MAINTENANCE PRACTICES FOR STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Purpose: This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of maintenance practices commonly adopted for public buildings in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria, in a view to preserving the structural integrity of these buildings.

Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a survey research method. The study population comprised registered construction professionals practising in Akwa Ibom state. A total of 308 registered professionals listed in the directory of state chapters of respective professional bodies. With the Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of 262 was calculated, with which questionnaires were randomly distributed. Data gotten from questionnaires were analysed using simple percentage and mean.

Findings: Results showed that there was a "Moderate" level of implementation of maintenance practices by building professionals in the study area. The study also indicated that roof leaks, wall cracks, concrete deterioration and foundation problems were common structural issues in the study area. Structural defects had a moderate effect on structural integrity of buildings and maintenance practices adopted to mitigate them were effective.

Research limitations/Implications: Findings from the study were limited to the perceptions of practising professions who manage properties, tender and execute maintenance projects in the study area. End users of these properties may have differing perceptions on the defects, their effects on structural integrity and the effectiveness of maintenance practices.

Practical implications: The study recommended the establishment of standardized maintenance protocols, incentives for maintenance investments amongst other measures, for effective maintenance management towards securing the structural integrity of public buildings.

Originality/value: Though several studies exist on maintenance practices for buildings, this study relates maintenance practices to the structural integrity of public buildings in Akwa Ibom State, which is an area not well investigated in literature.