Exploring the challenges of hydraform blocks as a sustainable building material: The experts' view

Hydraform blocks form an innovative medium for construction in low-income countries. Despite its contribution towards sustainability, its adaptation in developing countries has been low. Studies so far have focused on the chemical composition of hydraform block but have limitedly established the challenges of its usage. This study aims to assess the challenges of the adaptation of hydraform blocks in Northern Ghana. Fusing the study in the context of frugal innovation theory, Delphi technique among 11 senior contractors and 7 principal contractors were selected to work on Ghana Government Agenda 111 hospital projects in Northern Ghana. The findings revealed a strong consensus that the lack of expertise in processing and the cost of purchasing hydraform machines at the pre-construction stage was high. Aside, lack of maintenance and breakages of blocks were established as a critical challenge at the post-use stage. Along with the findings, the study points out that increasing the localization of developing hydraform block machines and training in the developing world will facilitate sustainable building construction.