Modecs Blog

 Structural failure represents the loss of capacity of a structure or it's components to support or transmit loads. This situation usually happens when the materials are stressed to the extend of its resistant limit, causing cracks and deformation or at times subsequent collapse.

To understand structural failure, we need to examine what causes it or what are the causes favoring the happenings.

• SOIL CHARACTERISTICS

The nature of the soil on which a structure is built is a crucial and determining factor. It could be clay, sandy and rock. This soil differences will generate different behaviors underloads and most at times structures built on clay aren’t adequately good enough to be inhabited.

• GEOLOGICAL STRATIFICATION

Soils show varied stratification due to different geological formation. This condition can influence the stability and bearing capacity of the soil, causing point differential or ununiform settlement.

• PRESENCE OF WATER

The existence of water in the soil can cause variation in the soil’s bearing capacity as times goes on. The variation can be due to rises or fall in water level

• MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS

The kind of material used to construct a building will automatically influence it load bearing capacity. Materials such as reinforced concrete, or steel may have great strength as compared to other materials and construction techniques.

• Applied loads

Structural loads such as weight of structural element and wind can influence and favor the failure of a building. Proper elevation and sizing of structure thqt can withstand the loads are essential.

When there is a failure, automatically, there is a way to resolve that kind of situation. We go through a mitigation. To mitigate the effect of structural settlement which is caused by foundation problems, it is necessary to undertake a series of targeted interventions that may vary depending on the kind of problems and the specific conditions of the building. To asses the best structural interventions, it will be advisable to perform structural calculations with the support of a structural engineer.

Here are some mitigation steps to follow

• Geotechnical assessment

It will be very crucial to carry out a thorough assessment of the soil, condition and the causes foundation issues. This exercise allows a full understanding of the problems and planning the necessary right interventions

• Foundation reinforcement

In many cases, it is possible to reinforce the existing foundation by adding structural element such as foundation piles, micro – piles increasing the bearing capacity of a foundation that will automatically reduce the risk of further destruction.

• Drainage and water management

Controlling ground water is crucial to preventing foundation settlement caused by changes in the soil saturation. So adequate drainage can help maintain soil around the foundation.

• Foundation reconstructions

In most cases where the foundation is severely compromised, it will be totally necessary to remove the existing foundation and build a new one. The intervention will be costly and complex, but it will be the only way to restore structural stability.

It has to be noted that specific intervention to be adopted depending on the unique circumstance of each building and the surrounding of the soil.

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