By Gloria Attah
The problem of building collapse in Nigeria has spawned through decades and is gradually becoming an epidemic of sorts. Every year, lives and property are lost to this man-made disaster.
A study by O.A Akinbiyi, a lecturer at Kwara State University titled An Integrated Geophysical Approach for Post Foundation Studies at Edunabon Town, Southwestern Nigeria revealed that a total of 221 cases of building collapses have been reported in Nigeria between 1974 and 2019 with majority of it’s leading causes tied to structural defects and use of substandard materials, laxity, poor supervision as well as non-adherence to design standards etc
On December 10, 2016, over 200 people lost their lives in Uyo, Akwa Ibom after a church building collapsed on a Sunday service. Similarly on September 22, 2015, a building collapsed in the Lekki axis of Lagos State. In May 2016, a four-storey shopping complex collapsed in Ogun State, which left many dead and several others injured.
Every year, these figures continue to rise leaving one to wonder just when this plague will end.
However, one fact that continues to stand is that buildings do not just collapse. There are always warning signs. Usually before the commencement of a building construction, the building control agency which is located in different parts of Nigeria is supposed to carry out a non-destructive integrity test which according to experts, is used to ascertain the structural stability of the building. This helps the state know if such buildings can be renovated or re-engineered.
This is however taken for granted due to laxity on the part of the regulory bodies or individuals and contractors involved in the building process and as a result, the cases of building collapse continue to reoccur.
Below is a list of indicators/warning signs homeowners as well as those who live or work in properties in Nigeria should not be take for granted.
Cracks in the wall
Do you notice a few cracks here and there in your building and everyday they seem to get wider? Well you should be paying close attention as those cracks are not just mere mural designs on a wall. Experts have noted that wall cracks in the walls of a building could be a sign that the structure is unable to accommodate the movement or load to which it is subjected. When cracks appear in the walls of a building, it is either a structural crack or a non-structural crack.
While structural cracks appear as a result of incorrect design, faulty construction or overloading, non-structural cracks appear due to internally induced stress on the materials used in constructing a building.
Thermal movement remains one of the most potent causes of cracks to appear in the walls of buildings. If overlooked, this could eventually lead to the collapse of the building.
Deteriorating support structure is another key indicator that your building might be in trouble and it is caused by the following; deterioration caused by use of substandard materials; When building components fail, they can directly impact on the exterior walls. The collapse of interior floors can push against masonry exterior walls and this eventually paves the way for the collapse of buildings.
Tears and fissures in foundation structures: This can also happen when fissures appear in welds of steel during construction or over time. A building is likely to undergo progressive collapse when a primary structural element fails, resulting in the failure of adjoining structural elements, which in turn, causes further structural failure culminating in a building collapse.
Deformed siding: Siding is what protects your building from the moisture and the elements. It can be found inside and outside the walls of buildings that are well constructed. When not kept in good condition, it can deteriorate and result in weakening of foundational structures and this often leads to building collapse.
Floor Gaps
Gaps between the walls and floors of a building usually indicate a story that could end very badly. Uneven spaces and sloping floors are to be given prompt attention to avoid future collapse of the building. Find time and observe your house from the street. Is the front entrance straight? If it doesn’t, it could be a really bad sign.
Creaking, popping sounds
When the house you live in begins to make creaking and popping sounds, you should be very worried. In September 2016, a resident heard creaking sounds on the 7th floor of a building, which eventually collapsed.
Cracking noises can indicate that parts of the building are failing. According to experts, when a house creaks, it means that the metal parts contract much more than the wood does. As a result, the nails, pipes and air ducts rub against the wood. Also, the wood rubs and grinds against other wooden parts of the structure, which creates the creaking sounds.
If you ever find yourself hearing weird sounds and cracks especially during strong winds, it’s a sign that your building is on the verge of collapsing and you need to vacate immediately for proper inspection.
Moving house
One of the most dangerous warnings of an impending collapse is when the house is moving. This means that over a period of time, certain parts of the house have shifted from their original position as a result of foundation problems. Technically, when the foundation of the building shifts, it sets into motion, a disturbing number of serious events throughout the house, which forces the house to move.
Structural issues like mould and water stains on walls and collapsing ceilings
Do you sometimes notice water stains on dry parts of your walls after a rainfall? Professionals have described this process as ‘moisture penetration.’
Building experts have identified structural issues like water seepage in external walls, windows and roof leaks as potential risk factors for internal damage and failures in residential or industrial buildings. According to them, moisture and dampness due to seepage can lead to patchy, fungal and bacterial growth, which in turn could cause various allergies to the occupants and the building.
It is observed that more than 75 per cent of the high-rise or low-rise buildings’ external walls and projections are subjected to large patches as a result of water seepages. Building experts say, there is a need for a solution to the issue that has become commonplace in the construction industry and aggravated building collapse.
According to the former President, Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, Kunle Adebajo, “if a building doesn’t have a sound damp proof course (DPC) or slab, water from the ground both rain and ground water particularly in water logged areas will rise through the wall and will soak up the blockwork or concrete.” This would result in the collapse of a building at the long run.
As stated earlier, buildings do not collapse over night without any warning sign. The signs are usually visible. One of the biggest problems with these signs is that if they are ignored overtime, they make the collapse of the building inevitable. If ever you notice any of these signs, contact the local authorities involved to prevent another impending disaster.
