Technology transfer to minimize concrete construction failures

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The use of concrete in developing countries is rapidly growing. There is a strong possibility that its increasing application as a construction material is likely to be accompanied by an increase in the incidents of construction failures. Such problems are experienced by many countries during infancy of the concrete industry. Concrete construction is resource intensive, and construction failures come with significant economic costs, loss of resources, and sometimes, fatalities. For sustainable development in Africa, countries cannot afford to incur waste of resources and enormous expenses from failures that occur especially in avoidable circumstances. Although research in concrete technology is growing rapidly, and faces many challenges associated with skills and technological expertise, an important reason for failure is that existing knowledge is not adequately applied. The reason for this redundant knowledge base is inadequate technology transfer to all levels of the work force—from design engineers to the concrete work team at the construction site. This chapter explores some of the barriers to effective technology transfer and considers ways of dealing with this problem in developing countries. A case study of a recent fatal collapse of a new reinforced-concrete building under construction in Uganda is also presented.