Causative Indices of Building Collapses in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria: The Missing Links

Abstract

The incidences of building collapse in Awka, Anambra State Nigeria recently is growing at an alarming rate and seemingly beyond control. Therefore, this study investigates the missing links in proffering solutions to the issue of building collapse in the study area. The study conducted cone penetrometer test (CPT) and borehole-drilling to determine the soil bearing capacity/adequacy of the subsoil, compressive strength and tensile stress test for concrete and steel reinforcement bars test respectively. The study revealed that Lack of sub-soil and geotechnical investigations led to improper and wrong foundation types and works, concrete mix quality was extremely low and less than the expected standard, use of substandard building materials, loading pattern tampered with or changed such that the structural elements were loaded beyond their ultimate capacities, both the yield stress, elongation and the ductility requirements of the reinforcement bars fell short with the construction standard stipulated respectively contributed to the collapses; all the findings are the missing links that contributed to building collapse in the study area. The study strongly advocates the indulgence  of government in monitoring all imported building materials to ensure that only materials of good standards are brought into the country, compulsory checks and testing of the materials to be used for buildings should be made compulsory by quality control firms, subsoil/geotechnical investigations on proposed building sites should be enforced especially for multi-storey buildings, registered Builders should be enhanced to enforce the enacted building codes and regulations.