Framework for Building Collapse Investigation and Proffered Mitigation Measures for Nigeria; the NBRRI Approach

The persistent incidence of building collapse in Nigeria has emerged as a critical concern for researchers and stakeholders in the built environment. Despite the frequency of these events, many have not been systematically analyzed to determine their underlying causes. This study investigates a selection of collapsed buildings across various locations in Nigeria, examining parameters such as building type, structural condition at the time of collapse, number of casualties, prevailing weather conditions, and both causative and contributory factors expressed in percentages. Findings reveal that the predominant cause of building collapse is the use of substandard construction materials, accounting for 35.38% of cases. Geotechnical investigation failures follow as the second leading cause at 21.54%, while poor or non-professional design contributes 13.85%. Other significant factors include ageing infrastructure, dilapidation, induced stress, and inadequate supervision (10.76%), poor workmanship (10.78%), and non-compliance with building regulations (7.69%). The study concludes that mitigating building collapse in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach involving proactive planning, stringent enforcement of building codes, and heightened public awareness. These measures are essential to safeguard lives and property and to ensure the integrity of the built environment.