Government has maintained its ban on the steel- timber concrete composite building method which is currently widely enjoyed by builders in the country.
The steel- timber concrete composite building method is a system comprising of timber joists supported by steel beams.
Under this method, builders combine timber and concrete to lay a slab, which is different from the use of steel and concrete.
Government in 2022 banned this method of construction over structural safety risks.
The Minister for Works and Transport, Gen Katumba Wamala said following the ban, he directed the National Building Review Board to study this method and to this, a 13-committee member was formed in May 2023 to handle the task.
“The technical committee from their analysis and laboratory testing of materials among others confirmed flaws in this method because it lacks adequate engineering basis, lacks composite action and lack of consideration for lateral resistance,” Gen Katumba said.
According to the Works Minister, said the probe by the technical committee also found out that this building method lacks hogging moment for reinforcement in the slabs, very poor weld connection but also lacks engineered connections.
Gen Katumba said with a lack of specification in timber grade and properties in use but also the availability of poor timber on the country’s open market, this method presents high risks.
“Owing to these findings, we are convinced this method as marketed by its proponents deployed in the market with its variations is generally unsafe and not viable from a structural point of view. It therefore remains prohibited.”
The minister said anyone found using this method will be acting against the law and will face the wrath of the law.
The minister warned building committees to refrain from approving building plans without design reports, drawings showing connection details, sizing of structural elements, specifications for materials and geotechnical investigation reports.