Most collapses have preventable causes. Knowing them protects your investment and lives.
Building collapse is a serious concern in Nigeria. Most cases trace back to a small number of preventable problems.
Common causes
- No qualified professionals: buildings put up without proper design or supervision
- Weak foundation: especially where soil was never tested
- Poor materials: substandard cement, sand, steel or blocks
- Bad concrete mix and curing: concrete that is too weak or not cured properly
- Overloading and unapproved changes: adding floors or heavy loads the structure was not designed for
- No supervision: work that drifts away from the drawings
- Skipping approval: no independent review of the design
How to prevent it
- Use complete architectural and structural drawings (see why you need both)
- Test your soil and choose the right foundation
- Insist on quality materials
- Hire a registered, experienced contractor (how to choose one)
- Have an independent professional supervise the work
- Get your plans approved before building
- Never alter the structure without an engineer
The wider picture
Read about other problems facing the construction industry in Nigeria.
Our structural engineering and project management and supervision services exist to keep your building safe. Contact us to discuss your project.