An Assessment of Asset Utilization of Concrete Mixers in Construction Sites in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Proper utilization of concrete production equipment provides considerable cost saving in construction. However, there is little research  evidence on concrete mixer utilization on Nigerian construction sites This limits profitability of concrete production to contractors. This paper aims at assessing the utilization of concrete mixers on construction sites in Nigeria with a view of enhancing cost savings in  concrete production. The study was carried out on construction sites operated by small and medium size construction companies in  Abuja. A Total of 25 construction sites operated by different contractors were used in the study. The research adopted mixed research  methodology. Quantitative data was gathered using structured questionnaire to identify the level of utilization of concrete mixers.  Qualitative data was gathered through observation with a checklist on the type of concrete mixers and impediments to performance of  the mixers. The study discovered that the commonest type of concrete mixer used by contractors in the study area are reversing drum  concrete mixers and tilting drum mixers. The study also found that concrete mixers are underutilized through wrong selection criteria,  inability to use only trained personnel to operate concrete mixers, not having spare parts for the mixer before breakdown, and  inappropriate methods of operating the mixers. The paper recommends construction managers to select concrete mixers for jobs based  on suitability of the mixer for intended job, use trained personnel to operate concrete mixers, have a provision for spare parts for the  mixer before breakdown and maintained appropriate operation techniques when operating concrete mixers.