MODULE ONE QTS213

CONSTRUCTION AND TYPES CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

CONSTRUCTION
Construction is the art and science of forming objects or systems. It is the act of building something
or how something is built. Also, construction and the ability to build things is one of the most
ancient of human skills. It usually covers the processes involved in assembling or delivering
buildings, infrastructure and industrial facilities, and associated facilities. Construction is the
activity of putting together different element using detailed design and plan to create a structure in
a location (i.e. it is location specific). It usually starts with or involves planning, financing and
design and it continues until it is built. Construction could be new works or works related to repairs,
additions or alterations, maintenance, demolitions, dismantling or decommissioning.

Construction industry (CI) is a construction sector of any economy that deals with erection of
buildings, public and industrial infrastructures that are needed for running, growth and survival of
a particular economy. It is described as an engine that drives the overall economy of a nation.
Construction industry accounts for more than 10% of global gross domestic products (GDP). In
developed countries, it contributes 6-9% of the GDP and may be lower in other economies. The
global construction is forecasted at $12.7 trillion in 2020. It employs 7% of the global workforce.
In Nigeria, construction industry employs people either directly as operatives on construction sites
or in an administrative, professional, technical or clerical capacity within construction firms. The
industry is also indirectly responsible for the employment in the manufacture, assembly and
distribution of materials and components and for independent professional and associated staffs
such as quantity surveyors, engineers (civil, structural, services and environmental) and architects
in both private practice and public sector departments.

TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

i. Building Construction:
a. Residential e.g. bungalow/flat/duplex
b. Non-residential e.g. commercial (office space, shops, retail stores/malls, hotels,
factories, warehouses) and institutional (public buildings) like schools, libraries,
hospital, theatres, prisons, barracks, police stations, courts, churches/mosques,
recreation centres

ii. Civil Works (including Public Utilities) – roads/highways, culverts, bridges, drainages,
dams, tunnels, railways, airports, port and harbors structures, pipelines, water treatment
and distribution systems, sewages and storm-water collection

iii. Heavy/Industrial Engineering – petroleum refineries and petrochemical plants, steel mills,
aluminum plants, large and heavy manufacturing plants, mining plants, nuclear power
plants etc
Further Reading
Halpin, D.A. and Senior, B.A. (2012). Construction Management. Wiley.
Oladapo, A. and Milne, J.A. (1987). Builders’ Pricing and Tendering Procedures in Nigeria.
Julab Publishers Limited, Ibadan, Nigeria.