Assessment of Causes of Construction Building Defects in Debre Birhan University, North Showa, Amhara, Ethiopia

Abstract

Debreberhan University is one of the second generation universities in Ethiopia. To achieve visions and missions, the university planned expansion projects for additional campuses to be constructed with good quality. This Study aims to assess/investigate construction defects in DBU that occurred for completed 32 school buildings with an average room number of 30 and take actions for future constructions for possible construction building defects. The research objectives are the factors contribute to poor workmanship and possible measures to minimize the problem, and also the relationship between measures identified with the factors. Based on a combination of literature review and questionnaire surveys, this paper explores the factors contribute to poor workmanship and possible measures to minimize the problem, and also the relationship between measures identified with the factors. Quantitative research was conducted by sending 51 sets of a questionnaire to the respondents who experienced in construction projects. The analysis of data was carried out SPSS v16 correlation analysis. Eight factors were identified as factors which contribute to poor quality workmanship out of which limited cost or funding of School dormitory building projects was the major factor that causes poor workmanship quality, while proper communication among parties involved and proper manpower management was found to be the most effective solutions for solving the problem of poor quality workmanship. Recommendations from the study included that proper construction management and proper communication among parties involved are required during project execution.