An Assesment of Causes of Building Collapse in Nigeria (Case Study of Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State)

Abstract

In human life, shelter forms a second primary needs of human apart from food and because of this, many people act desperately in order to have their own properties. As a result, the need to erect strong and functional structures to do away or minimize building collapse is very important. The aim of this paper is to assess the causes of building collapse in Nigeria to ensure standardization in building fabrication, through identification of the causes of building failure that leads to collapse, also to examine the effects or problems associated with building failure that leads to collapse and to proffer solutions to the problem. The field survey method was employed for this research, a total of one hundred (100) questionnaires were distributed. Not every questionnaire that was distributed was fully completed and returned. Ninety-one (91) questionnaires were filed and returned. The collected data were analyzed and presented using a straightforward statistical method that included tabulating the data and converting the numerical values into a simple percentage. the findings of this paper revealed that, Collapse of Buildings may happen due to the following; Poor workmanship, use of poor or substandard building materials, bad design, foundation failure, faulty construction, un-designed loads and design fault, etc. As such, the need to stop/minimize building collapse in this country is necessitated, with more emphasis to, Birnin kebbi, Nigeria because it numerous cases of building collapse and needs immediate solution. However, appropriate recommendations were made at the end of the research.