STRUCTURAL INSTABILITY IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT OF RIVERS STATE: A STUDY OF COLLAPSES AND CORRECTIONS

Abstract

The incidences of building collapse today in Rivers State is alarming and is a source of worry to the occupants/users, stakeholders and government who suffer one loss or the other. As a result of this, this study was conducted to determine the causes, effects and remedies to building collapse in Rivers State. To achieve this, a total of 72 questionnaires out of a population target of 88 were distributed to stakeholders in the building industry to randomly sample their opinions and perceptions on the subject matter. However, 62 entries were valid and these perceptions were rated with a 4-point Likert’s scale. Data analyses were done with Mean score, frequency and simple % while Cronbach’s alpha was used to test the reliability of the data. Result showed that, out of the 19 test causal factors, 15 namely; foundation and structural failure, poor equipment and substandard materials etc which scored; 3.66, 3.61, 3.51 and were respectively accepted only 4 items including; inexperienced craftsmen, impact, explosion, volcanic eruption and earthquake and volcanic eruptions were rejected as they scored 2.48, 2.44, 2.47 and 2.19 respectively which is <2.5. Similarly, out of 11 test effects of building collapse, 9 including; loss of human lives, life threatening injuries, loss of capital investments etc were accepted with the respective mean scores; 3.73, 3.69, 3.74 and only 2; release of toxic pollutants and discouragement of property investment were rejected with the means scores; 2.48 and 2.08 respectively. On the other hand, all the 12 test remedial measures recommended namely; domestication of the National Building Code, arrest and prosecution of offenders, mandatory Geotechnical/structural design for plan permit, and proper/regular supervision etc were accepted with the respective mean; 3.63, 3.53, 3.27 and 3.27. The internal consistencies of sets of data for the causes, effects and remedies to building collapse are 0.88, 0.84 and 0.92 respectively which is excellent.