Common problems in bulidings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Common problems in bulidings - Essay Example These are problems experienced by modern construction as well and building managers aim to provide solutions to them. With more research into the building sector, several solutions have been found that could help in mitigating these problems. Even then, they are still a subject of concern among many. Cracking refers to the disintegration of particles from each other resulting in a line of weakness in the walls and is because of unequal application of force to the particles often in opposite directions. This problem manifests because of the other problems experienced in building and construction. Subsidence means the gradual sinking of a structure to a lower level than the way it was designed on the plan. This can be caused by various reasons. It could be because of settlement of mines below the building over time often at great depth, which results in destruction of buildings. Uneven sinking would result in crack in the walls. Water flowing underground below the building could potential damage the subsoil the repercussions of which would be leaking drains hence creating weakness. The result is a heavy structure pressing down on the soil hence subsiding. Furthermore, decomposition and degradation of the soil, which results in shrinking, and consolidation of the soil fill potential results in long term change in the level of the soil as the weight of the structure presses down on it. Usually this is the case when the soil is above the water table, which gives it room to dry and allow for biodegradation. This uneven movement of the building causes particles to disintegrate hence the walls crack and form crevices. Earthquakes and tremors are the major causes of cracking. One way of combating subsidence and hence cracking is careful construction of houses by isolating them from trees, mines and unstable ground to reduce risk of such uneven forces. Moreover, the construction engineers