Identification of Building Failure Indicators

Abstract

A most frequent problem in the construction industry of Pakistan is the failure of structures, especially buildings, before their expected design life. Structural failure in buildings at the time of construction or after completion may result in human casualties, waste of money, social disturbance, and clashes, and claims between stakeholders. Many researches have already been conducted about key causes which lead a structure to fail at later stages. This research is pursuing to analyze early building failure indicators (BFIs) in Pakistan. Indicators and causes emerged from a thorough literature review, past projects, and site visits of various projects in Pakistan. The causes were grouped in sets of BFIs with the consent of structural experts. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS using mean value. Critical reasoning and conceivable recommendations are suggested by the opinion of experienced stakeholders having worked at various projects in Pakistan. The identification of these indicators is a key interest research topic for the country, as it would possibly reduce the failures of buildings in the future, saving lives, money, time, and conflicts among stakeholders.