Project Abstract

Abstract
Building collapses have become a recurring phenomenon in Nigeria, with devastating consequences on human lives and properties. This study focuses on investigating the causes of building collapse in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. The research aims to provide insights into the primary reasons behind these collapses and offer recommendations to prevent future occurrences. The research methodology involves a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Surveys, interviews, and site visits will be conducted to gather information from various stakeholders in the construction industry, including architects, engineers, builders, government officials, and residents of affected areas. Preliminary findings suggest that a combination of factors contributes to building collapses in Port Harcourt, including poor construction practices, use of substandard materials, lack of adherence to building codes and regulations, inadequate supervision, and corruption in the construction industry. Additionally, environmental factors such as soil conditions, weather patterns, and geological features may also play a role in building failures. Through data analysis and thematic coding, the study will identify common themes and patterns related to building collapse incidents in Port Harcourt. By examining these factors in-depth, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the root causes of building collapses in the region. Based on the findings, the study will propose recommendations to address the identified issues and prevent future building collapses. These recommendations may include stricter enforcement of building codes, regular inspection of construction sites, capacity building for professionals in the construction industry, public awareness campaigns on building safety, and collaboration between government agencies and stakeholders to promote better construction practices. The research findings are expected to contribute to the body of knowledge on building collapse prevention in Nigeria and provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry professionals, and the general public. Ultimately, the goal of this study is to improve construction practices, enhance building safety standards, and reduce the incidence of building collapses in Port Harcourt and other regions of Nigeria.

Project Overview

1.0 INTRODUCTION1.1 BACKGROUNDBuilding can be explained as a structural that provides shelter to lives and properties, it could be a school, church, shop, or factory that has roof, walls. A lot of building specifically in Port-Harcourt and Lagos state have collapsed and thereby causing a huge economic waste and lost of lives of people and properties.Building failure can be defined as the collapse of structure, while building disaster gives evidence of a structural member being unsafe before the actual collapse. Building failure in a construction sector is an indispensable factor that must be considered with great care and skills (Field, 1986 pp 7).From the experiment done so far by the researchers, it is being observed that building failed and superstructure failed. Bearing capacity failed due to high moisture content and differential excessive settlement.However, investigation of structural failure in building is an extensive research work, a lot of laboratory test, observation and analysis, but for the purpose of this project, effort have been made to reduce the research on those aspect considered very relevant.There are so many factors that could lead to failure in building and these failures have various modes with which they occur, it should be realised, however that errors are major causes of structural collapse and no matter how they are derived they are little help in preventing collapse resulting from them.Some examples of structural collapse are as follows:Terrorist attack, Pentagon, Washington DC 2001Herron Road Bridge, Ottawa 1996Terrorist Bombing, Murrah Federal Building, Owahoma City, 1995Second narrow Bridge, Vancower 1958Tank failure, Ashland oil co, Pitsburgh 1988Quebec bridge (1907, 1916)1.2 AREA OF STUDYThe research work took place in Port Harcourt Area of Rivers State which is in the capital city at plot 308 Abacha Road Rumueme, Port Harcourt Rivers State.1.3 STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS It is observed that plan review and performance standard are very important to everyone involved but most contractors and engineers have abandoned this practices. The problems which has lead to failure are intended to be studied in this research are listed below. i. The omission of some specification of critical element of building envelop by contractors in order to make out some profit from the contract. And also common building practices are generally into prevented building failure. ii. Most contractors are not aware of specific details and methods required for difficult or severe indoor environment.1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDYThe aim and objectives of the study are:i. To find the causes of building failure in construction work.ii. To know the extent which this has affected the people involved. iii. To provide the means of controlling failures and its effects in construction work. iv. To know the different types of failure.1.5 SIGNIFICATION OF THE STUDYSince structure is very important for living things, therefore; control of its failure will enhance the performance productivity and profitability in any organisation.The research work will be of immense to the government, engineers and contractors and even the public.1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDYThe research is on a case study of failure with more emphasis on its causes, effects and remedies with refrence to particular area of plot 308 Abacha Road Rumueme Port Harcourt in Rivers State.However, this work has studied beyond the areas of specification and it also aimed at looking into the total collapse or failure on structure only with major concern on buildings in eastern part of Nigeria.1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDYAlthough this research has generally analysed the failures in building to ascertain its causes, effects and remedies but it wasn’t easy for some dreams of research work to be achieved. Some of the limitations are as follows:1. Lack of finance 2. Time given is limited 3. The problem of collecting information 4. Non availability of books and other materials 5. Lack of adequate statistical, date or numbers of buildings that has failed in Port Harcourt Area of Rivers State.