Abstract:
This project is concerned about the comparisons between the usage of timber and steel
formworks and their impact on the environment in the construction industry in Ghana. In
order to achieve the objectives of the study, some selected construction companies in the
Accra Metropolis were used. Although timber formwork has dominated the construction
industry worldwide, forests all over the world has been depleted. This has led to greater
impacts to economies of poor nations and its people whose livelihood is threatened. In the
light of this problem, was whether to continue to use timber as formwork for temporary
works or find other alternative materials like steel. Steel is more environmental friendly,
recyclable, sustainable and this can reduce logging, save our forests and reduce global
warming and greenhouse effects partially or wholly. Although steel formwork application
helps reduce construction waste problem, its initial cost is very high and medium and small
scale building contractors may not be able to afford its use. Timber for formwork is easily
available, cheap easy to work with, on like steel which needs welders and sophisticated
welding equipment (welding plant, electricity etc.). The aim of the study is to scrutinize the
use of timber and steel from the processing stage to the finish stage as concrete finishing.
Some of the objectives are cost involved, availability, uses, speed of erection, striking,
strength, handling, waste generation, recyclability, sustainability, environmental
friendliness etc. The research design is quantitative and the population of the study
concerned is construction companies. Although the stakeholders concerned were many, the
researcher has to concentrate was on the final product for formwork. The random method
of sampling was used with a sample size of 32 construction companies. Analyses were
presented in a descriptive statistical format using the mean score. Questionnaires,
University of Education, Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh
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interviews and observations were the research instruments. Percentages were used as a
statistical tool for the analysis from the responses of the research instruments. The
presentation of data, analysis and discussion of results was carefully done in order to
achieve the project objectives. In order to reduce logging and its associated effects on the
environment it became necessary that timber used for temporary works as formwork be
replaced by steel or a combination of both materials should be used. This would, in the
long run help to regenerate our forests, which in turn save our environment from
destruction.
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of CONSTRUCTION AND WOOD TECHNOLOGY
EDUCATION, Faculty of TECHNICAL EDUCATION, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies, University of Education, Winneba in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of Master of Technology (Construction) degree.
JUNE, 2014