ATTENTION: INDURSTY CIRCULAR - Sub Standard CMU

September 16, 2020  868  868   

• The manufacturer cannot supply a block, name it an M6 block, and the dimensions of the brick or block does not comply to the specifications applicable to M6.
• It is not prohibited to specify a block of certain dimension and manufacture it to comply to the allowed tolerances.  If this same brick or block can fulfill the requirement of the National Building Regulation, it may be used.
• The block referred to in the report can thus be failed in terms of dimension only if there is proof that the block in question is being specified as an M6 block.
• The block referred to in the report can be further failed in terms of dimensions if it does not comply to the required wall thicknesses as stipulated in the National Building Regulation, SANS 10400:2015.

 

The standard does not reference weight.  Weight can not be use as defining criteria in determining the applicable specification of a concrete brick or block.  One cannot allocate a specific weight to a specific size of block.  The density and weight of various aggregates through out the country applies.  Some manufacturers do not use natural stone aggregates only as raw material in the manufacture of concrete bricks and blocks.  The inclusion of slag and ash drastically influences the weight of the product – therefore not a contributing factor.

 

Compressive strength could most probably be considered the most important specification in terms of structural soundness.  The specification is very clear concerning the requirement.  This is reflected in table 2 of SANS 1215.

The report indicates that the bricks and blocks in question all failed the compressive strength test. It mentions one block passing the individual strength test at 3.2MPa.

• • CMA Note: SANS 1215 is a product quality specification.  The specification is not mandatory and regulatory.  However, the National Building Regulation (SANS 10400) is regulatory.  SANS 10400 clearly references specific compressive strengths and loadbearing capabilities of bricks and blocks and walls.
  • Should a brick or block not adhere to the requirements in term of compressive strength it is deemed sub-standard and not suitable for use in construction.

 

The report submitted makes comment of the square meterage yielded by the “questionable” blocks and that of a block adhering to the requirement as applicable to M6 specification.  Surface area yield is of no concern in either of the standards.  It may have certain consequences in terms of project deliverance and cost but not the soundness of a structure. Note that there is big difference between exposed surface area of a wall and the width of the wall.  The exposed face surface area does not influence the loadbearing capabilities of a wall, but width does.  We have handled the matter of dimensions and adhering to the regulatory nature of SANS 10400.

 

Regulatory specification normally requires regulatory bodies to ensure the implementation of the specification.  Correctly mentioned in the report, the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) will be the orginisation responsible for the implementation of the National Building Regulation.  This process starts off with a home builder registering his project - In a country rive with poverty, unemployment, a vast rural area throughout, one can imagine that the law in terms of planning a building, involving the required professionals, registering the project, and adhering to rules and regulations will fall way.

 

The CMA can not comment on the capacity, procedures, methods, and inspections of the NHBRC because we do not have privy to these matters.  What is sure is that the NHBRC can be identified as an orginisation carrying certain primary responsibility for the implementation of the National Building Regulation.

 

The prevailing problem exists that there is a market available for sub-standard construction material.  Why?  In a poor, low income environment and society Maslow’s hierarchy of needs applies.  Basic needs call for physiological needs to be fulfilled – food, water, warmth, rest – a dwelling, house, a home.  This need would be fulfilled at any possible cost applicable to the prevailing socio economic environment.  In a poor community people will buy cheap product to fulfill their need of having a house even at the cost of risking personal safety.

 

But safety needs form another part of the basic need’s hierarchy mentioned.  Through guidance and education, one might be able to school people in terms of being careful when it come to the requirements for building a house.

Leverage points like durability, family heritage, safety, responsibility, and guilt which comes when killing your family, due to the use of sub-standards construction materials can have effect.

 

As another resolve the matter of liability can be addressed.  Not from the point of view of scaring the homeowner but more warning the material supplier and builder in terms of their responsibility should a lethal accident occur.  This could be devastating and ruin the involved parties financially.

 

Would suppliers of sub-standard materials be concerned? Would foreigners penetrating this market be concerned about formal commerce standards of the South African market.  Most probably not. We would like to reference “The Consumer Protection Act (the act) 68 of 2008.  Point 61  - “Liability for damage caused by goods”, applies.  Quoted: “61. (1) Except to the extent contemplated in subsection (4), the producer or importer, distributor or retailer of any goods is liable for any harm, as described in subsection (5), caused wholly or partly as a consequence of—

(a) supplying any unsafe goods;

(b) a product failure, defect or hazard in any goods; or (c) inadequate instructions or warnings provided to the consumer pertaining to any hazard arising from or associated with the use of any goods, irrespective of whether the harm resulted from any negligence on the part of the producer, importer, distributor, or retailer, as the case may be.”

 

This has got far reaching consequences applicable to the formal (professional) market as well as the informal market!

Purchasers of product should be educated in the value of purchasing value product in relation to cheap product.  They should also be educated in terms of how the product they purchase either directly or indirectly influences the value proposition over time derived from the product.

 

Conclusion:

• SANS1215 is a non-mandatory product quality specification.
• SANS 10400 is a regulatory specification.
• This means product supplied into the construction industry is regulated in terms of required minimum standards.

• The South African constitution allows free trade.  Anyone can sell what they want in the framework of what the law allows.
• A buyer can buy what they want in the framework of what the law allows.
• A buyer is protected by the Consumer Protection act.  The act clearly states legal liability in terms of harm suffered by the supply of sub-standard products.
• Purchasing sub-standard product can ruin lives for both supplier and purchaser.  Consequences for both supplier and purchaser is far reaching. Onus extends to the supplier as well as the buyer.  A family and household can be destroyed with nothing left to fall back upon for those remaining behind by making the choice to buy cheap sub-standard product.
• How do we curb the flooding of the market with cheap sub-standard products?
  • Regulation – in place already.
  • Monitoring and control – questionable in South African context.
  • Consumer behaviour influencing through.
    • Marketing
    • Awareness
    • Education

 

The existence of markets supplying demand for sub-standard product is challenging and will always remain a problem.  It is not something which will be eradicated, but it may be limited.

Create awareness, flood the market with quality product.  Support reputable manufacturers. Insist on certified products.  Consumer perception is a very powerful driver behind purchasing behaviour. 

 

It is the responsibility of reputable manufacturers, business owners, retailers, specifiers, developers, and contractors to promote a market based on quality, durability, best practices and industry standards – this would be the influencing factor to generate consumer behaviour positive to the construction industry.

 

Author - Henry Cockcroft - Concrete Manufacturers Association - General Manager