The poor quality concrete at Mater Dei Hospital and the case of Binja Buqana, among others, highlight the problem of concrete and proper specifications. These are not the only instances as there are many private residences with crumbling ceilings and balconies.
For the layman, concrete is a composite material made up of aggregate bonded together with a fluid (Portland) cement which hardens over time. The quality of water and certain additives also affect the final quality.
In Malta we are faced with many problems, including high salinity water and poor (soft) quality aggregates. My contention has now been also highlighted by the president of local NGO Sustainable Built Environment Malta who stated that many residential buildings currently under construction will face problems in 30 to 40 years due to defective concrete that is not being tested for durability.
In the 1990s, together with many others, I was involved in the classification of the various types of stones available in our islands. There are a number of varieties of lime stone (ġebla tal-franka) and blue clay (tafal). The hard stone (tal-qawwi) is not so readily available and even here, there are various grades.
Good quality hard aggregate and sand is essential not just for strong concrete but also for hard-wearing tarmac. The survey carried out pointed out this perennial problem and there was even talk, suggestions and plans, to import good quality aggregate for certain major projects.
Some countries recycle old concrete but in Malta all demolition materials are dumped in a landfill. As far as I am aware this sticky problem has never been properly defined. The owners of good quality rock have a great advantage on the others and some claim that they control the market and supply.
The certificate should include, inter alia, the hardness of the aggregate and sand, the type and quality of cement, water salinity and details of all additives
Be that as it may, it is high time that the government lays down certain parameters and insist that a clear and detailed certificate be provided with every consignment of concrete. This certificate must be provided for each individual and specific delivery and not at the end of the day or project.
The certificate should include, inter alia, the hardness of the aggregate and sand, the type and quality of cement, water salinity and details of all additives. Such certificates should be tied to responsibility and the issuer should be bound for a good number of years, say at least 50 years, if any certificate does not contain true and factual information.
Having said all this, I am under the impression (and I might be wrong) that very few projects involve the professional advice of qualified cost controllers, quality controllers and quantity surveyors. Also essential are construction (works) inspection and quality assurance. It is normal practice that the project architect would be expected to carry out all these functions. This is wrong.
Nobody goes to the family doctor for any specialised diagnosis. The professions mentioned above are recognised the world over. There are associations that lay down the parameters and rules and no person would be accepted as a member unless all the parameters and regulations are met. These professionals must be able to operate with full independence and at arm’s length from any supplier or contractor. These persons are as essential as the designer, architect and civil contractor.
Those serious enough and with good intentions should accept, in fact insist, on proper control. Obviously there would be others (many?) who would oppose and claim additional expenses. Will we ever reach the level of seriousness expected from full members of the European Union?