The sudden structural breakdown of buildings, either during construction or after completion, leading to partial or total destruction, is known as the collapsing of buildings. In Nigeria, building collapses have become rampant, leading to loss of lives, property, and injuries. Building collapsing is caused by the following, which includes inadequate design planning, weak foundation, overloading, lack of proper supervision, poor workmanship, and the use of substandard materials, among others. We will analyse the causes of building collapses and suggest solutions to the building collapse in Nigeria.
This article will guide us to achieving safer and more durable structures, reducing the risk involved in construction, and providing valuable guidance for professionals and property owners committed to eradicating these building collapsing issues.
What are the key causes and solutions to building collapse in Nigeria?
Understanding the key causes of building collapse is important for developing a safe building for use and effective measures. The following are the major causes of building collapse in Nigeria.
1. Poor design and structural errors
Unqualified or inexperienced architects and engineers create plans without yielding to building codes and standards and design poor designs. Overlooking load distribution when developing your plan can fail to balance the load across beams, columns, and foundations, which can lead to uneven stress, resulting in visible cracks or even collapsing of the building. To avoid this problem, ensure that only licensed architects and engineers should handle building designs. All projects should follow the building codes and conduct, and with this, we can achieve the reduction of building collapses in Nigeria.
2. Absence of soil test
Many Nigerians fail to understand why soil testing is important before commencing any project. Soil tests determine the soil’s stability to support the intended structure, and failure to perform soil tests can result in catastrophic failures. Soil testing is essential because a weak foundation may fail under the weight of the building, and a proper soil analysis prevents overdesign or underdesign, which will help save costs while ensuring safety as well. Be well informed that proper soil analysis should no longer be seen as an optional expense but as a critical investment in the building’s safety.
3. The risk of using substandard materials
When it comes to construction, using substandard materials is unacceptable because they are construction materials that fail to meet the quality, strength, or durability required for safe and reliable building construction. Using poor-quality materials in construction can weaken the structure of the building and make it develop problems that might lead to the building collapsing. Substandard materials are used due to lack of awareness, market availability, corruption, and negligence and consist of materials such as low-grade cement, poor-quality blocks or bricks, dilute concrete mixes, etc. However, the solution to this problem includes ensuring regulation and monitoring of construction materials by government agencies, certificates of suppliers, and quality control in procurement. We can achieve a great reduction in frequent building collapses and protect lives and property by ensuring the usage of quality materials.
4. Unskilled labour and poor workmanship
Construction demands a high level of technical expertise that can accurately interpret engineering and architectural designs, but engaging unskilled labour in construction will lead to failure in executing critical tasks according to specifications. Without proper training, workers can misinterpret the mixing ratio of concrete according to specifications. However, the solution to this is to engage certified professionals, conduct regular training, and implement strict supervision.
Economic and social impact of building collapses
Economic impacts, such as loss of investments, increased construction costs, and loss of business revenue. Social impact includes loss of lives and injuries, displacement, and homelessness.
Economic impact
* Loss of investments:
Building collapses result in financial losses like the value of the structure, labour costs, and construction materials for property developers and owners. For investors and financial institutions, losses occur when projects fail because they fund the construction projects.
* Increased construction costs:
The cost of rebuilding the project is more than the initial project due to demolition expenses. Other factors include the cost of demolition and debris removal and legal and regulatory costs.
Social impact
* Loss of lives and injuries
The most critical consequence of building collapse is loss of lives and injuries; it leaves long-term scars and pains to families, friends, and community. Building collapse can cause post-traumatic stress disorder to individuals who survived or witnessed the scene.
* Displacement and homelessness
The sudden loss of home creates trauma, and it creates lasting scars on individuals and affects families that should be helped by social support. It leads to financial constraints because many affected families face difficulties in affording new accommodations, especially those who lose all their belongings in the building collapse.
THE ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS IN BUILDING SAFETY
To ensure building safety, there must be a collaboration among stakeholders like government authorities, professionals, and property developers. They have the right to protect lives and property by fulfilling their responsibility.
1. Government and regulatory authority
Government and regulatory bodies play a vital role in shaping, developing, and implementing building codes and safety regulations. Thorough inspections during all stages of building construction are done to ensure compliance with building codes. It is their responsibility to educate the public on the importance of building safety and the dangers associated with compromising construction standards.
2. Architects and Engineers
Architects and engineers play crucial roles in the construction field and take charge of designing safe and compliant structures that meet building regulations and standards. Engineers carefully calculate the structural design to ensure the building can withstand any loads, like weight, wind, and environmental factors such as temperature changes. They must ensure quality materials as well as use the right construction techniques to guarantee durability and stability.
3. Property developers
Property developers are in charge of getting proper approvals before commencing construction and ensuring that only qualified professionals should be engaged in the project. It’s their responsibility to allocate sufficient funds to procure high-quality materials that meet safety standards.
4. Building owners and end-users
When it comes to construction design, building owners and end-users need to engage only licensed architects, engineers, and contractors for the design of construction. It is very important to inspect for defects and ensure immediate repairs to prevent further damage, as quick repairs can save the project from costly consequences. They must ensure the building has adequate lighting, ventilation, and electrical systems.
CONCLUSION
It’s very essential to know the causes of building collapse in Nigeria and address the critical factors, such as poor design and structural errors, absence of soil tests, unskilled labour, and use of substandard materials. To avert construction failure in Nigeria and promote the creation of safe and reliable buildings, it is reliable to follow building codes, engage qualified professionals, and ensure quality control. In Nigeria, collective action, continuous and thorough supervision, and prioritizing safety at every stage of construction can prevent building collapse. Dedicating efforts to construct safer buildings that safeguard lives and property requires a commitment to best practices and accountability
