The encumbrance of constructing on a swampy terrain

Abstract

All through the ages, the provision of shelter has remained an ever-present challenge of mankind. Perennial difficulties of shelter provision are posed by varying strains dependent of numerous conflicting factors. Civil engineering and other specialty of science and humanity join hands in providing solutions to man’s basic housing and infrastructural needs, thereby adding values to what nature has provided. Constructing on different terrains cost different amount of resources and energy. This research evaluates the burden of constructing on swampy terrain. Mende-Maryland in Lagos is adopted as the area of study. This research analyzed the methods of constructing a duplex on a swampy terrain and modelled the behaviour of the same structure on a normal terrain. Successively, the economic burden of constructing on a swampy terrain is compared to that of constructing on a normal terrain. The result showed that constructing on a swampy terrain is a cost intensive process with the cost of pile foundation alone taking about 38 percent of the whole cost of construction when compared to the 17 percent cost of raft foundation for a normal terrain. This cost will go higher when the cost of engaging experts and equipment for soil consolidation, construction of superstructures on weak terrain and extra safety measures are computed.