![[REIC 2019-06] Building Collapse Anatomy – Part 1 Of 2: Four (4) Most Common Causes You Need To Know](https://cdn.blogarama.com/images/posts_thumbs_site_id/12900/1289988-3712669280.jpg "[REIC 2019-06] Building Collapse Anatomy – Part 1 Of 2: Four (4) Most Common Causes You Need To Know")
[REIC 2019-06] Building Collapse Anatomy – Part 1 of 2: Four (4) Most Common Causes You Need to Know – LanreKarim.com
Monday 22nd July 2019
Building Collapse is the failure of a structure or component in a building, to maintain its structural integrity, when subjected to stressful load or other factors – leading to collapse.
Photo: A collapsed building in Nigeria’s Lagos.
It’s now a widely accepted reality today, that news of buildings collapsing has become a regular occurrence in certain parts of Nigeria. This unhealthy situation however poses a major threat to the ability of stakeholders like developers, contractors, and landlords to reap the benefits they anticipate from investing in real Estate development.
Most worrisome in my view, is the fact that a review of available records readily reveals the fact that majority of the factors responsible for this frequent reoccurrence, far from being natural – and therefore often unavoidable – are actually man made!
The implication is that they can be successfully prevented, if those responsible follow due processes.
We are so abundantly blessed in this country, that frequent natural disasters (such as tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods etc), that occur in more developed parts of the world rarely do so here.
Interestingly, in those countries where they do occur, the buildings are constructed with such strong and stable structures that they actually rarely collapse, unlike what we have here!
This article aims to offer eye-opening insights into how and where we – especially stakeholders – got it wrong in the industry, and what we can do to rectify the situation.
First of all, let’s be clear that this is not an issue that concerns building contractors, regulatory bodies, and government alone.
In truth, it’s one that demands we ALL put hands on deck, to think up, and implement lasting solutions to what is effectively a manmade disaster plaguing our society.
Just last week, on 16th of July 2019, yet another building has reportedly collapsed in Jos, Plateau State, killing 11 people and injuring several others.
Before that, just about a month ago in fact, it was reported that a building collapsed at Oshodi, Mafoluku area of Lagos, in June this year 2019 – due to structural deficiencies. That also resulted in injuries to several people, though no lives were lost.
Another building collapsed on Lagos Island – in fact 3 different cases occurred on Kakawa street, Ita Faji street, and Oke Arin respectively with several fatalities recorded, within 3-4 weeks, a few months ago.
This unhealthy state of affairs makes one wonder where exactly we went wrong as a nation.
Do we not have competent civil and structural engineers who can successfully construct buildings that are safe for people to inhabit?
It is my considered opinion, that an unimaginable level of corruption in the larger society, which I call the Parent Factor, gave birth to other associated factors now causing problems in the building industry.
Majority of Nigerians wish to make quick money, either by compromising on use of set quality standards or defrauding their counterparts in business, without considering the potentially serious negative consequences of their actions.
Now here we are today – repeatedly confronted by the inevitable consequences of our collective irresponsible actions, especially in the building sector.
FOUR (4) FACTORS THAT CAUSE BUILDING COLLAPSE
Based on a review of historical information and reports about incidences of collapse that have occurred over the years, the key causes of building collapse can be summarized under four categories as follows:
- EXTERNAL FACTORS
This is very critical and is mostly due to natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and other similar conditions.
- TOPOGRAPHICAL FACTORS
This is another very important factor that can predispose a building to collapse. The nature of the land (be it swampy or dry) can significantly affect the stability, or otherwise, of any building erected on it.
- STRUCTURAL FACTORS
This should never be overlooked as it happens to be one of the commonest causes of building collapse in this country. A structure that is not well designed, and is still put to use on the assumption that it can handle heavy loads that will inevitably be placed on it, is bound to fall apart without warning!
Imagine a structure that is designed – and approved – to support a two storey building, which after some years, the owner decides to add another storey to, without seeking technical advice from experts or obtaining approval from regulatory authorities.
One does not need a crystal ball to predict what the outcome will be. It will only be a matter of time before that building succumbs under the excessive weight it will be subjected to!
- SUBSTANDARD BUILDING MATERIALS
We have had incidents in which fake electrical cables that caught fire thus weakening the building’s structure, coupled with bad building materials used, have been identified as major causes of collapse reported.
Another challenge is the growing number of unskilled or semi-skilled labourers and technicians that have flooded the building sector.
As you can imagine, the consequences of the inevitable interplay of these factors before, during, and after construction is very likely to end in collapse – sooner or later – of the building at some point!
The second and concluding part of this piece will be published next week.
PS: If you need help learning more about what you need to know to succeed in Real Estate Investment, read more articles like this at www.lanrekarim.com. To get more help, contact me via [email protected] to book a telephone appointment.
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ABOUT LANRE KARIM
Lanre Karim – Nigeria’s Real Estate Investment Advocate (REIA) ™ – is the author of the Real Estate Investment Chronicles (REIC) ™: a thought-leading online publication that features tried and tested Real Estate Investment strategies– and solutions – for everyday persons.
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