Abstract:
Every country has its own traditions regarding construction methods. These traditions are
dependent upon features such as available local construction materials, the local climate,
geotechnical conditions, etc. They also rely upon economic and political circumstances of society.
In order to improve the construction methods, it is first important to be aware of the construction
methods currently being used, and the problems and advantages that these construction methods
imply.
The different types of concrete finishing methods on residential and commercial building
construction currently employed in Ethiopia both by local and foreign contractors are discussed
and the evaluation of these methods are made cost wise. It is important to understand the difference
between cheap or low-cost and cost-effective construction. It is possible to produce buildings to a
low-cost at the expense of decreased quality and design. Conversely, by the use of cost-effective
building construction systems buildings are produced to a low cost while maintaining a high
standard of design and comfort.
This paper has indicated comparison and selection criteria for cost-effective and faster methods
of concrete finishes that will give increased construction efficiency by approaching the
effectiveness of each alternative currently used from the point of view of the entire building
process. The matters discussed here gives understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in each
concrete finishing method and by that it is possible to pick the best alternative for a specific project.
