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  • Cracks in Your Home or Building: What They Really Mean

    Cracked Building on Shola Market Area, Addis Ababa

    Building in Addis Ababa

    Cracked Gibe Bridge Jimma Road, Ethiopia

    Jimma Road Gibe Bridge

    Cracked House on Kera Area, Addis Ababa

    House on Kera

    We’ve all noticed cracks—on walls, floors, houses, or even roads—and many of us instinctively assume something went wrong in construction. But in reality, most cracks are perfectly normal.

    Balloon and Needle to Show Stress Release

    STRESS

    Cracks are the building’s way of showing how it reacts to stress, temperature changes, moisture, and the passage of time.
    They are clues which reveal how a structure is behaving, aging, and responding to its environment.

    Every building, from the smallest home to the tallest tower, develops patterns over time, and cracks are part of that natural story. Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or simply curious, this guide will help you understand what cracks indicate, which ones are harmless, and which ones need attention.

    What Exactly Is a Crack?

    Ruler braking example

    Imagine bending a plastic ruler. At first, it flexes easily. Push a little more and you feel resistance. Push too far and it suddenly snaps. A crack in a building material works the same way: it’s a split or opening that forms when the stress on the material exceeds its strength.

    Materials like concrete, brick, wood, plaster, and steel all have limits. When those limits are reached—due to movement, temperature changes, poor construction, or natural aging—they respond by cracking.

    Various Construction Materials that can crack under stress

    Unlike the ruler or the above balloon, a building doesn’t usually fail just because a crack appears. Cracks act as visible clues: some are harmless, reflecting normal changes, while others point to stress or movement that may need attention.

    Why Do Cracks Happen?

    Cracks usually result from a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Here are the most common reasons:

    • Temperature changes: Materials expand in heat and contract in cold. Over time, these tiny movements can add up and cause cracks.
      Example: Long concrete walls without expansion joints often develop straight cracks because they have nowhere to expand.
    • Moisture Variation IconMoisture, drying, and shrinkage: Concrete, plaster, and mortar shrink as they dry, sometimes unevenly, creating hairline cracks. Excess moisture can also weaken materials or corrode steel, leading to deeper cracks.
    • Soil movement and settlement: The ground beneath a building can settle, shrink, swell, or shift, affecting floors and walls.
      Example: Clay soils swell during rainy seasons and shrink in dry ones, causing cracks in foundations or walls.
    • Aging of materials: Over time, concrete becomes brittle, steel corrodes, wood warps, and paint peels. Natural aging can make cracks appear.
    • Heavy loads and external forces: Vibrations, strong winds, storms, machinery, or nearby traffic can stress buildings, sometimes leading to cracks.
    • Construction or design issues: Poor-quality materials, weak foundations, inadequate reinforcement, rushed construction, or lack of expansion joints can cause cracks to appear later.

    Where Do Cracks Happen Most?

    Cracks can appear anywhere, but some areas are more prone because they face higher stress:

    Around windows and doors: Weak points where movement shows

    Corners of rooms or buildings: Stress concentrates here.

    Junctions of different materials: For example, brick meeting concrete.

    Floors and roof slabs: Affected by shrinkage, moisture, and temperature changes.

    Columns and beams: May crack from bending, shear, or corrosion.

    Foundations and base of walls: Settlement often creates diagonal or tapered cracks.

    Outdoor areas like driveways, pavements, and bridges also develop cracks from traffic loads, weather changes, and soil movement.

    In general, cracks follow the weakest path—mortar joints, thin sections, or lightly loaded areas—giving clues about how the structure responds to forces.

    Shapes and Types of Cracks

    The shape of a crack can provide insight into its cause and severity. Here’s a simple guide:

    Crack types and direction as well as shape
    Hairline cracks: Thin, cosmetic, caused by drying or minor temperature changes.
    Vertical cracks: Often due to normal settlement or minor movement.
    Diagonal cracks: Can appear when loads shift or foundations settle unevenly.
    Step cracks in brick walls: Follow mortar lines, usually signaling foundation movement.
    Horizontal cracks: More serious; may indicate soil pressure, water pressure, or structural stress.
    Tapered cracks: Wider on one side; often linked to settlement or heave.
    Random/Map cracks: Web-like surface cracks on concrete from rapid moisture loss; usually superficial.

    Understanding these patterns helps determine whether a crack is cosmetic or requires professional attention.

    Are Cracks Dangerous?

    Most cracks are harmless, small, and simply part of how materials age and move. However, some cracks signal deeper structural issues, especially those caused by foundation movement, heavy loads, or design flaws. Key points:

    Hairline cracks are usually safe.

    Hairline Crack

    Larger, growing cracks—especially diagonal, stepped, or wider than a few millimeters—may indicate ongoing stress.

    Large crack opened wide on column

    Active cracks that continue to widen should be inspected by a professional.

    Active crack developing

    Knowing what cracks mean can prevent unnecessary worry, help you catch problems early, and ensure safer homes and buildings.

    Can Cracks Be Maintained?

    Cracks aren’t something we “maintain” the way we maintain paint or flooring. Instead, the goal is to prevent them, repair them, or manage them depending on their cause and severity.

    • Small, stable cracks (hairline, <1 mm): are often harmless and can be left alone or sealed/repainted to stop moisture.
    • Active or growing cracks: should not be filled with rigid materials (cement, hard epoxy) which may reopen or create new cracks. These types of crack need flexible sealants (mastic, polyurethane) to allow movement.
    • Structural or large cracks: fix the underlying cause first (settlement, soil movement, corrosion, etc.) Then use specialized repairs like epoxy injection or stitching.

    What’s Next?

    In the next post, we’ll cover:

    1. How to prevent cracks: Simple maintenance, proper construction practices, and habits to reduce cracking.
    2. How to assess cracks safely: Tips for checking a crack’s size, location, shape, and growth without risk.
    3. When to call a professional: Signs that a crack may be structural and guidance on which experts to contact.

    With this knowledge, you’ll feel confident recognizing cracks, understanding their causes, and taking the right actions to protect your building.

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  • Concrete Must‑Knows on Job Site: For Best Quality

    Concrete Must‑Knows on Job Site: For Best Quality

    Concrete is the backbone of our structures—and its strength depends more on how it’s handled on-site than on the design itself. Even well-designed concrete can fail if workers rush the process, add water on site, skip compaction, or finish while bleed water is still present.

    Grid Roof View of Concrete Building

    Good concrete work is simply good habits practiced every day: proper preparation, correct timing, steady workmanship, and basic quality checks.

    1. Before You Pour: Get Setup Right

    A strong concrete job starts before the first wheelbarrow arrives.

    Checklist:

    Check the mix on the delivery ticket—W/C ratio and slump must match the specification.

    Prepare the subgrade: level, compacted, damp—not muddy or soft.

    Clean formwork and rebar: remove dirt, mortar, rust flakes, or debris.

    Have tools ready: vibrators (with backup), screeds, floats, trowels.

    Plan for timing: concrete must be placed continuously without delays.

    2. During Placement: Avoid the Big Mistakes

    Most concrete defects start here—usually from water addition, segregation, or poor compaction.

    Do:

    Place concrete quickly and continuously.

    Use proper vibration to eliminate air pockets and honeycombs.

    Keep drop height low (under 1.5–2 m) to avoid segregation.

    Don’t:

    Never add water on-site.

    Don’t re-handle concrete or push it around excessively.

    Don’t over-vibrate thin sections.

    3. Finishing: Timing Is Everything

    Good finishing = waiting for the right moment.

    Golden rules:

    Never finish over bleed water.

    Start work only after the surface sheen has evaporated.

    Perform screeding → bullfloating → edging/jointing → floating.

    For smooth floors, apply steel troweling after the slab gains stiffness.

    For outdoor work, use broom finishes for slip resistance.

    Don’t hard-trowel air-entrained concrete.

    4. After Finishing: Curing Makes or Breaks the Job

    Curing is the most ignored step—and the most important for strength and durability.

    Best practices:

    Begin curing immediately after finishing.

    Keep surfaces moist for at least 7 days (for OPC concrete).

    Use water curing, wet burlap, plastic sheets, or curing compounds.

    Protect new surfaces from sun, wind, rain, and traffic.

    5. Common Problems & How to Fix Them

    The Problem: Its solution

    Honeycombs: Improve compaction and use correct workability.

    Plastic shrinkage cracks: Protect from wind/sun; fog or shade early.

    Crazing/dusting: Don’t finish over bleed water; ensure proper curing.

    Efflorescence: Keep water out of forms; allow forms to be stripped in dry conditions.

    Cold joints: Maintain continuous pour; if unavoidable, apply a rich mortar layer before placing new concrete.

    6. Quick Reference for Workers

    Simple rules that save projects:

    Water–Cement Ratio

    • The #1 factor controlling strength and durability.
    • Lower W/C → stronger, denser, longer-lasting concrete.
    • Never adjust W/C on-site by adding water.

    Workability (Slump)

    • Match the slump to the job type (beams, slabs, footings).
    • High slump ≠ high quality—often means excess water.

    Essential Quality Tests

    • Slump test
    • Temperature measurement
    • Density test (fresh concrete)
    • Compressive strength testing at 7, 14, 28 days

    Early-Age Strength Milestones

    • 7 days: ~ 60% to 70% of design strength
    • 14 days: ~ 85% to 90% of design strength
    • 28 days: full rated strength

    In Summary

    Concrete is only as good as the care taken on-site. With correct preparation, controlled placement, proper timing for finishing, and disciplined curing, construction workers can consistently deliver strong, durable, and long-lasting concrete structures.

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  • Concrete Explained in Plain Language: Engineering Simplified!

    Concrete Explained in Plain Language: Engineering Simplified!

    Did you know concrete is the most commonly used building material in the world? Only water is used more!

    A town areal view of dense buildings built with concrete

    From skyscrapers to sidewalks, dams to driveways, concrete is everywhere—and it’s the backbone of modern construction.

    Understanding it, even in simple terms, helps you see how our buildings and infrastructure stay strong and last for decades.

    What is Concrete?

    Concrete is a mix of cement, water, and aggregates (sand and gravel or crushed stone). Sometimes small amounts of special additives, called admixtures, are added to give it extra powers like faster setting, better flow, or longer durability. Even though cement is only a small part of the mix, it’s the most important ingredient—it acts like glue, binding everything together and giving concrete its strength.

    The main ingredients in simple terms:

    Pile of stacked cement bags

    Cement: Fine powder that hardens when mixed with water; it’s the “glue” of concrete.

    Water being poured for mixing concrete

    Water: Activates the cement and helps the mix flow. Too much weakens concrete, too little makes it hard to work with.

    Sand being prepared for mixing of concrete

    Fine Aggregates (Sand): Fills gaps and makes the mix smooth.

    Coarse aggregate stored on site for concrete mixing

    Coarse Aggregates (Gravel/Crushed Stone): The “skeleton” that gives concrete bulk and strength.

    Admixtures: Optional additives that can speed up or slow down setting, improve durability, or make placement easier.

    How does Concrete Hardens? The Magic of Hydration

    Once cement, water, and aggregates are mixed and placed into a mold, a chemical reaction called hydration begins. This is what makes concrete harden—it’s not just drying.

    Concrete-being-poured-into-a-mold
    Concrete Chemical Reaction

    During hydration, a sticky gel called Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C-S-H) forms. This gel acts like glue, filling tiny spaces between cement and aggregates.

    As it grows and links up, it turns the mix from soft and flowable into a solid, sturdy material. The reaction also produces heat, especially during the first 24 hours, which helps the concrete set properly.

    Water and Curing: Keys to Strong Concrete

    Water is essential for hydration, but the amount matters. About a quarter of the cement’s weight is needed for the chemical reaction, and a little more is added to make the mix workable. Too much water can leave tiny holes after it evaporates, weakening the concrete and making it more likely to crack.

    Curing is the process of keeping concrete moist and at the right temperature after it’s poured. Proper curing allows hydration to continue so the concrete reaches its full strength, durability, and long life.

    How does Concrete Handles Loads?

    Concrete is naturally strong when compressed or pushed, which is why columns, walls, and foundations can carry heavy weights safely. Plain concrete is weaker when stretched or pulled, but its compression strength makes it perfect for most structural uses.

    Concrete can also bend or twist slightly, like in slabs or curved elements. Its natural strength and the way it’s mixed help it resist cracking and stay durable under everyday stresses.

    In short, concrete is designed to carry heavy weight, resist bending, and remain durable over time, making it one of the most reliable construction materials in the world.

    Why is Concrete Special?

    Concrete is strong, versatile, and long-lasting. Its plastic state when fresh allows it to be shaped into almost any form, while hardened concrete resists fire, water, decay, and extreme weather. Plus, its ingredients are cheap, widely available, and sometimes recycled, making it a sustainable choice for modern construction.

    Concrete may look simple, but it’s a remarkable material that supports our cities, homes, and infrastructure every day. Knowing the basics helps you appreciate why engineers and builders rely on it everywhere—from the tallest skyscraper to the smallest sidewalk.

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  • Why You Really Need a Geotechnical Investigation in Ethiopia

    Why You Really Need a Geotechnical Investigation in Ethiopia

    We live in a country where low-rise buildings dominate our cities, and most residential houses are built from mud and wood.

    Ethiopia Addis Ababa Bole Bulbula Mud Houses
    Bole Bulbula River area village, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2025

    From a civil engineering perspective, these are very light structures. Combined with our natural ground conditions and the need for cost-effective construction, many buildings have traditionally been constructed using assumed or estimated ground load-bearing values, without proper site investigation. Many of these older structures still stand today, while the cases of those that have collapsed are rarely documented.

    Over time, this has created a public perception that geotechnical investigations are unnecessary formalities. In some cases, the fate of structures is left not to engineering judgment and scientific evidence, but to chance—or even to faith in the almighty.

    However, modern construction in Ethiopia is no longer limited to light mud-and-wood houses. Our country is now constructing multi-story buildings, bridges, roads, and dams, where the weight, complexity, and safety requirements are far greater. For such projects, understanding the ground beneath is no longer optional. Geotechnical investigation is becoming a requirement for safe, durable, and cost-effective construction.

    Goma Kuteba, Sengatera, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia newly completed building

    The Importance of Geotechnical Investigations in Ethiopian Context

    Ethiopia is a country of great natural variety—its landscapes range from high mountains and rift valleys to wide river basins and flat lowlands. With this diversity comes an equally wide range of ground conditions. The soil or rock in the ground can vary as shown below which behaves differently under the weight of a building, bridge, or dam.

    CLAY SOIL

    VOLCANIC ASH

    ALLUVIAL SAND

    WEATHERED ROCK

    In many parts of the country, the ground is further affected by seasonal changes, underground water, or even earthquakes. For example, the black cotton soils of Addis Ababa Bole area swell and shrink with moisture, while river deposits along the Awash river may shift or settle under heavy loads. Such variations mean that what works for a structure in one location may completely fail in another.

    That is why geotechnical investigations are so important in Ethiopia. A proper study of the ground tells us what lies beneath a project site—its soil layers, rock condition, groundwater level, and seismic risks. With this information, engineers can design safe and lasting foundations, calculate how much weight the soil can carry, and plan for issues like settlement or earthquake resistance. In short, it is the first and most essential step toward building structures that will stand the test of time in Ethiopia’s unique environment.

    Common Bad Practices in Ethiopia

    Even though many project owners and government officials recognize the importance of geotechnical investigations, traditional ways of thinking often end up shaping the final decision. As a result, proper investigations are skipped or replaced with shortcuts. This has led to some widespread bad practices in the field, such as:

    NO REPORT

    No Investigation Report

    Starting construction without any investigation at all.

    Using Others Data

    Using soil or rock data from another project site instead of testing the actual ground.

    No Testing

    Collecting soil samples but never sending them to a lab.

    FORGED REPORT

    Report Forgery

    Relying only on guesswork or “rules of thumb” instead of scientific results.

    Reducing Investigation work

    Cutting down the number of test holes or samples just to save money.

    Ignoring Report Results

    Ignoring recommendations from geotechnical reports during construction.

    These shortcuts might save time or cost in the short run, but they often lead to bigger problems.

    Geotechnical Problems Encountered in Ethiopia

    While many past failures may not have been officially recorded, the challenges caused by poor foundations are hard to ignore. Here are some examples commonly observed in Ethiopia:

    Typical Expansive Soil Crack on House at Gurdshola, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    Cracks and settlement on black cotton soils

    These expansive soils swell and shrink with moisture, often causing cracks in foundations and floors. Many studies, including Addis Ababa University master’s research, have documented these failures, particularly in areas like Bole.

    Slope failures and landslides in highland areas

    Heavy rains in mountainous regions frequently trigger landslides and road collapses. The Ethiopian Roads Authority has studied many such cases, with the Abay road slope failure being one of the most well-known examples.

    Ethiopia-Road-Embanment-Failure,-Bonga-Mizan-Road
    Addis Ababa Bulbula Bridge on Meskel Flower Road

    Flooding or weak foundations near rivers and lakes

    Bridges and other structures built close to water often face issues with weak soil or seasonal flooding, affecting their stability and lifespan.

    Seismic hazards in the Rift Valley

    Earthquakes, such as recent activity near Fentale in the Afar region, can cause damage to poorly founded structures, highlighting the need for earthquake-resistant design.

    Damage to a Factory Fentale Earthquake Afar region Ethiopia
    Addis Jimma Road Asphalt Rutting

    Construction delays and cost overruns

    Unexpected soil problems—whether due to poor investigation or unforeseen ground conditions—are common. Highway projects like Addis Ababa–Jimma road and several buildings in Addis Ababa have experienced delays and increased costs as a result.

    Recommended Actions / Best Practices

    To avoid the problems outlined above and ensure safe, long-lasting construction in Ethiopia, the following practices are essential:

    • Site Specific Investigation Geotechnics Conduct proper site-specific investigations: Always examine the actual ground where the project will be built. Avoid relying on assumptions or data from other sites.
    • Hire qualified geotechnical engineers: Professionals with experience in Ethiopian soils can interpret findings accurately and suggest the best foundation solutions.
    • Follow Ethiopian codes and standards: Adhering to EBCS (Ethiopian Building Code Standards) ensures that soil testing, foundation design, and seismic considerations meet legal and safety requirements.
    • Perform thorough laboratory testing: Soil samples should be tested for strength, compaction, moisture content, and other properties to understand how the ground will behave.
    • Plan for site-specific challenges: Consider local issues like black cotton soils, highland slopes, riverside foundations, or seismic zones when designing structures.
    • Apply appropriate foundation solutions: Depending on the soil conditions, this may include soil stabilization, deeper or reinforced foundations, retaining walls, or drainage measures.
    • Document findings for future reference: Keeping records of investigations and design decisions helps with maintenance, expansions, or resolving disputes.

    By following these steps, construction projects—from small houses to major highways and bridges—can avoid costly failures, delays, and safety risks. Proper planning ensures that Ethiopian buildings and infrastructure remain safe, durable, and reliable.

    Conclusion

    Geotechnical investigations are not just a technical requirement—they are a critical step for safe, durable, and cost-effective construction in Ethiopia. From understanding black cotton soils to dealing with highland slopes, riverside foundations, and seismic zones, knowing the ground beneath a project ensures that foundations and structures perform as intended.

    Ignoring proper investigation has led to familiar problems: cracks, settlements, slope failures, flooding, seismic damage, and costly construction delays. Many of these issues could have been prevented with careful, site-specific geotechnical studies.

    Looking ahead, we will publish two more exclusive articles:

    1. Documented international construction failures and what went wrong.
    2. Locally recorded failures in Ethiopia and the lessons they provide for future projects.

    For readers who want an even deeper dive, we recommend our exclusive booklet, which investigates these failures as detailed case studies and explains the remedies applied to prevent similar issues.

  • Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering: Understanding the Ground Beneath Your Structure

    Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering: Understanding the Ground Beneath Your Structure

    We often admire our surroundings—towering buildings, long-span bridges, or massive dams—and wonder about the engineering effort that went into their construction. Because we see only the finished structures, we tend to overlook one critical element: the ground beneath them.

    Petronas building looking from ground up. Proper geotechnical investigation to support big structures.

    Any small or massive project, no matter how strong the concrete or how advanced the design, ultimately depends on the soil and rock it stands on. Welcome to the world of geotechnical engineering—the science of studying the ground we build on. Every crack in a house wall, every bumpy road, or even a landslide often has the same hidden cause: the soil or rock beneath.

    In this article, we’ll give you a clear introduction to what geotechnical engineering is and why it matters everywhere in the world. If you’re curious about how these ideas apply right here in Ethiopia, you’ll also find a special section with local examples in the link below.

    What is Geotechnical Engineering?

    Geotechnical engineering is the branch of civil engineering that studies the soil and rock beneath our feet and how they behave when we build on them. It helps engineers understand whether the ground can safely support structures like houses, roads, bridges, and dams.

    In simple terms, geotechnical engineers ask questions like:

    Rocky ground profile to depict strong ground

    How strong is the soil/rock?

    Ground cracking to represent shrinkage.

    Will it shrink, swell, or slide under pressure?

    Ground wetting

    How does water affect its stability?

    By answering these questions, engineers can design the right foundations, slopes, and earthworks, preventing cracks, settlements, or even catastrophic failures.

    Around the world, geotechnical engineering is essential for every structure from skyscrapers in New York to highways in Japan or dams in Brazil. Without it, even the most advanced construction materials can fail because the ground beneath is not properly understood.

    Why You Really Need a Geotechnical Investigation for Your Project

    One of the most basic—and longstanding—reasons for conducting a geotechnical investigation is that the ground beneath a project may contain weak soils, unstable rock, or hidden geological features. A detailed study of these conditions can protect your project from a variety of known foundation and geotechnical failures, such as cracking, settlement, or even structural collapse.

    At the same time, modern construction brings new challenges. As cities grow, buildings are constructed closer together, and existing structures are often modified or expanded to meet evolving needs. These changes place additional demands on the ground and on foundations.

    Common scenarios where geotechnical investigations are crucial:

    1. Building on soft and expansive soils
      • Soft ground is potentially susceptible for strength failure and settlement. This could cause collapse or leaning of a structure. In areas with black cotton soils, seasonal swelling and shrinking can crack walls and damage foundations if not properly accounted for.
    2. Constructing on slopes or hilly terrain
      • Heavy rains can trigger landslides or slope failures, especially for roads or hillside housing projects.
    3. Adding extensions to existing buildings
      • Modifying or adding floors increases load on foundations. Without understanding the original soil capacity, new additions may cause uneven settlement or structural stress.
    4. Urban construction
      • In dense cities, new buildings are often constructed close to older structures. Proper soil assessment ensures that nearby foundations are not undermined or overloaded.
    5. Bridges, dams, and major infrastructure
      • Large projects must account for riverbanks, floodplains, or soft alluvial soils, to prevent settlement or failure.
    6. Road construction on variable soils
      • Highways built across mixed soil zones can develop cracks, potholes, or uneven surfaces if geotechnical considerations are ignored.
    7. Sites with hidden geological features
      • Subsurface faults, cavities, or weak rock layers can compromise any structure if not detected in advance.
    8. Dam construction
      • Dams require detailed soil and rock investigations to ensure the foundation can safely hold water pressure and prevent seepage.
    9. Sensitive power plants or industrial facilities
      • Critical facilities like hydro, wind, or thermal plants must be built on stable ground to prevent operational hazards and ensure long-term safety.
    10. Earthquake-prone areas
      • Certain regions are susceptible to seismic activity. Soil studies help engineers design foundations that resist shaking and reduce the risk of collapse.

    Key Benefits of Geotechnical Investigations

    Conducting a geotechnical investigation may seem like an extra step, but it brings clear benefits that directly address the challenges in the ten common scenarios outlined above. Here’s why it matters:

    Identifies Ground Conditions – Provides detailed knowledge of soil type, strength, and behavior under load.
    Prevents Foundation Failures – Helps avoid structural cracks, settlements, or collapses.
    Ensures Safety of Structures – Reduces risks to lives and property by anticipating potential hazards.
    Supports Proper Design Decisions – Guides engineers in choosing the right foundation type, depth, and reinforcement.
    Reduces Construction Costs – Prevents expensive repairs and overdesign by matching design to actual ground conditions.
    Minimizes Construction Delays – Detects potential issues before work begins, avoiding unexpected interruptions.
    Facilitates Sustainable Development – Ensures that new projects do not negatively affect surrounding buildings or land.
    Improves Long-Term Durability – Increases the lifespan of structures by accounting for soil behavior over time.
    Enhances Risk Management – Identifies potential hazards like groundwater, weak soils, or hidden geological features.
    Supports Regulatory Compliance – Meets legal or engineering standards for safe construction practices.

    Conclusion

    Understanding the ground beneath a construction site is just as important as the materials and design of the structure itself. Geotechnical engineering provides the tools and knowledge to study soil and rock, anticipate potential problems, and ensure that buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure are safe, durable, and cost-effective.

    Geotechnical investigations are vital step in every project—from uncovering weak soils and hidden geological features to guiding proper foundation design and minimizing construction risks. While these principles are important worldwide, Ethiopia’s unique soils and geological conditions make them especially critical for local construction.

    In our exclusive follow-up content, ‘Why You Really Need a Geotechnical Investigation in Ethiopia’, we explore real-world practices and lessons, including:

    • The importance of geotechnical investigation in Ethiopian Context
    • Common bad practices revolving around geotechnical investigation.
    • Common Problems Encountered in Ethiopia in relation to improper investigation.
    • Recommended Actions / Best Practices to adopt for our projects.

    WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE ABOVE ARTICLE?

    Share your ideas with our community via the comment box below.

    OR

    Do you want to read geotechnical engineering books?

    Do you want to work in geotechnical engineering field?

    Do you want to consult a geotechnical engineer?

    Do you want to author an article on any of the above subject?

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  • Small Projects, Big Clarity: How to Structure Construction Contracts

    Small Projects, Big Clarity: How to Structure Construction Contracts

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  • Building Trust: Drafting a Simple Construction Agreement

    Building Trust: Drafting a Simple Construction Agreement

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  • Choosing the Right Construction Contract: Types, Standards, and Best Practices

    Choosing the Right Construction Contract: Types, Standards, and Best Practices

    Construction contracts are vital for managing projects and foresee their successful completion. In order to prepare a professional contract document, it is necessary to understand the various types of contracts. In addition, industry standards and best practices also contribute to effectiveness of these contracts.

    In this article, we will look into the different types of constructions; local and international standards; as well as advantages/disadvantages of contract to specific project type.

    What are the types of construction contract?

    Construction contracts can be generally classified into four basic categories though different references broaden this category into multiple numbers. We shall add one more category to these well recognized classifications.

    1 Lumpsum Contract

    Lumpsum contracts are also known as fixed price contracts. In simple words, an owner and a contractor will agree on total cost of the project at the beginning of their negotiation. And, this agreed cost will be fixed or will not be changed until completion of the project. Very general example could be: “an owner and a contractor agree to build a G+2 residential building for cost of 5 million”. So, what’s the advantage and disadvantage of this type of contract.

    Advantages of Lumpsum ContractDisadvantages of Lumpsum Contract
    + Owner is sure of the financial requirement of the project
    + Contractor can maximize profit by using effective construction methods    		– Works for projects with clearly defined scope
    – Contractor takes on more risk
    – It is difficult to accommodate changes

    2 Unit Price Contract

    Unit price contracts divide project scope into units like, man-hour, meter, liter, kilo grams, and so on. And, a contractor will assign price to each unit and comes up with final estimate of final project cost. A well-prepared design and quantity estimate can benefit both owner and contractor by giving clear picture of the overall cost of the project.

    Advantages of Unit Price ContractDisadvantages of Unit Price Contract
    + The project is simplified and divided into units
    + Contractor can feel comfortable in estimating cost for each unit
    + Change can be managed in these projects    		– It is difficult to determine total cost
    – Contractor may risk loss if he poorly estimated unit costs
    – Measurement of works and completion checks must be done carefully

    3 Time and Materials Contract

    In this type of contract, the owner promises to pay cost related material and labor while certain amount of profit is allocated for the contractor. This contract can be a quick method to start/launch a project when project scope could be not be quantified at start.

    Advantages of Time and Materials ContractDisadvantages of Time and Materials Contract
    + Favors flexibility in both design and construction methods
    + Contractor’s risk for profit loss is minimized
    + Easy to start project construction    		– Cost overrun may happen
    – Requires intensive and well-organized project management
    – Advisable for small projects only

    4 Cost-Plus Contract

    An owner of a construction project can agree to pay all cost related to the projects work [COST] and agree to pay certain additional amount [PLUS] for a contractor. This contract can be used when a project scope is not clearly defined or changes over time.

    Advantages of Cost-Plus ContractDisadvantages of Cost-Plus Contract
    + Contractors are safe from loss of profit risk
    + Projects will have innovative nature    		– Project cost cannot be estimated
    – Requires intensive and well-organized project management

    5 Design-Build Contract

    This contract type bundles design and construction phases together. This contract overlaps to some extent both the effort and time of project execution. Since a contractor is responsible for design and construction, it can create speed and optimization.

    Advantages of Design-Build ContractDisadvantages of Design-Build Contract
    + Good in handling complex projects
    + Construction Speed
    + Good for design and construction teams’ cooperation    		– Project cost can be high
    – Low flexibility in design changes  

    What are the relevant standards for these construction contract types?

    The contract types mentioned above have their own unique features to consider when drafting their contracts. To address these unique features, international and local standards are developed. The following are some of commonly used standards.

    • FIDIC Conditions of Contract: is the most commonly used form of contracts world-wide and in our country. This contract is suitable for preparing document for the different construction contract types.
    • MoWUD Standard Conditions of Contract: Ethiopian Ministry of Works and Urban Development drafted this agreement in 1994. It is dedicated to construction contracts which requires professional modification to specific contract type.
    • PPA Contract: Ethiopian Federal Public Procurement Agency also prepared conditions of contract for construction project. It is updated on 2011.
    • Government Authorities: Ethiopian Roads Administration (ERA), Addis Ababa City Roads Authority (AACRA), Addis Ababa Water and Sewage Authority (AAWSA), and so on seems to have some kind of a variation to the above standards.

    Depending up on project’s scope of work and other requirements, one can develop a construction contract document based on the above standards. Good technical and legal knowledges are required in drafting the documents.

    What are the best practices to prepare contract documents?

    The following are some the best practices in preparing and developing construction documents in general.

    Use clear or non-confusing language: Vague terms like “reasonable,” “substantial,” or “satisfactory” are contract killers. They mean different things to different people. Fix this by being painfully specific. Instead of “timely completion,” write “completion within 45 calendar days from permit approval”.
    Use complete scope definitions: A weak scope statement sounds like: “Contractor will renovate kitchen.” A strong scope lists every: demolition activity; material with brand, model, and color; installation method; and testing procedure.
    Include insurance and bonding requirements: The requirements for insurance coverage aren’t suggestions – they’re non-negotiable protection.
    Adequate change management provisions: Changes happen on every project. Your contract needs an invincible process for handling them. Weak change management leads to: unpaid work, schedule delays, relationship breakdown, disputes over what was “included”.
    Set realistic schedules: Smart scheduling means: accounting for permit delays; considering material delivery times; planning for weather impacts; and including realistic client decision timelines.

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  • A Beginner’s Guide to Construction Planning for Owners and Project Managers

    A Beginner’s Guide to Construction Planning for Owners and Project Managers

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  • Understanding Construction Contract Agreements: A Beginner’s Guide

    Understanding Construction Contract Agreements: A Beginner’s Guide

    We all see some type of construction in our daily life. And, most of us have been involved in construction work. Whether doing fence masonry; painting of family house; construction of building/bridge; or a big dam; these all fall in into construction category with of course wide range of complexity.

    It should be interesting to note that the words we use in complex construction works are very similar to simple constructions. For example, masonry -> masonry; concrete -> concrete; roof -> roof; and contract agreement –> contract agreement.

    In this article, we shall discuss construction contract agreement briefly and why it is very important to your construction work. Finally, you shall be able to draft an agreement for your construction project.

    What is construction contract agreement?

    A construction contract agreement is a written understanding between two parties to build or construct a civil engineering or related work. Now, who are these two parties? Look at the following pictures.

    Relation ShipParty 1
    (Owner)    		Party 2
    (Consultant or Contractor)
    1Individual (like Abebe, Chaltu)Individual (like Teshome, Almaz)
    2Individual (like Abebe, Chaltu)Company (AGY Consultant or Extreme General Contractors)
    3Private Business (ZTY Supermarket)Individual (like Teshome, Almaz)
    4Private Business (ZTY Supermarket)Private Business (ZTY Supermarket)
    5Government Organization (AA Housing)Individual (like Teshome, Almaz)
    6Government Organization (AA Housing)Private Business (ZTY Supermarket)

    As can be seen above, the first party (Owner/Client) want to build something while the second party will be the builder (Contractor). When these two parties agree and sign a piece of paper for a construction work, they have formed or committed a construction contract agreement.

    What are the benefits of a construction agreement?

    Construction in general is a complex undertaking. It involves two or more people to complete a project. Having written and signed contract documents shall have the following benefits

    • It clearly explains what work will be done, who is responsible for what, how long the project will take, and how much it will cost
    • It serves as a legal document for both the owner and the contractor
    • If something goes wrong or there’s a disagreement, the contract can be used to solve the problem fairly
    • It makes sure payments are made properly and on time, and it can include penalties for late work or rewards for finishing early
    • It also helps the project run smoothly by setting clear deadlines and steps to follow

    Can I prepare a construction contract agreement for my project?

    In order to give you an answer, we first need to classify your project into one of the following complexity categories.

    project complexity categories illustration

    EASY: This is a type of construction where one or two skilled-manpower (mason, electrician, plumber, etc.) are involved. House paintings, ditch construction, fence construction, house maintenance, and so on are examples of easy construction. In this case, you may assign yourself as owner and project manager even if you don’t have experience in construction.

    SMALL: House renovation/maintenance; residence villa/building; small internal road; and small bridge constructions can be included into this group.  These construction works involve more than two skilled-men power with professionals. In this case, you may assign yourself as owner and project manager but you definitely need an experienced professional adviser. It may also be wise to assign a professional as project manager.

    MEDIUM: These are projects with wide scope compared to small projects. Medium rise buildings (five to twelve stories), small factories, medium span bridges, small dams, and so on fall into this category. These projects require dedicated individual professionals and companies to manage, supervise, and construct. It is highly recommended for the owner not to be a project manager. A qualified professional or company shall manage these projects.

    BIG: From medium to high-rise buildings (more than twelve stories) to highways to bridges to dams; all shall fall under this category. These projects are highly complex and difficult to manage/construct in which competent companies with specialized experience are required.

    How shall I draft my construction contract agreement?

    Based on the above complexity categories, you shall prepare a contract document for easy projects only. We have prepared a step by step guide for you on our article “how to draft a simple construction contract agreement”. You can also draft an agreement together with a professional for a small project too. Please read our guide on our article “how to prepare a formal construction contract agreement”. For medium and big projects, it is highly recommended to hire professional companies on this matter.

    In conclusion,

    A good construction contract isn’t just legal protection—it’s peace of mind. For owners, contracts provide quality guarantees and remedies if things go wrong. For contractors, they ensure fair payment terms and clear work expectations.

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