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Published
2024-08-15
Section
Articles
How to Cite
DEVELOPING A NEW PRECAST CONCRETE DRAINAGE SYSTEM TOWARDS COST SAVINGS
Emmanuel Donkor
Department of Building Technology
John Dadzie
Kumasi Technical University
Mark Afful Osae
Kumasi Technical University
Keywords: Precast concrete U-drains units, environment, compressive strength, cost analysis, environmental degradation
Abstract
Drainage network systems in some areas of Ghana are not properly planned, designed and constructed. Most drains are constructed in situ with various defects (cracks and leakages). A survey of the drainage network system indicates poor slopes which restrict free flow of liquid. The aim of the research is to develop a covered precast concrete U-drain to improve the environment. An extensive review of drainage network systems was undertaken to establish the gap in literature. In this study, the covered precast concrete U-drain units were developed and tested in the laboratory using silt analysis, sieve test analysis, slump testing and correct batching process, that is, water/cement ration and aggregate/cement ratio. For a ratio of 1:1.5:3, the compressive stress of the U-drain units are 8KN/mm2, 13KN/mm2, 18KN/mm2, 19KN/mm2 and 20KN/mm2 for days 3, 7, 21 and 28 respectively. Detailed cost analysis of 600mm x 500mm x 550mm dimensions of two units indicates initial savings of 5-10% in the first year compared to the conventional method expected to increase by 20% in three years after adoption and implementation. Entrepreneurship and technology are demonstrated in this study, likely to curb poor sanitation and provide useful data to government, professional bodies and construction practitioners.
Author Biographies
Emmanuel Donkor, Department of Building Technology
Kumasi Technical University, Ghana
John Dadzie, Kumasi Technical University
Department of Building Technology, Kumasi Technical University, Ghana
Mark Afful Osae, Kumasi Technical University
Department of Building Technology, Kumasi Technical University, Ghana
