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Proceedings of the 18
th
International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Paris 2013
•
NGA will collaborate with the construction industry clients
and
other
consultants
to
ensure
that
major
construction/engineering projects in the country are
executed
strictly with full involvement of Nigerian ground engineering
professionals.
•
NGA will become proactive and collaborate with the Federal
Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure that competent
geotechnical and materials quality control consultants are
involved in all their major projects with special emphasis on
road construction and monitoring.
• The dearth of ground engineering professionals in the country
must be urgently addressed by encouraging young and bright
civil engineers to choose a career in geotechnical engineering
and instituting post-graduate scholarship scheme through NGA
grants to such deserving graduate students.
• NGA will henceforth seek for research grants and donations
from partner organisations, Corporate Associates and
companies to equip our Universities with modern laboratory and
field equipment to enhance and encourage geotechnical
engineering research in the country.
• There is need for geotechnical engineers to prepare a database
of all major problem soils of Nigeria and also propose
engineering solutions.
• Presently, over 90% of the goods and commodities are hauled
via road transportation. Most of these trucks are overloaded and
contribute to road failure being experienced across the country.
There is urgent need for NGA to recommend the installation of
weigh bridges along all major roads to guard against excessive
axle loading and road collapse.
• Continuous education, training and re-training of all practising
geotechnical engineers is encouraged to enable them offer best
services in ground engineering.
Recommendations:
1. The enthusiasm with which geotechnical practitioners and
students embraced the theme of the Technical sessions needs to
be sustained by ensuring that similar Technical sessions,
covering topical issues, are organised more frequently.
2. Considering the benefits accruable to the construction
industry if ground engineering specialists and professionals are
involved in major construction projects, such as durability,
longer lifespan of infrastructures and cost savings and value-for-
money, it is seen as service to the nation for all ground
engineering professionals to get involved immediately to ensure
that investments by private and government organisations are
not wasted.
3. A Bill should be sent to the National Assembly on the need
for qualified Geotechnical engineers and Materials QC
specialists to be involved in all major infrastructure projects in
Nigeria to arrest Road and Building collapse phenomenon.
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