Investigating the Effects of Dampness and Water seepage on Structural Integrity of Buildings: A Case Study of Ransom Kuti Hall, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract Dampness and water seepage are among the leading moisture problems that are encountered in building structures, particularly public buildings such as the University of Ibadan hostel buildings, and these water problems in turn affect the structural integrity of the buildings. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of water seepage and dampness on the structural integrity of buildings in Ransom Kuti Hall of Residence, University of Ibadan. This study was carried out by investigating the locations affected by water seepage and damping through visual assessments to determine the causes and effects of water seepage and damping on buildings. Consequently, the strength test uses the rebound hammer to obtain the residual strength of the affected structural elements in the buildings. The results showed that dampness and water seepage problems were caused by different factors, such as rainfall and ponding, faults in the plumbing units within the buildings, and sometimes, poor construction materials. This study identified a number of building defects that occurred due to dampness and water seepage problems, such as spalling, paint peeling and algae growth. Furthermore, the results of the strength test showed that there was an average percentage loss in strength of 8.86% in the area affected by dampness, 25.47% in the area affected by water seepage and 40.18% in the area that underwent spalling. These problems can be concluded to be serious causes of building defects. Ransome Kuti hall of residence can be categorized as an old building structure that has been in operation for more than 65 years, and these findings provide an interesting view of dampness and water seepage problems that affect the hostel functional performance.