Incessant Collapse Of Buildings In Nigeria: An Architect’s View

Abstract

Collapse in Buildings could be total or partial failure of one or more components of a building leading to the inability of the building to perform its principal function of safety and stability. Collapse of buildings is a universal problem that has eaten deeply into the fabrics of the construction industry, of which very little has been done to curb the menace. Nigeria like many other countries is witnessing building collapse at alarming rate. In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Lagos State, Port–Harcourt, Rivers State, Ibadan, Oyo State and Kaduna, Kaduna State to mention but few, many cases of collapsed buildings have been noted. The incessant collapse of buildings in Nigeria is a major concern not only to the professionals that are associated with construction industry, but also to the clients and the eventual users. In an attempt to find lasting solution to some of the causes and effects of building collapse, this paper examines types of collapse, some of the major causes of building collapse, such as bad design, faulty construction, foundation failure, and fire problem as well as remedial measures. Finally, useful suggestions were proffered towards successful implementation of the corrective measures.

Key Words: architect, buildings, collapse, construction, design