The connection between surveying and building collapse is fundamental and critical. Surveying, as a technical process of measuring and mapping land and built environments, serves as a foundation upon which safe, sustainable and structurally sound buildings are constructed. A failure or neglect in proper surveying practices be it land, structural or engineering survey, can significantly contribute to building failure and eventual collapse. The Role of Survey in Building Construction Surveying in construction encompasses various types such as topographic surveys, geotechnical surveys, engineering surveys, and structural monitoring.These provide vital data on Soil composition and stability, Elevation and slope, Flood risk and drainage patterns, Boundary and setback accuracy and Foundation suitability. Accurate surveys help engineers and architects design buildings that are suited to their specific environmental and geotechnical conditions. On the other hand, inadequate or poorly executed surveys can misinform design and lead to catastrophic consequences. How Poor Surveying Leads to Building Collapse 1. Inadequate Soil Investigation: Failure to conduct proper soil tests can result in buildings being constructed on weak or unsuitable ground, leading to foundation failure.2. Incorrect Topographic Data: Errors in terrain elevation or slope can affect drainage systems, and cause water accumulation and weaken the structure over time.3. Boundary and Structural Misalignment: Errors in site demarcation may lead to encroachment, improper loading distribution, or violation of building codes.4. Absence of Structural Monitoring: Failure to conduct ongoing structural surveys can result in undetected settlement, subsidence, or cracking which may culminate in a collapse. Here are case studies I have provided to support the above discussions In 2014, a synagogue church building collapsed in Lagos, around the Ikotun-Egbe area. The building in question is a six-story guest house, killing over 110 people with 85 injured. Investigations showed that it is due to poor structural design and lack of geotechnical surveys. The soil’s bearing capacity was not evaluated and approvals were not based on any verified structural survey. As a result, the collapse was attributed to structural failure and non-compliance with survey standards. Four (4) years ago, a 21 story high-rise building collapsed in Ikoyi, Lagos state, with over 40 fatalities. This building exceeded approved floors and lacked adequate soil tests. The project site was reportedly water-logged and required pile foundations, which were either poorly done or entirely ignored. In this case, regulatory bodies cited failure in geotechnical survey and disregard for structural advisories as causes. _Preventive Measures and Recommendations_ Mandatory Geotechnical and Topographic Surveys: These should be prerequisites before any building approval is granted.Regular Structural Audits: Buildings, such as high-rise structures, should undergo routine surveys to assess any deformation or foundation issues.Training and Licensing: Only certified surveyors and engineers should be allowed to conduct surveys and site assessments.Policy Enforcement: Regulatory bodies must monitor compliance with survey reports and building codes during and after construction. Conclusion Surveying is not merely a procedural step in construction; it is the backbone of safe and sustainable building development. The failure to implement and act upon thorough surveying practices often paves the way for structural inadequacies, which can escalate into partial or total building collapse. As shown in multiple case studies, the negligence of proper surveys has repeatedly resulted in loss of lives and property. To mitigate such risks, stakeholders in the built environment must prioritize and institutionalize accurate surveying as a non-negotiable foundation of construction safety.
The relationship between Survey & Building collapse
