Investigation Into Causes Of Building Collapse
(A Case Study Of Port Harcourt, Rivers State)
An investigation into the causes of building collapse encompasses a comprehensive examination of various factors contributing to structural failures, encompassing architectural, engineering, and environmental aspects. Structural deficiencies, such as poor design, substandard materials, and improper construction practices, often play a significant role. Additionally, natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes, can exacerbate vulnerabilities in buildings, leading to their collapse. Furthermore, inadequate maintenance and neglect of structural integrity over time can weaken the building’s framework, making it susceptible to failure. Understanding these multifaceted determinants is crucial for implementing preventive measures and regulations to ensure the safety and resilience of structures, thereby mitigating the risk of future collapses and safeguarding lives and property in urban environments.
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
Building can be explained as a structural that provides shelter to lives and properties, it could be a school, church, shop, or factory that has roof, walls. A lot of building specifically in Port-Harcourt and Lagos state have collapsed and thereby causing a huge economic waste and lost of lives of people and properties.
Building failure can be defined as the collapse of structure, while building disaster gives evidence of a structural member being unsafe before the actual collapse. Building failure in a construction sector is an indispensable factor that must be considered with great care and skills (Field, 1986 pp 7).
From the experiment done so far by the researchers, it is being observed that building failed and superstructure failed. Bearing capacity failed due to high moisture content and differential excessive settlement.
However, investigation of structural failure in building is an extensive research work, a lot of laboratory test, observation and analysis, but for the purpose of this project, effort have been made to reduce the research on those aspect considered very relevant.
There are so many factors that could lead to failure in building and these failures have various modes with which they occur, it should be realised, however that errors are major causes of structural collapse and no matter how they are derived they are little help in preventing collapse resulting from them.
Some examples of structural collapse are as follows:
Terrorist attack, Pentagon, Washington DC 2001
Herron Road Bridge, Ottawa 1996
Terrorist Bombing, Murrah Federal Building, Owahoma City, 1995
Second narrow Bridge, Vancower 1958
Tank failure, Ashland oil co, Pitsburgh 1988
Quebec bridge (1907, 1916)
(www.du.edu/jeaivert/failurehtm).
1.2 AREA OF STUDY
The research work took place in Port Harcourt Area of Rivers State which is in the capital city at plot 308 Abacha Road Rumueme, Port Harcourt Rivers State.
1.3 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS
It is observed that plan review and performance standard are very important to everyone involved but most contractors and engineers have abandoned this practices.
The problems which has lead to failure are intended to be studied in this research are listed below.
i. The omission of some specification of critical element of building envelop by contractors in order to make out some profit from the contract. And also common building practices are generally into prevented building failure.
ii. Most contractors are not aware of specific details and methods required for difficult or severe indoor environment.
1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The aim and objectives of the study are:
i. To find the causes of building failure in construction work.
ii. To know the extent which this has affected the people involved.
iii. To provide the means of controlling failures and its effects in construction work.
iv. To know the different types of failure.
1.5 SIGNIFICATION OF THE STUDY
Since structure is very important for living things, therefore; control of its failure will enhance the performance productivity and profitability in any organisation.
The research work will be of immense to the government, engineers and contractors and even the public.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The research is on a case study of failure with more emphasis on its causes, effects and remedies with refrence to particular area of plot 308 Abacha Road Rumueme Port Harcourt in Rivers State.
However, this work has studied beyond the areas of specification and it also aimed at looking into the total collapse or failure on structure only with major concern on buildings in eastern part of Nigeria.
1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
Although this research has generally analysed the failures in building to ascertain its causes, effects and remedies but it wasn’t easy for some dreams of research work to be achieved.
Some of the limitations are as follows:
1. Lack of finance
2. Time given is limited
3. The problem of collecting information
4. Non availability of books and other materials
5. Lack of adequate statistical, date or numbers of buildings that has failed in Port Harcourt Area of Rivers State.
SHARE PROJECT MATERIALS ON:
Causes Of Building Collapse:
Building collapses can occur due to various factors, often involving a combination of issues. These causes can be broadly categorized into several key factors:
Poor Construction Practices:
Substandard Materials: The use of low-quality or substandard construction materials, such as weak concrete, inferior steel, or inadequate fasteners, can compromise a building’s structural integrity.
Inadequate Workmanship: Poor craftsmanship, including improper welding, weak joints, and shoddy construction practices, can weaken a building’s structural components.
Design Flaws:
Architectural and Engineering Errors: Mistakes in the building’s architectural and structural design can lead to structural weaknesses or imbalances that increase the risk of collapse.
Inadequate Structural Analysis: Failing to conduct a thorough structural analysis or ignoring the recommendations of engineers can result in inadequate support systems.
Foundation Issues:
Settlement and Subsidence: Uneven settling of the building’s foundation or subsidence can lead to structural instability.
Poor Soil Quality: Buildings constructed on unstable or poorly compacted soil can experience foundation problems, including shifting and sinking.
Natural Disasters:
Earthquakes: Seismic activity can cause buildings to collapse if they are not designed and constructed to withstand the forces generated during an earthquake.
Flooding: Excessive water damage from floods can weaken a building’s structure over time, leading to collapse.
Aging and Neglect:
Lack of Maintenance: A lack of regular maintenance can cause structural elements to deteriorate, leading to weaknesses and potential collapse.
Aging Infrastructure: Older buildings may not meet modern construction standards and can deteriorate over time.
Overloading:
Excessive Weight: Overloading a building with excessive weight, such as heavy equipment or additional stories, can stress its structural elements beyond their capacity.
Fire Damage:
Uncontrolled Fires: Intense fires can weaken structural materials, particularly steel, and cause a building to collapse.
Environmental Factors:
Corrosion: Exposure to corrosive elements like salt, moisture, and pollution can weaken structural components over time.
Weathering: Extreme weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold, can damage building materials and compromise structural integrity.
Improper Renovations or Modifications:
Alterations Without Engineering Review: Changes made to a building without proper engineering assessments and approvals can weaken its structure.
Legal and Regulatory Issues:
Non-Compliance with Building Codes: Failure to adhere to local building codes and regulations can result in substandard construction and increased risk of collapse.
Human Error and Negligence:
Unsafe Demolition Practices: Incorrect or unsafe demolition methods can inadvertently damage neighboring structures or cause a partial or total collapse.
Construction Accidents: Accidents involving heavy machinery or construction equipment can weaken or damage a building.
Acts of Terrorism or Sabotage:
Deliberate Destruction: Acts of terrorism or sabotage, such as bombings or deliberate structural damage, can cause buildings to collapse.
To prevent building collapses, it’s crucial to follow proper construction and maintenance practices, adhere to building codes and regulations, and regularly inspect and maintain structures to identify and address potential issues before they become critical threats to safety. Additionally, advanced engineering techniques and materials can be employed to enhance a building’s resilience to various hazards.