ABSTRACT
This thesis evaluates the construction of small earth dams using the labour-based/light equipment supported technique. Actual cases of dam construction at three different locations in Nigeria have been used as case studies. Data from these projects were used to simulate likely construction costs using the labourbased technique and the traditional equipment-based technique. The results were used to compare the two techniques. Construction costs, duration of construction and employment generation were used as major indices for comparison. Two innovavite approaches of method statement and the time and location chart were used to determine inputs needed under each construction technique. The methods were found to be appropriate in ensuring consistency work planning, a quality that hitherto had been the main drawback of the labour-based technique. Under the labour-based technique, construction costs for the projects were N279.279.00, N4,670,573.00 and M6,198,125.00 while construction duration were 25 weeks, 30 weeks and 40 weeks respectively. The corresponding cost figures for the equipment-based technique were N585,152.00, H7,570,737.00 and N10,711,285.00 while construction duration were 7 weeks, 29 weeks and 39 weeks respectively. The simulated figures were found to be within 12% of actual construction costs. The labour-based technique was found to have about 40% reduction in the total construction cost and potentials for generating 10 times more employment than the equipment-based technique. Over 80% of such employment would acrue to unskilled workers who could come from the locality of construction site.The results of this study have therefore shown that labourbased technique in comparison with equipment-based methods are cheaper, execution time compatible, quality of work comparable, it utilises local resources more extensively and boost the local economy through employment generation.