Home / Current Issue / Paper 1706301
Examining causes and solutions for building collapse in Nigeria: A review
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Architecture
Abstract
Building collapse remains a significant concern in Nigeria, posing severe risks to lives and property. This study aims to explore the factors contributing to building collapse and to identify effective architectural safety measures. A narrative review research method was employed to synthesise findings from 61 published journal articles from 2010 to 2023. The review highlights critical issues such as substandard materials, poor construction practices, inadequate supervision, regulatory lapses, and environmental factors. Additionally, the study underscores the pivotal role of architects in mitigating these challenges through implementing rigorous safety protocols, adhering to building codes, and adopting innovative construction technologies. The findings emphasise the necessity for enhanced regulatory frameworks and continuous professional development for architects to ensure the structural integrity of buildings. The study concludes with recommendations for policy reforms and the integration of advanced safety measures in architectural practices to prevent future occurrences of building collapse.
Keywords
Building collapse, architectural safety, construction practices, regulatory frameworks, structural integrity, innovative technologies
References
[1] Abdelwahed, B. "A Review of the Building's Progressive Collapse, Survey, and Discussion" Case Studies in Construction Materials Volume 11 2019 Page e00264.
[2] Abueisheh, Q.; Manu, P.; Mahamadu, A. M.; Cheung, C. . "Design for Safety Implementation Among Design Professionals in Construction: The Context of Palestine" Safety Science Volume 128 2020 Page 104742.
[3] Agwu, M.. "Perception Survey of Poor Construction Supervision and Building Failures in Six Major Cities in Nigeria" British Journal of Education, Society & Behavioural Science Volume 4 2014 Page 456-472.
[4] Akinyemi, A.; Dare, G.; Ankeli, A.; Dabara, D. I. . "Building Collapse in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges" Conference of the International Journal of Arts & Sciences CD-ROM Volume 9 Issue 1 2016 Page 99-108.
[5] Alabi, O.; Mustaffa, N.; Aminuddin, F. . "A Review on Error Induced Building Collapse at the Construction Stage in Lagos, Nigeria" IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science Volume 1274 Issue 1 2023 Page 012026.
[6] Amadi, A.; Eze, C.; Igwe, C.; Okunlola, I.; Okoye, N. . "Architects' and Geologists' View on the Causes of Building Failures in Nigeria" Mathematical Models and Methods in Applied Sciences Volume 6 Issue 6 2012 Page 31.
[7] Amoah, C.; Steyn, D. . "Barriers to Unethical and Corrupt Practises Avoidance in the Construction Industry" International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation Volume 41 Issue 6 2023 Page 85-101.
[8] Awoyera, P.; Alfa, J.; Odetoyan, A.; Akinwumi, I. . "Building Collapse in Nigeria During Recent Years: Causes, Effects and Way Forward" IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering Volume 1036 Issue 2 2021 Page 012021.
[9] Ayedun, C. A.; Durodola, O. D.; Akinjare, O. A. . "An Empirical Ascertainment of the Causes of Building Failure and Collapse in Nigeria" Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences Volume 3 Issue 1 2012 Page 313-322.
[10] Ayeni, D.; Adedeji, Y. M. D. . "Strategies for Mitigating Building Collapse in Nigeria: Roles of Architects and Other Stakeholders in the Building Industry" Strategies Volume 7 Issue 8 2015 Page 1-9.
[11] Bucha, P.; Juma, D.; Onyango, J. . "Influence of Contextual Framework on Mitigating Building Failures in Kenya" The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management Volume 7 Issue 1 2020 Page 311-325.
[12] Danbaba, S.; Yola, I.; Evcil, A.; Sava_, M. . "A Brief Characterization of the Steel Rods for Reinforcing Concrete from Two Steel Mills in Nigeria" 2020 4th International Symposium on Multidisciplinary Studies and Innovative Technologies (ISMSIT) 2020 Page 1-4.
[13] Dash, M.; Chakraborthy, M. . "Influence of Climate on Building Codes: Comparative Analysis of Indian Cities" Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy Volume 37 Issue 6 2018 Page 2109-2115.
[14] Ebekozien, A.; Aigbavboa, C.; Samsurijan, M. S. . "Social Sustainability under Threat: A Case of Two Collapsed Buildings in Lagos, Nigeria" Property Management Volume 41 Issue 3 2023 Page 431-453.
[15] Echendu, A. J.. "The Impact of Flooding on Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)" Ecosystem Health and Sustainability Volume 6 Issue 1 2020 Page 1791735.
[16] Ede, A. N.. "Measures to Reduce the High Incidence of Structural Failures in Nigeria" Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa Volume 13 Issue 1 2011 Page 153-161.
[17] Ede, A.; Akpabot, A.; Oyebisi, S.; Olofinnade, O.; Okeke, C.; Oyeyemi, K.; Ugwu, E.; Gambo, F. . "The Trend of Collapse of Buildings in Concrete Materials in Lagos State, Nigeria (2013-2019)" IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science Volume 655 2021 Page 012078.
[18] Egwunatum, S. I.; Anumudu, A. C.; Eze, E. C.; Awodele, I. A. . "Total Quality Management (TQM) Implementation in the Nigerian Construction Industry" Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management Volume 29 Issue 1 2022 Page 354-382.
[19] Emma-Ochu, C.; Okolie, K.; Ohaedeghasi, C. . "Challenges to Health and Safety Compliance for Construction Projects in Southeast Nigeria" Journal of Engineering Research and Reports Volume 20 Issue 12 2021 Page 1-15.
[20] Erkal, A.; D’Ayala, D.; Sequeira, L. . "Assessment of Wind-Driven Rain Impact, Related Surface Erosion and Surface Strength Reduction of Historic Building Materials" Building and Environment Volume 57 2012 Page 336-348.
[21] Faremi, O. J.; Ajayi, O. O.; Faremi, O. E. . "Factors Influencing the Use of Substandard Materials in the Construction of Residential Buildings" CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development Volume 3 Issue 1 2020 Page 40-50.
[22] Ferdous, W.; Bai, Y.; Ngo, T.; Manalo, A.; Mendis, P. . "New Advancements, Challenges and Opportunities of Multi-Storey Modular Buildings–A State-of-the-Art Review" Engineering Structures Volume 183 2019 Page 883-893.
[23] Figueiredo, K.; Pierott, R.; Hammad, A.; Haddad, A. . "Sustainable Material Choice for Construction Projects: A Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment Framework Based on BIM and Fuzzy-AHP" Building and Environment Volume 196 2021 Page 107805.
[24] Gallo, P.; Romano, R.; Belardi, E. . "Smart Green Prefabrication: Sustainability Performances of Industrialized Building Technologies" Sustainability Volume 13 2021 Page 4701.
[25] Hussain, S.; Xuetong, W.; Hussain, T. . "Using a Structural Equation Modelling Approach, the Impact of Skilled and Unskilled Labour on Project Performance" Sage Open Volume 10 Issue 1 2020 Page 2158244020914590.
[26] Idham, N. C. . "Earthquake Disaster Mitigation in the Building Industry" Journal of Architectural Research and Design Studies Volume 4 Issue 2 2020 Page 86-95.
[27] Imoni, S.; Akande, E. O.; Jiya, V. H.; Onuzulike, C.; Tiza, M. T. . "A Comprehensive Review of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction in Nigeria" Journal of Management Studies and Development Volume 2 Issue 3 2023 Page 226-249.
[28] Kim, T.; Cha, S.; Kim, Y. . "A Framework for Evaluating User Involvement Methods in Architectural, Engineering, and Construction Projects" Architectural Science Review Volume 59 2016 Page 136-147.
[29] Laboy, M.; Onnis-Hayden, A. . "Bridging the Gap between Architecture and Engineering: A Transdisciplinary Model for a Resilient Built Environment" Building Technology Educator's Society Volume 1 2019 Page 38.
[30] Lacasse, M. A.; Gaur, A.; Moore, T. V. . "Durability and Climate Change—Implications for Service Life Prediction and the Maintainability of Buildings" Buildings Volume 10 Issue 3 2020 Page 53.
[31] Mahmoud, A. S.; Hamdan Ahmad, M.; Mohd Yatim, Y.; Aminu Dodo, Y. . "Safety Performance Framework at Construction Site for Self-Regulation by Building Developers" Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management Volume 29 Issue 9 2022 Page 3394-3414.
[32] Mrabure, K. O.; Awhefeada, U. V. . "The Menace of Building Collapse Incidences in Nigeria: The Need for Strict Enforcement of Applicable Planning Laws" Commonwealth Law Bulletin Volume 47 Issue 3 2020 Page 479-500.
[33] Mukumbwa, B.; Muya, M. . "Ethics in the Construction Industry in Zambia" International Journal of Construction Management Volume 13 2013 Page 43-65.
[34] Obodoh, D.; Amade, B.; Obodoh, C.; Igwe, C. . "Assessment of the Effects of Building Collapse Risks on the Stakeholders in the Nigerian Built Environment" Nigerian Journal of Technology Volume 38 2019 Page 822-831.
[35] Ofori, G. . "Professionalism in Built Environment Research: Beyond Integrity and Good Practice" Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management Volume 29 Issue 9 2022 Page 3617-3646.
[36] Ohenhen, L. O.; Shirzaei, M. . "Land Subsidence Hazard and Building Collapse Risk in the Coastal City of Lagos, West Africa" Earth's Future Volume 10 Issue 12 2022 Page e2022EF003219.
[37] Ojelabi, R. A.; Oyeyipo, O. O.; Afolabi, A. . "Built Environment Professionals' Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Building Control Measures in Lagos State" Journal of Construction in Developing Countries Volume 22 Issue 1 2017 Page 41-54.
[38] Ojo, L. D.; Ogunsemi, D. R.; Ogunsina, O. . "Conceptual Framework of Value Management Adoption in the Nigerian Construction Industry" Construction Innovation Volume 22 Issue 4 2022 Page 939-961.
[39] Okeke, F. O.; Sam-Amobi, C. G.; Okeke, F. I. . "Role of Local Town Planning Authorities in Building Collapse in Nigeria: Evidence from Enugu Metropolis" Heliyon Volume 6 Issue 8 2020 Page e04361.
[40] Okunola, O. H. . "Survival of the Fittest: Assessing Incidents of Building Collapse and Reduction Practices in Lagos, Nigeria" Environmental Quality Management Volume 31 Issue 4 2022 Page 141-150.
[41] Okwilagwe, O.; Akinlabi, S.; Okokpujie, I.; Ishola, F.; Akinlabi, E. . "Drawbacks of Structural Fracture Control Approaches: A Case Study of Nigerian System" IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering Volume 1107 2021 Page 012016.
[42] Olanrewaju, O.; Babarinde, S.; Salihu, C. . "Current State of Building Information Modelling in the Nigerian Construction Industry" Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Civil Engineering Volume 27 2020 Page 63-77.
[43] Olatunji, O.; Windapo, A.; Umeokafor, N. . "Ad Hoc and Post Hoc Analysis of Contractors’ Safety Risks during Procurement in Nigeria" Construction Health and Safety in Developing Countries 2019 Page 128-139.
[44] Oloyede, S. A.; Omoogun, C. B.; Akinjare, O. A. . "Tackling Causes of Frequent Building Collapse in Nigeria" Journal of Sustainable Development Volume 3 Issue 3 2010 Page 127-132.
[45] Oni, O.; Akingbohungbe, D. . "Climate Change and Architectural Practice in Nigeria" Journal of Environment and Earth Science Volume 3 2013 Page 1-7.
[46] Onomivbori, J. E.; Agbafor, O. . "Assessment of Structural Failures in Nigeria: A Case Study of Worship Centre" Creative Artist: A Journal of Theatre and Media Studies Volume 16 Issue 1 2022 Page 126-138.
[47] Onwuanyi, N.. "Construction Failures in Lagos Metropolis: An Insight of Non-Technical Issues" International Journal of Built Environment and Sustainability Volume 3 Issue 3 2016 Page 1-10.
[48] Opara, P.; Egwu, I.; Owochie, S. . "The National Building Code, Indigenous Contractors’ Enforcement and Compliance with Standards" Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Volume 17 2012 Page 46-52.
[49] Orikpete, O. F.; Ewim, D. R. E. . "Investigating the Root Causes Recurring Building Collapse in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" Journal of Earth & Environment Science Volume JEES-110 2023 Page 61-70.
[50] Osuizugbo, I. "An Appraisal of Building Control and Regulations Practice in Nigeria: Project Managers’ Perspectives" Organization, Technology and Management in Construction: an International Journal Volume 11 2019 Page 2022-2033.
[51] Owusu, E.; Chan, A.; De-Graft, O.; Ameyaw, E.; Robert, O. . "Contemporary Review of Anti-Corruption Measures in Construction Project Management" Project Management Journal Volume 50 2018 Page 40-56.
[52] Oyewobi, L.; Ganiyu, B.; Oke, A.; Ola-Awo, A.; Shittu, A. . "Determinants of Unethical Performance in Nigerian Construction Industry" Journal of Sustainable Development Volume 4 2011 Page 175.
[53] Park, H.; Meacham, B.; Dembsey, N.; Goulthorpe, M. . "Enhancing Building Fire Safety Performance by Reducing Miscommunication and Misconceptions" Fire Technology Volume 50 2013 Page 183-203.
[54] Punch. "What Caused the Ita-Faji Building Collapse, by FG Committee" Punch Newspaper 4th May 2019.
[55] Qurix, W. B.; Doshu, R. G. . "Mitigating Building Collapse in Nigeria" ARTEKS: Jurnal Teknik Arsitektur Volume 5 Issue 3 2020 Page 449-458.
[56] Samsudin, N. S.; Khalil, N.; Yuhaniz, M.; Khair, S. M. A. S. A.; Zainonabidin, A. . "An Overview of Prevention through Design (PtD): The Architect s Role in the Lifecycle of Building Safety Performance" IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science Volume 881 Issue 1 2021 Page 012013.
[57] Sivasuriyan, A.; Vijayan, D. S.; Górski, W.; WodzyDski, A.; Vaverková, M. D.; Koda, E. . "Practical Implementation of Structural Health Monitoring in Multi-Story Buildings" Buildings Volume 11 Issue 6 2021 Page 263.
[58] Sulymon, N. A.; Bello, T.; Dahunsi, B. I. O.; Nwaigwe, D. N. . "Empirical Analysis of Building Collapse in Nigeria between 2013 and 2017" Adeleke University Journal of Engineering and Technology Volume 2 Issue 2 2019 Page 66-78.
[59] Toriola-Coker, L.; Alaka, H.; Bello, W.; Ajayi, S.; Adeniyi, A.; Olopade, S. "Sustainability Barriers in Nigeria Construction Practice" IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering Volume 1036 2021 Page 012023.
[60] Umeokafor, N.; Evangelinos, K.; Windapo, A. . "Strategies for Improving Complex Construction Health and Safety Regulatory Environments" International Journal of Construction Management Volume 22 Issue 7 2022 Page 1333-1344.
[61] Umo, U. P.; Okonkwo, M. M.; Umo, U. U. . "Building Collapse in Nigeria (Main Causes, Effects and Remedies)" Journal of the Nigerian Institute of Architects Volume 1 2018 Page 1-43.
[62] Windapo, A. O.; Rotimi, J. O. . "Contemporary Issues in Building Collapse and Its Implications for Sustainable Development" Buildings Volume 2 Issue 3 2012 Page 283-299.
[63] Wong, S. "578?ACIJKab€•–—™æçé- . 0 ¡ ¢ £ ïÞÞÞÞÞÞÞïÞïÞÐÃ÷÷÷¨šŽ‚šŽvhŽX¨h_h#h^~ 6�CJOJQJaJh_h#h,Î6�H*OJQJh_h#h=°6�OJQJh_h#h^~ 6�OJQJh_h#h,Î6�OJQJh_h#h^~ 6�H*OJQJh_h#h^~ CJOJQJaJh_h#h_h#H*OJQJh_h#h_h#OJPJQJh,ÎCJ(OJPJQJaJ( h_h#h_h#CJ(OJPJQJaJ( h_h#h,ÎCJ(OJPJQJaJ(JK—ç. ¢ £ ¤ Ÿ ®€01š›ÀÁÙñññçççÝÝÝÝÝÝÆÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ$ &F„7„Éý¤^„7`„Éýa$gd_h#m$ $¤a$gd_h# $¤a$gd_h# [Some characters in this reference could not be displayed correctly — please refer to the published PDF for the full reference.]
[64] [Some characters in this reference could not be displayed correctly — please refer to the published PDF for the full reference.]
How to cite this paper
@article{1706301,
author = {Tajudeen Olawale AJAYI, Olasunmbo Omobolanle ADHUZE, Burabari Akpe NWAKO},
title = {Examining causes and solutions for building collapse in Nigeria: A review},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2024},
volume = {8},
number = {3},
pages = {358-371},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1706301.pdf},
abstract = {Building collapse remains a significant concern in Nigeria, posing severe risks to lives and property. This study aims to explore the factors contributing to building collapse and to identify effective architectural safety measures. A narrative review research method was employed to synthesise findings from 61 published journal articles from 2010 to 2023. The review highlights critical issues such as substandard materials, poor construction practices, inadequate supervision, regulatory lapses, and environmental factors. Additionally, the study underscores the pivotal role of architects in mitigating these challenges through implementing rigorous safety protocols, adhering to building codes, and adopting innovative construction technologies. The findings emphasise the necessity for enhanced regulatory frameworks and continuous professional development for architects to ensure the structural integrity of buildings. The study concludes with recommendations for policy reforms and the integration of advanced safety measures in architectural practices to prevent future occurrences of building collapse.},
keywords = {Building collapse, architectural safety, construction practices, regulatory frameworks, structural integrity, innovative technologies},
month = {September},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV8I3-1706301}
}