ASSESSMENT OF CEMENT QUALITY AND ITS LINK TO BUILDING COLLAPSE IN LAFARGE CEMENT COMPANY, ASHAKA

Abstract

The sequential increase in building collapse in Nigeria has made it necessary to study the
quality of cement that are available commercially in Nigeria. The assessment of some quality
parameters of Lafarge Cement Company, Ashaka, Gombe state Nigeria was carried out in this
research using a secondary data for 7 years (2009 to 2015). To ascertain whether the quality of
cement produced by Ashaka cement company conform to the Nigerian Industrial Standard
(NIS), the following tests as specified by Standard Organization of Nigeria, SON (NIS444-
1:2003) compressive strength, setting time, and soundness are considered as test parameters to
ensure the quality of the cement. R package was used to construct the control charts for the
study variables. Process Capability Analysis was also carried out to know whether the process
was capable of producing conforming products that meets SON’s specification. It was
discovered that Ashaka cement production was under statistical control and all the parameters
tested met the required standard set by SON. It was also discovered that the controversy linking
Ashaka cement quality to building collapse is misapplication of the cement product. It was
recommended that SON should upgrade the quality of cement sold in Nigeria to 32.5, 42.5 and
52.5 brands and their quality and purpose should be clearly written on their packaged bags.