Quality Control and the Safety of Structural Concrete Buildings

Abstract

Various aspects of quality control were examined as they affect the safety of structural concrete buildings. The study was based essentially on broad review of a wide range of literature, especially the findings of published research works. The investigation highlighted those processes which affect the quality of concrete and reinforcing steel to include concrete batching and mixing, formwork design and construction, concrete placing, compaction and curing, as well as the control testing of concrete and reinforcing steel. It noted that since the strength of a structure is a random variable, it is necessary to exercise good quality control on the various aspects of concrete work which affect that parameter in order to minimize its variability. This in turn, the paper concluded, will ensure that the structural performance of the finished building sensibly conforms to the design intentions. Keywords : Quality Control, Structural Safety, Concrete, Reinforcing Steel, Control Testing. African Research Review Vol. 2 (4) 2008: pp. 113-123