Journal of Engineering and Architecture

Assessment of Sustainable Sand Provision for Construction Projects in Nigeria
Abdulhakeem Garba, Maryam Baba Mairami, Muinat Omolara Sanni

Abstract
Construction base materials such as timber and sand have been experiencing depletion in recent times. Due to this factor sand, particularly its mining and extraction has impacted negatively on the environment through the destruction of beaches and endangering the ecosystem they protect and escalated the cost of construction. This study aimed to examine sustainable sand provision for construction projects in Nigeria. The study adopted the survey approach with respondents comprising construction practitioners. One hundred and fifty structured questionnaires were distributed out of which 107 responded representing 71%. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis. Typical findings reveal that the primary source of sand currently used for construction in Nigeria is river. Most prevailing negative consequences experienced include soil erosion, depletion of sand and increasing the cost of construction. The most favourable preventive measures include enacting a government policy regulating the mining of sand and issuing legislation requiring the use of alternatives to sand among others. The most presently utilized alternative resource to sand is quarry dust and construction and demolition waste. The reasons for lack of adoption of other alternatives include non-availability and lack of awareness. In the future, respondents indicated that they are likely to adopt some of the alternatives.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jea.v7n1a5