2026-09-18T20:07:03Zhttps://openscholar.dut.ac.za/server/oai/requestoai:openscholar.dut.ac.za:10321/54602025-04-03T01:07:08Zcom_10321_9col_10321_10
Assessment of the adoption of innovative building materials (IBM) for sustainable construction in the Nigerian construction industry
Mogaji, Iseoluwa Joanna
Mewomo, M. C.
Innovative Building Materials (IBM)
Sustainable construction
Sustainable development
Sustainable materials
Adoption
Building materials
Sustainable construction--Nigeria
Construction industry--Nigeria
Sustainable development--Nigeria
Research thesis submitted in fulfilment of the academic requirements of Master of the Built Environment in Construction Management at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2023.
The construction industry in Nigeria plays a substantial role in shaping the country's economy and
environment. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using innovative building
materials (IBM) to accomplish sustainable construction practices. This study aims to assess the
adoption of IBM for sustainable construction in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). The
study has five objectives, including determining the level of awareness of some available IBM,
identifying drivers and barriers to adoption, evaluating the benefits of using these materials, and
providing strategies for successful adoption. This study was conducted using quantitative research
method. A survey was undertaken among professionals involved in the construction sector in
Nigeria, comprising architects, builders, engineers, and quantity surveyors, to gather information
on their awareness, usage, drivers, barriers, benefits, and strategies for adopting IBM. Out of 363
sample sizes, 282 responses were obtained and found suitable, making the overall response rate
for this study 77.6%. This research comprehensively analyses the current state of IBM adoption
for sustainable construction in Nigeria. The data was analysed using the following descriptive
analyses: mean item score (MIS), relative importance index (RII), ranking and frequency and
inferential analysis (ANOVA, KMO and Bartlett's, factor analysis and chi-square test). Using six
(6) selected IBM; pigmented/coloured concrete, light-generating concrete, cross laminated timber
(CLT), timbercrete, smart glass windows, and three-dimensional (3D)-printed graphene. The
findings indicated that respondents are very aware of four IBMs: smart glass windows, CLT,
pigmented/coloured concrete and 3D-printed graphene, while considering all six IBMs relevant.
For application, smart glass windows are the most adopted material out of the six (6) IBMs in the
construction industry. According to the respondents, all 14 drivers are very significant. Clients'
requirements, government regulations, availability of IBM suppliers and developments in ICT/technology-push are the top drivers of IBM adoption. This study highlights the importance of
government support and regulations in promoting the use of IBM. The study also found significant
barriers to IBM adoption in the study area: lack of awareness and knowledge, learning /training
period, cost and economic viability, and lack of qualified staff. Sustainable and environmentally
friendly practices, efficient energy use, environmental protection, and increased use of recycled
waste as building materials were the top benefits of IBM adoption. The study also noted that the
respondents found all 18 benefits very significant, and the top three benefits are sustainable and
environmentally friendly, efficient use of energy and environmental protection. Based on these
findings, the study recommends owner/client support, appraisal of building codes and
establishment of sustainable building codes, provision of sustainable material selection criteria,
and mandatory governmental policies and regulations encouraging the use of IBM as the top
strategies for IBM's successful adoption of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, which
will contribute to the sustainable development of the country. This study contributes to the current
knowledge base by offering additional insights on awareness, drivers, barriers, benefits, and
strategies for adopting IBM, which could enhance the effectiveness of IBM in the construction
industry in Nigeria and beyond.
M
2024-09-09T07:02:14Z
2024-09-09T07:02:14Z
2023-09
Thesis
https://hdl.handle.net/10321/5460
https://doi.org/10.51415/10321/5460
en
181 p
application/pdf