Innovation Processes And Practices In Construction Industry In Anambra State Of Nigeria

Component Parts Of Hydraform Machine
1.    -    Soil Hopper
2.    -    Soil Hopper Support
3.    -    Value Control
4.    -    Top Aim Cylinder Lever (Top Ram)
5.    -    Bottom Cylinder Lever (Bottom Ram)
6.    -    Chamber
7.    -    Wear Plates 4 Per Set
8.    -    Top Arm
9.    -    Top Arm
10.    -    Rear Pin and Bearings
11.    -    Main Cylinder (80mm)
12.    -    Frame (Fixed or Mobile)
13.    -    Pin
14.    -    Bottom Ram
15.    -    Top Arm Cylinder
16.    -    Top Arm Extension
17.    -    Clevis
The hydraform machine is however, accompanied with some other tools used for construction and maintenance.
The hydraform machine is used for moulding hydraform blocks produced from soil and cement and sand mixture. The hydraform is a highly technological innovative idea which will create a big opportunity for the construction industry in Nigeria in outsourcing local content materials.
The soils type used for the production of hydraform block is obtained locally and is classified as sandy-loam. The soil should contain more sand than clay and silt (fines).
The clay keeps the block together so that it is will be easy to carry during block making. The sandy portion is what binds with the cement to give the block its ultimate strength.
One major advantage of the hydroform block over the traditional sandcrete block as a construction material is that it is more economical. With as low as one bag of 50kg cement you can produce as many as 80 blocks without comprising standards (Hydraform Training Manual Copyright 2005).
Statutory bodies and tertiary institutions have been creating more awareness on innovative construction activities through lectures, symposiums, workshops and seminars.
The industry is indeed not in slumber but needs to increase its pace towards innovative ideas and incentives to be recognized in the ever competitive world.