The collapse of buildings in Nigeria has been in the spotlight when a 21 story building disintegrated in Ikoyi, Lagos on November 1, 2021, killing over 45 people.
Just like the collapse of the 21 story building in Lagos, a story building collapsed in Kano over the weekend, leaving 2 people dead and 3 others injured.
While speaking with Daily News 24, Engr. Onoja Emmanuel, a Civil Engineer and a member of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NGE) says building collapse in Nigeria is one which has become a norm as a result of the employment of non-professionals in the execution of construction activities.
Exceeding soil bearing capacity, improper compaction as a reason for building collapse
‘’For every soil, there is a maximum amount of load it can carry safely, so exceeding a certain soil bearing capacity is likely to cause a building to collapse.
‘’All professionals conduct soil bearing capacity tests before buildings are erected but non-professionals do not carry out such tests which is a reason why buildings collapse.” He said.
Additionally, Improper compaction according to Engr. Onoja is another reason why the foundation of some buildings does not stand the test of time and often time causes buildings to collapse.
He says improper compaction happens where there is sand isn’t pressed back to a level where it is solidified enough to take the weight of the foundation.
‘’If the sand is poorly compressed, it will result in air bubbles within the sand which can permit the flow of water below the foundation.
‘’With that, it can wash the soil below the bearing of the foundation and can cause a building to collapse. From the foundation to columns to beams, to slabs amongst others, if not properly constructed by professionals, who are on the field, the collapse of a building is inevitable.’’ He said.
Engr. Onoja also hints that minimizing the standard often causes buildings to collapse. ”In a situation where a reinforcement of 20mm is supposed to be used for a construction and 10mm is used, the deficit of 10mm wouldn’t enable the construction to serve its intended purpose.” He added.
He is certain that If more professionals are hired for the construction of buildings from start to finish, occurrences of collapsed buildings will be reduced in the country.
”There are professional bodies that regulate the construction of buildings such as the National Association of Builders, Conference in Regulating Engineering in Nigeria and before one can hire an engineer to handle a building project, the person has to be certified by any of these bodies.
”Asides from hiring a professional engineer, the owner of the construction has to heed the advice of the engineer because in some cases, some individuals do not heed the advice of the professional, hence, a malfunction in the building.
”Oftentimes, clients would want to cut the cost of a building just to make some quick gains, however, this is to the detriment of lives and properties, and also that of the construction.
”If a client engages and heeds to the advice of the professional engineer and there is an occurrence of building collapse, then the engineer should be held responsible.” Engr. Onoja concluded.
