CREW Presentation “Afghanistan Construction & Earthquake

Considerations”, August 26, 2010Jeff Hepler, Physical Scientist

Construction Standards

• No Local, Provincial, National Standards/Code• Donors bring own standards • Many nations – no consistency• USG agencies also inconsistent• USAID: International Building Code (IBC)

Construction Companies

• Local companies• Afghan w/International PM• International (on-site)• International (off-site)

Engineering Team – USAID Construction - Kabul Afghanistan

Construction QA/QC

• Generally non-existent• USACE & USAID: Leaders• QA Contractors w/Afghan Engineers

Construction Materials

• Locally obtained – generally poor quality• Pakistan/Chinese products rampant• Quality Products are available• Lack of specificity in contracts

Construction Challenges

• Quality Contractors• Appropriate Designs• QA/QC Oversight• Security• On/off USG funding• Host Government

Construction Success: Three Examples

• Ghazi High School, Kabul• Sherzad Middle School, Nangahar• Yawan Health Clinic, Badahkshan

Sherzad School, Nangahar

8-Room Classroom, Pre-Engineered Steel Construction, Nangahar

Sherzad School, Nangahar

Sherzad School, Nangahar

Sherzad School, Nangahar

Sherzad School, Nangahar

Yawan USAID Clinic, Badhakshan, Afghanistan

Ghazi Boys High SchoolKabul, Afghanistan

Summary

• Proper construction standards are critical• International Design support is needed• Local contractors for small jobs• International contractors for large jobs• Professional QA (Afghan) engineers essential• Direct USG oversight limits corruption

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this presentation are that of the author and do not represent official USG policy.