Analyzing the Impact of Cost-Cutting Measures on Structural Integrity: A Case Study of Construction Building Collapses
Ikwueze Stella Nneka1 and Nnadi Ezekiel Ejiofor2
1Department of Civil Engineering, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria
2Department of Civil Engineering, Kampala International University, Uganda.
Corresponding: nnadiezekiel@kiu.ac.ug
ABSTRACT
It can be difficult for the building sector to strike a balance between structural soundness and cost-effectiveness. Builders may sacrifice important structural components to cut costs, endangering the stability and safety of structures Substandard materials in construction can lead to issues such as lower-grade concrete, inferior steel, inadequate masonry, compromised integrity, and improper substitutions. This paper uses a case study of construction building collapses to examine the effects of cost-cutting methods on structural integrity. This study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate a sequence of building collapses and analyze the elements that contributed to the collapses, including construction processes, material quality, and adherence to safety rules. The research attempts to clarify the complex link between cost-cutting strategies and structural failures by using quantitative assessment of structural flaws, and interviews with industry experience. The results show how the recurring theme in these incidents is poor construction practices the lack of quality control with a mean value of 5 and the use of substandard materials with a mean value of 4. The least recurring factor is inadequate waterproofing with a mean value of 3. The highest implication is the safety risk (5) followed by economic consequences (4). The work recommends mitigation risk as a rigorous quality control followed by the use of high-quality materials. Also recommended are timely maintenance and repairs and enhanced design review processes.
Keywords: Cost-cutting measures, Structural integrity, soundness, Building Project, Safety.
CITE AS: Ikwueze Stella Nneka and Nnadi Ezekiel Ejiofor (2024). Analyzing the Impact of Cost-Cutting Measures on Structural Integrity: A Case Study of Construction Building Collapses. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC AND EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCES, 5(2):35-42 https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJSES/2024/10.5.263542