The comparisons between the usage of timber and steel formworks and their impact on the environment in the construction industry with particular reference to some selected construction companies in the Accra Metropolis

Abstract

This project is concerned about the comparisons between the usage of timber and steel formworks and their impact on the environment in the construction industry in Ghana. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, some selected construction companies in the Accra Metropolis were used. Although timber formwork has dominated the construction industry worldwide, forests all over the world has been depleted. This has led to greater impacts to economies of poor nations and its people whose livelihood is threatened. In the light of this problem, was whether to continue to use timber as formwork for temporary works or find other alternative materials like steel. Steel is more environmental friendly, recyclable, sustainable and this can reduce logging, save our forests and reduce global warming and greenhouse effects partially or wholly. Although steel formwork application helps reduce construction waste problem, its initial cost is very high and medium and small scale building contractors may not be able to afford its use. Timber for formwork is easily available, cheap easy to work with, on like steel which needs welders and sophisticated welding equipment (welding plant, electricity etc.). The aim of the study is to scrutinize the use of timber and steel from the processing stage to the finish stage as concrete finishing. Some of the objectives are cost involved, availability, uses, speed of erection, striking, strength, handling, waste generation, recyclability, sustainability, environmental friendliness etc. The research design is quantitative and the population of the study concerned is construction companies. Although the stakeholders concerned were many, the researcher has to concentrate was on the final product for formwork. The random method of sampling was used with a sample size of 32 construction companies. Analyses were presented in a descriptive statistical format using the mean score. Questionnaires, University of Education, Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh xvii interviews and observations were the research instruments. Percentages were used as a statistical tool for the analysis from the responses of the research instruments. The presentation of data, analysis and discussion of results was carefully done in order to achieve the project objectives. In order to reduce logging and its associated effects on the environment it became necessary that timber used for temporary works as formwork be replaced by steel or a combination of both materials should be used. This would, in the long run help to regenerate our forests, which in turn save our environment from destruction.