05/11/2021
*6 Lessons To Learn From The Lagos Building Collapse*
*Written By Dr Laide Okubena*
This article expresses the lessons to learn from the Lagos building collapse whether you are an investor, Developer or Even Realtor or Even a potential Tenant who will be living in a highrise building in the near future for Residential or Office use.
Tragedy struck on Monday 1st November 2021 when a
The building came down at around 14:45 local time (13:45 GMT) in the upmarket district of Ikoyi.
It was part of a complex named 360 Degrees Towers, which was intended to house luxury apartments, town houses and penthouses, according to the development's website, which has since been taken offline.
This is one of the tens to hundreds of building collapse cases in Nigeria with each of them having its own reason for collapsing.
Recently Femi Adesina, a special adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, said the president "commiserates with families who have lost loved ones".
The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu also suspended the Officer in charge of Lagos State Building and Construction Board as Lagos is also trying to make new changes also.
The housing scheme is being developed by Fourscore Homes Limited, which has a portfolio of projects in the UK, US, South Africa, and other areas of Nigeria.
The frequency of collapse building structures in Nigeria in the past few years have become very alarming and worrisome and many lives and properties have been lost.
A visit to the collapsed scenes makes one to wonder why such a building should have been allowed to stand in the first instance and also reveals the extent people can go to cut corners at the expense of property, safety and lives.
In as much as there is nothing we can do about the past, we can at least prepare for safer housing. This article expresses the lessons to learn from the Lagos building collapse.
SOIL TESTING
Soil testing is one of the first analysis that is carried out before construction. This test is conducted at the laboratory; the result shows the physical and chemical composition of the soil.
The test also help to determine the capacity of the soil. One can accurately predict the weight bearing capacity of the land.
As noted, building collapse can lead to forfeiture of property, untimely death and money.
LESSON 1
Get the soil tested, especially when building on a swampy area, this will help to determine the depth of the building’s foundation and the choice of foundation.
THE BUILDING’S FOUNDATION
The foundation of a building is the most critical of any construction project; one can say the foundation of the unseen hero of any construction project.
Whether, it’s a road, culvert, bridge or duplex you want to construct, you must get the foundation right!
Many of the building collapse incidences have been attributed to faulty foundations.
Some foundations are made to hold a bungalow, only for the developer and owner to decide to add 1-2 more floors while it’s still been constructed. The result is inevitable; sooner or later it will come crashing down.
Determine the type of structure you want to build. Get an architectural drawing of your proposed structure; engaging a structural engineer is very paramount.
The ground will not be able to hold the building if the right depth of foundation is not used.
Some foundation might require just the concrete while others might require a reinforced concrete.
LESSON 2
Determine the type of structure you want to build.
Get an architectural drawing of your proposed structure
Get a reputable building contractor to execute the foundation. You just can’t afford to make the mistake of getting quacks because you are trying to manage resources.
SUB-STANDARD BUILDING MATERIALS
Despite the SON’s (Standard Organisation of Nigeria) and Nigeria Customs advocacy for material testing and authorization by the manufacturer before selling, sub-standard building materials still find their way into the market.
Building materials should be of the recommended standard. Every material has its own life span.
A well-built concrete can last for an average 40 – 50 years before one starts to notice signs that require the building integrity test.
LESSON 3
The use of scrap metals in reinforcement should be discouraged.
Building materials should be gotten from verifiable dealers.
We can understand that not everyone can identify quality material because the counterfeit materials are made to look like the original.
CONDUCT BUILDING INTEGRITY TEST
Ideally, a building is expected to be tested for strength at every stage of construction.
However, the developers fail to do this test because they want to save some money for themselves.
This brings to mind the aftermath of the Lagos building collapse, where the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode ordered for immediate testing of other buildings in the affected area and instructed the demolition of buildings that failed the integrity test.
This is the one test that is carried out after a structure has been completed.
LESSON 4
Periodically test the building.
Don’t underrate experience; get construction vendors who have good track records.
ADHERENCE TO BUILDING SPECIFICATION
Every kind of building has its specifics. The architectural design, survey plan and structural design all make up a building’s specification.
The strict interpretation of all mentioned document will give the kind of structure you want to build.
It is important to note that prior to construction, building plans and survey plans are approved by the regulatory body, so you can from the inception know if your proposed structure can be built at the proposed location.
LESSON 5
Get the land surveyed so that the structure is properly situated.
Have an architectural design for your proposed building and ensure its approval by the regulatory body.
RECORD KEEPING
Keeping record might seem like an odd act to a layman, but it’s actually one the professional acts of a Construction company.
Activities of every stage of the construction must be documented for reference purposes.
There should be synergy between the survey, the builders and the town planners. If for any reason a client decides to change its project executor, the record of work done will help guide the new person to maintain the standard or otherwise.
If activities are not documented, the new contractor will find it difficult to continue the job.
Information on the type of foundation that was laid is just one of the main records that will help the new contractor moving forward.
LESSON 6
For any construction company – always keep the record of activities at each stage of construction.
For clients – insist on record keeping. Should you terminate the contract of your contractor, ensure you get a proper record of activities done at your site.
ACTION POINT
We have been able to express 6 things you should look out for while trying to prevent a sudden building collapse.
Trust this article have informed you better, we love to hear from you. Use the comment section below.
Our heart also goes out to the people who have lost their loved ones to an incidence of building collapse, may their souls rest in peace.
Thanks for your attention and please enjoy your day.
*Dr Laide Okubena*