ASSESSMENT OF CONSTRUCTION PLANT AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE PRACTICES

ABSTRACT

Construction equipment refers to the machinery, tools, materials, supply and systems owned, rented or leased by the contractor, subcontractor, for use in the completion of a project work (Reh, 2013). According to Clifford (2006), plant refers to any machinery, equipment, or apparatus involved in a manufacturing process. This research is aimed at assessing the plant and equipment maintenance in the construction industry in Edo state. Sixty-seven (67) questionnaire were distributed for this study and the researcher obtained an 100% rate of response.  The method of analysis employed was Mean item score (MIS) and data processing was carried out using computer-based statistical software called a statistical package for social science (SPSS). The result of the analysis showed that “Shortage of man power” with Mean score “4.37” was the highest ranked factors affecting construction plant and equipment maintenance. This is followed by “running fuel cost”, and “availability of spare parts”, ranked 2nd, and 3rd with mean value of 4.18 and 4.14 respectively. The least ranked factor is “nature and shape of the soil” ranked 8th with a Mean score of 3.77. Detecting early problem” was the highest ranked maintenance needs with Mean score of 4.45. The result of the analysis showed that “Concrete Mixer” with Mean score “4.27” was the highest ranked plant and equipment commonly maintained. The study recommends that Construction operators and managers should pay more attention to the maintenance needs of plant and equipment so as to ensure effective delivery of construction project.