INVESTIGATING THE USE OF IMPLODING METHOD OF BUILDING DEMOLITION IN ONITSHA METROPOLIS, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
The existence of a building structure after its service life period is very dangerous to its occupants and surrounding buildings. Hence, the old structures need to be demolished for replacement by new structures. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of imploding method of building demolition with a view to establishing factors affecting its utilization. Data was collected via structured questionnaire administered to the managing Directors of 70 registered building construction firms in Onitsha and the 2 Directors of Anambra State Physical Planning Board though purposive sampling and analysed using mean score index. Findings revealed that the prevalent methods of building demolition are hand/manual method (Mean= 4.60), heavy machinery razing operation (Mean= 4.24) and mechanical demolition method (Mean= 3.54). But dismantling method (Mean= 2.68), pressure bursting method (1.36) and imploding method (Mean= 1.10) were rejected as building demolition method in the study area. It was also established that the level of awareness on imploding method is poor (Mean= 1.10) and is limited to the use of dynamite (75%). The respondents accepted that the factors that affect the use of imploding method of building demolition are lack of technical expertise (Mean= 4.40), low level of awareness (Mean= 4.13), unavailability of explosives in the open market (Mean= 4.09) and government stringent rules and regulations on explosive (Mean= 3.65). They further agreed that public enlightenment (Mean= 4.54), provision of professional training (Mean= 4.42), and establishment of building implosion department at every military base (Mean= 4.01) are necessary for the use of imploding demolition method to be improved. It was thus recommended that demolition experts in Onitsha should be properly trained on the use of the imploding method, proper licensing of users of implosive demolition devices by the defence Ministry, public awareness programme on the use of imploding methods and introduction of a course on “Demolition Methodology†in higher institutions offering Building discipline.
KEYWORDS: Building, Building Demolition, Onitsha, Anambra State, Imploding
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