and peoples,
southern parts of Ethiopia. This place is situated in Sidama, Southern, Ethiopia. Its geographical
coordinates are 7° 3' 0" North, 38° 28' 0" East and its original name is Hawassa.

Figure 1 Map of Hawassa city

3.2 Study Subject

This study uses both the qualitative and quantitative approach of data collection (Mixed Methods
research). The pragmatic approach to science involves using the method which appears best
suited to the research problem and not getting caught up in philosophical debates about which is
the best approach. Pragmatic researchers therefore grant themselves the freedom to use any of the
methods, techniques and procedures typically associated with quantitative or qualitative research.

10
 3.3 Study Design

3.3.1 Study type

Both primary and secondary data will used to gather the necessary data for this research. Primary
data will collect using questionnaire and interview will used to collect a first-hand data. The
secondary sources of data consulted include books, journals, and articles from the internet, annual
report, manuals and websites.

3.3.2 Population

The populations that will include in this research will be three parties this are the contractor,
governmental body and consultant found in Hawassa city. We choose contractor because they are
mostly the one who provides materials and they are the one who are more connected with the material
handling and storage system. Consultants are bodies who are appointed by the client who controls the
work progress and prepare payment to the contractor for the executed work. Even though the duties
may vary according to the contract and delivery system. They are also responsible for the control of
material that came to site. The government because this body is responsible for the public safety.
They are responsible for the quality of the buildings and also for controlling of the materials for
improper handling and storage since it can cause effects on the people safety.

3.3.3 Sample size

The study is specifically concerned with building construction project. The sample size of this
study will be:
 Contractors in Hawassa which are active on site currently
 Consultants in Hawassa city and
 Governmental institutions which are directly related with regulating construction works in
Hawassa.
Sample size will determine by using Yamane (1967) formula:
n= N
1+N (e) 2
Where, n = sample size
N = Total Population
e = Error level
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 3.3.4 Sample procedure

In this research methodology, the researchers will use probability sampling method as the
researchers interest to give each member of the study population an equal chance of being
selected. Probability samples the chance, or probability, of each case being selected from the
population is known and is usually equal for all cases. Probability sampling is often associated
with survey and explanatory research strategies. When conducting survey research, it is important
that the researcher samples random people. This allows for more accurate findings across a
greater number of respondents. This shows random sampling goes with the research design of
this research. Among the probability sampling methods, a simple random sampling will used
since the simple random sampling technique will give each member of the study population an
equal chance of being selected.

3.4 Study Methodology

3.4.1 Primary Data

Questionnaire

Questionnaire provides first-hand information for the subject matter of a research as it is focused
on issues which further serves as a survey to understand the main concerns and attitudes of
respondents towards the problems. In this thesis, questionnaire will be administered to some
probably selected stakeholders.
The questionnaire will includes two part

 The first part will included the general information from the construction firm, the
background of the respondent and the role or position in the firm; and
 The second portion will ask questions on the material management practices, their storage
and handling facilities and the effect on the firm.

Interview
Interview is one of the primary data collection methods which are flexible and adaptive way of
investigating underlying motives of a subject in a way that visual observation cannot. This type
of interview has a predetermined set of questions (vary from questionnaire) with a flexible order
depending on what the interviewer perceives the subject matter by looking at the respondent

12
capability and exposure or experience. The interview will undertake based study on handling and
storage of construction materials.

3.4.2 Secondary Data

Secondary data will be gathered through reviewing, examination of documents, reports and
records of published documents on which it has concrete ideas on handling and storage of
construction materials in building construction Projects . Secondary data clarify the past
performance of construction projects, so it gives us a big chance to compare and contrast the
recent with the past experience.

3.5 Data Management and Analysis

The process of data presentation and analysis involved the basic qualitative and quantitative
analysis technique. Qualitative data can be gathered from key informants’ through interview,
document review then organized and categorized thematically and written up in to narratives. The
narrative followed by analysis and interpretation.
Qualitative and quantitative methods will be applied in the study because we aim to analyze our
research problems by the data collected from the Interview, and questionnaires. Analyzing the
information gathered through questionnaires. Then make a subjective assessment on the current
effectiveness handling and storage of materials in construction site report with respect to the
recommended scientific approaches of the literatures and also to make a study on contribution of
quality planning on investigated construction site projects. Hence, the analysis will be carried out
based on the responses of the participants. Accordingly, after analysis will be made an attempt
will be make to systematically build up conclusions and recommendations about the study from
the data analysis

13
 CHAPTER FOUR

4. WORK BREAK DOWN

Table 2 Work plan of the thesis

Activities Duration
February March April May
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Thesis title selection
Submission of thesis
title
Proposal writing and
submission
Proposal
presentation
Literature review
Design questionnaire
and interview
Writing first draft
Questionnaire
distribution
Data collecting,
analysis and
summarization
Writing second draft
Submission of first
final draft
Final document
submission
Thesis defense

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 5. EXPECTED OUTPUTS

1. This paper will show the ways of handling and storage of construction materials for
building construction project in the city of Hawassa.
2. It will declare the cause and mishandling of these materials.
3. The study will identifies the involvement of governmental institutions in regulating the
handling and storage of construction materials in construction site in Hawassa city.
4. The research will propose solutions and measures to be taken in developing proper
storage and handling of construction material especially in cement, aggregates and
reinforcement bar in construction sites of Hawassa city.

15
 REFERENCES

Asmara Seyoum 2015. Managing and minimizing wastage of construction materials on selected
public building projects. Master’s thesis in civil engineering Addis Ababa University, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia.

Denamo Addissie 2005. Handling of concrete making materials in the Ethiopian construction
industry. Master’s thesis in civil engineering in Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Donyavi, S. and Flangan, R. (2009). The impact of effective material management on

construction site performance for small and medium sized construction enterprises, Nottingham,
UK.

Tekle A. (2015). Handling of aggregate in Ethiopian industry, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Oziegbe O. (1991), Quality of work on construction sites. Unpublished M.Sc. thesis, Building
department, University of Lagos, Nigeria.

DollTuku (2012). Storage, Stacking and Handling Practices, Bangladesh National building code
2012.

Oladiran, Olatunji Joseph (2009). Causes and minimization techniques of material wastage in
Nigerian construction process. Department of building, University of Lagos, Akoka Yaba, Lagos,
Nigeria.

R.Chudley and R.Greeno (2003). Building construction handbook, London, UK.

Troxell, G.E and Dvis, H.E (1956). Composition and properties of concrete. McGraw-Hili Be
Company, Inc., London, Pp. 224, 297.

Chris Hendrickson (2008). Project management for construction, Department of civil and
environmental engineering, Carnegie Mellon university, Pittsburgh.

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