1. Quality of construction outcomes: The role of competent materials testing
PREsENTED AT THE world accreditation day
Presenter:s.Wahome
Ministry of transport ,infrastructure, housing and urban development
Materials testing and research division
Date:9/06/2017
Venue;ole sereni hotel,nairobi

2. INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW OF MATERIALS TESTING
Materials testing is often the first step in the construction process. If the material that goes into the product is defective, then the product (structure) may be defective. Understanding the material’s properties can help to better predict the construction outcome.
There are various reasons why we need material testing before construction, key among them
Quality control of materials used for construction to ensure that they meet the required specifications
Quality control of procedures to be followed during preparation of construction materials

3. The resultant effects of the above quality controls are:
Assuring full utility of structures as per their designs
Prolonged life and durability of structures
Enhanced safety of structures
Enhanced functionality of structures

4. Dangers of incompetent material testing processes
Inaccurate and unreliable tests results which can lead to such negative events like.
Collapsing of buildings
Failing road pavements
Poor functionality of structures.
Loss of time and resources during litigations arising from poor workmanship and failure to achieve contractual obligations.

5. To assure competence of materials testing
Ensure the equipment used are:
calibrated by accredited institutions,
well maintained and serviced;
Digitization & modernization of testing equipment to enhance traceability of tests results;
Implementation of relevant quality management systems;
Charging market friendly testing fees;
Creating awareness to stakeholders-contractors, consultants ,manufactures etc
Accreditation of all testing facilities-govt and private
Collaboration and sharing of experiences among various testing bodies
Ensuring that Material and test methods are standardized.
Ensuring that the personnel responsible for testing are competent.