THE EFFECTTIVENESS OF BUILDING CODES AND REGULATIONS IN MITIGATING COLLAPSES: (A CASE STUDY OF JOS SCHOOL BUILDING COLLAPSE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The location and significance of structures in relation to human existence and survival, as individuals live and engage in their activities within them, are crucial. However, the preservation of the current housing inventory in a livable state continues to be a significant issue that needs to be addressed in Nigeria, as well as in other countries worldwide. (Ola, 2021). Constructing buildings, whether they are temporary, permanent, or monumental constructions, requires careful planning, design, construction, and maintenance in order to achieve the intended level of pleasure, comfort, and safety (Xavier, 2019). The desired level of satisfaction, comfort, and safety is at risk when the building fails to fulfil its primary duties of providing satisfaction, safety, and stability. Building failure can occur due to either a complete or partial failure of one or more components of a building structure.

Building failure refers to any flaw, weakness, or problem in a specific aspect or component of a building. It may also be due to the exclusion of performance. The degree of building failure can be correlated with the level of divergence of a building from its original "as-built" condition, which often represents the acceptable standard within the surrounding area, community, region, or country. (Ekpo, 2018). Building failures can be categorised into two types: cosmetic failures and structural failures. The former situation arises when modifications have been made to the building, resulting in changes to its structural appearance. The latter influences both the perspective and the structural integrity of the building (Olalusi & Charles, 2020). Building collapse can be defined as the whole or partial breakdown of one or more components of a building, resulting in the building's incapacity to fulfil its primary purpose of providing comfort, satisfaction, safety, and stability.

The problem of building collapse has been widely debated in the Nigerian construction industry, particularly in the past decade (Ede 2010). This is a result of the heightened frequency of building collapses observed in numerous urban regions. In essence, a building collapse refers to the situation where the structural or important components of a building deviate from their intended positions, resulting in deformation, disfigurement, or the building falling apart (Giwa & Abdulwahab 2019). The primary reasons for building collapse are design mistakes and inadequate construction details. Other contributing factors are abrupt geotechnical alterations, earthquakes, and flooding (Ogundele 2023). Typically, a structure collapse is preceded by a failure, which may or may not be easily noticeable and can happen gradually over time (Fakere & Fakere, 2019). A failure may manifest as the excessive utilisation of a building above its intended capacity, the deterioration of building services resulting in underground leakages, the gradual weakening of construction materials over time, the neglect of maintenance, and flooding (Olabosipo 2020).

The absence of adequate building regulations is a significant factor contributing to building collapses in Nigeria. Although building codes and regulations exist, they are frequently disregarded, enabling builders and contractors to erect structures that fail to satisfy the necessary standards (Bamidele, 2019). This is frequently observed in informal settlements, where the inhabitants lack the means to lobby for adequate building laws and enforcement. According to Olumide (2023), a significant problem lies in the insufficient implementation of current regulations. Building officials and regulators frequently face resource and capacity constraints that hinder their ability to effectively inspect and enforce building codes and regulations, resulting in the oversight of unsafe buildings. In order to mitigate the occurrence of building collapses in Nigeria, it is crucial to tackle the fundamental factors contributing to this issue. One approach to achieve this is by implementing more stringent construction standards and codes, ensuring their effective enforcement, and offering training and resources to building officials and regulators (Gbadebo et al., 2023). 

Building regulations encompass a wide range of crucial societal concerns, such as safeguarding public health and safety, as well as preserving the environment. The building regulations incorporate cost efficiency and investment value due to their development through a democratic and deliberate process that implements improvements gradually (Darnell et al., 2019). Building codes have a significant role in determining the quality, safety, and energy efficiency of a building in the long term. This is because the decisions made during the initial design and construction phase have a lasting impact on the operational and maintenance costs throughout the building's lifespan (Johnson, 2019). While building equipment and certain components can be replaced or upgraded, numerous aspects of building performance are inherently incorporated at the first design phase and are prohibitively costly and challenging to modify. The foundations and other components of the building envelope generally remain intact for a duration of 50 years or longer. Building codes and decisions related to design and construction have a significant impact on our daily lives. Certain restrictions, such as fire safety rules and structural and seismic standards, have a direct and noticeable impact on us. Additional factors, such as the quality of lighting, the acoustic environment, and the air quality, also significantly impact our health and productivity (Tommy et al., 2021). 

Building collapses pose a substantial threat in Nigeria, resulting in fatalities, property damage, and interruption of community activities (Yekini et al., 2021). Building codes and regulations are implemented as preventive measures against disasters. These codes and regulations provide the criteria for construction methods and material usage (Nonso & Ifiok, 2022). Jos, the administrative centre of Plateau State, has witnessed multiple occurrences of structural failures in buildings, which have brought attention to the weaknesses present in the construction industry. Robust building rules and regulations are crucial for ensuring public safety, especially in educational institutions where the lives of children and educators are at risk. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the consequences and implementation of these regulations is essential for formulating effective measures to avert future failures and guarantee the security of educational facilities.

This study examines the efficacy of building standards and regulations in preventing building collapses, specifically focusing on the collapse of the Saint Academy School building in the Busa Buji neighbourhood of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. This research attempts to assess the impact of building codes and regulatory enforcement on construction safety by analysing the instances of school building collapses in Jos. Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The efficacy of building standards and regulations in reducing building collapses continues to be a significant problem in Nigeria, as demonstrated by the recent collapse of a school building in Jos. Although there are regulations in place to ensure the structural integrity and safety, accidents like this do happen, which raises concerns about the sufficiency and implementation of these standards.

The enforcement of building code regulations in Nigeria is ineffective when it comes to ensuring compliance. According to Bankole (2022), adhering to code rules is impractical because of the high cost and limited availability of construction supplies. Mohammed (2017) found that 75 percent of individuals in Nigeria are unable to meet the financial requirements for constructing a structure in compliance with the country's construction regulations. The high cost of construction materials and their limited availability contribute to the substandard quality of both the materials and the structure itself. Bankole (2022)

An inherent issue in Nigeria is the insufficient allocation of financial resources and assistance towards the establishment of building regulations at the community level (Omoniyi, 2024). The issue typically arises from underlying difficulties associated with income levels and control over taxation, as well as constitutional and administrative frameworks (Eteng et al., 2024). Several local governments lack sufficient personnel with the requisite technical expertise to effectively supervise new construction projects (Egbukola, 2024). In order to ensure the proper implementation of building codes, it is essential to have an ample amount of financial resources and a suitable level of technical expertise among the regulators. Bobby (2020) asserts that improved enforcement ensures a decrease in collapses. Sifon et al., (2024) concurred that more tactics for detecting violations and the ability to hold violators accountable are necessary to ensure compliance. This argument is valid since the perpetrators can only face punishment if the system is capable of identifying the errors or failures. There are instances where there are technical competence regulators present, but there is a shortage in their numbers to effectively oversee the enforcement and compliance process.

The initial inquiry into the collapse of the Saint Academy School building in the Busa Buji area of Jos, Plateau State, in North Central Nigeria, has revealed that the construction was faulty. Samson (2024), the Director General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), noted that the building had apparent symptoms of decay, indicating the utilisation of substandard materials. Samson (2024) discovered that the examination uncovered uncertainty over the amount of concrete utilised in the construction of the two-story building. This happened because there was no clear boundary between the concrete and the steel reinforcement. Moreover, the anchorage given for the reinforcement of the slab was insufficient. The exact measurement is indeterminable due to the absence of a clear demarcation between the concrete and the steel reinforcement. The anchorage of the slab reinforcement was insufficient. The dimensions provided for the footing's foundation were smaller than the prescribed size of 1200 mm X 1200 mm (Punch, 2024). The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of building rules and regulations in preventing structural failures in Nigeria, with a specific emphasis on the case of a school building collapse in Jos.

1.3 Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically assess the effectiveness of codes and regulations in mitigating collapses: a case study of Jos school building collapse. Specific objectives of this study are to:

To assess the level of compliance with building codes and regulations among school buildings in Jos

To determine the impact of building codes and regulation in mitigating building collapse in Jos

To identify weaknesses in the current regulatory framework that contribute to building collapses

To proffer recommendations for strengthening building codes, enhancing regulatory enforcement, and promoting best practices in school construction and maintenance

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

What is the level of compliance with building codes and regulations among school buildings in Jos?

What are the impact of building codes and regulation in mitigating building collapse in Jos?

What is the weaknesses in the current regulatory framework that contribute to building collapses?

What are the recommendations for strengthening building codes, enhancing regulatory enforcement, and promoting best practices in school construction and maintenance?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following research hypotheses have been formulated:

Ho: The level of compliance with building codes and regulations among school buildings in Jos is low.

Ha: The level of compliance with building codes and regulations among school buildings in Jos is high.

1.6 Significance of the study

An examination of the efficacy of building codes and regulations in preventing collapses, specifically focusing on the Jos school building collapse, is essential for enhancing safety protocols, guiding policy revisions, ensuring responsibility, and facilitating sustainable urban growth in Nigeria and other regions.

Gaining insight into the advantages and limitations of existing building standards and regulations can result in enhancements to the protection of public safety. Policymakers and regulatory agencies can avoid future building collapses and safeguard lives by recognising deficiencies and opportunities for improvement and implementing appropriate actions.

Moreover, the study's findings can provide valuable insights for policy reforms that seek to enhance construction norms and regulations. This entails the revision of standards, the enhancement of enforcement mechanisms, and the strengthening of compliance measures to guarantee that construction activities conform to safety requirements.

Finally, the implementation of effective building rules and regulations is crucial for the purpose of sustainable urban planning and infrastructure development. These restrictions enhance the durability and lifespan of structures, hence promoting the long-term development objectives of the city. The results of research can be used as instructional resources for anyone involved in the construction sector, increasing their understanding of the significance of following building codes and regulations. This can result in enhanced understanding and methodologies among architects, engineers, contractors, and building inspectors.

Furthermore, future academics will employ it as a comprehensive analysis of the existing academic literature. Therefore, individuals who possess a strong passion for this area of study can rely on this work as a trustworthy and scrupulously assessed source of information.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically assess the effectiveness of codes and regulations in mitigating collapses: a case study of Jos school building collapse. Specifically, this study seeks to determine the impact of building codes and regulation in mitigating building collapse in Nigeria, assess the level of compliance with building codes and regulations among school buildings in Nigeria. 

Further, this study will focus on identifying weaknesses in the current regulatory framework that contribute to building collapses and it also seeks to proffer recommendations for strengthening building codes, enhancing regulatory enforcement, and promoting best practices in school construction and maintenance.

The study is carried out in Jos, Plateau State. The respondents of this study are the residents and neighbors of the collapsed Saints Academy in the Busa Buji area of Jos, Plateau State

1.8 Limitations of the study

Like in any human attempt, the researchers encountered several small limits during the investigation. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, given the scarcity of data pertaining to the effectiveness of codes and regulations in mitigating collapses: a case study of Jos school building collapse. Therefore, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to identify the suitable materials, books, or information and to collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its diminutive sample size and restricted geographical range, concentrating just on Jos, Plateau state. Hence, the findings of this study cannot be extrapolated, thereby necessitating additional research. 

Furthermore, the researcher's restraints were predominantly attributable to financial limitations, as they are a student without a means of revenue to support themselves. The research location's high transportation costs, impacted by current inflation in Nigeria, made it difficult to afford transportation fees.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while simultaneously meeting the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational pursuits.

1.9 Definition of terms

Building: a building is a structure with walls and a roof that is constructed for long-term use, serving as a place for human habitation, work, and storage. Buildings are architectural constructions that provide protection and accommodation for human beings, their possessions, and their various endeavors.

Building collapse: A building collapse is the sudden structural failing, partially or entirely, of a building, threatening human life and health. When internal load-bearing structural elements fail, a building will collapse into itself, and exterior walls pulled into the falling structure.

Substandard materials: Substandard construction materials are materials that do not meet quality standards and contribute to undesired consequences on the life of a building.