Musa H. L,
Abdussalam A.,
Lawal H.M,
Shehu N.,
Ibrahim A. Z.,
Baba I. H,
Abstract
Dampness is one of the sources of defect in building. Apart from triggering deterioration of the material and textures, it can also affect in harm to the furnishings and content there by allowing the development of fungi. There are many causes of dampness in building some of which include rain penetration which occurs ingress above the ground at the various points in the external envelope of the construction. i.e through walls roofs, and opening such as windows and doors. It could also be caused by rising damp mostly in older buildings, damp rise up wall due to lack of damp-proof-course, other causes include level of site, damp ability of the climatic condition, defective orientation of the building. The aim of this research is to appraise the effect of dampness in some buildings selected buildings at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The study employed case study method and covered major components of building such as foundation, walls, roofs, drainage, external and internal finishes of the building and its surroundings. Literature related to the major variables of the research was reviewed adequately. 200 questionnaires were disturbed and 150 were returned and analyzed. Results of the findings show that most of the respondents were 300 level students and indicated that they have dampness problem result also shows that dampness has effect on health; school management is taking a step in solving the problems of dampness. The result of this research work it can be concluded that, dampness is an undesirable feature in building which causes environmental degradation and effect to health. The sick building sickness is generally the negative effect of dampness building on its occupants. It was also found that hostels of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria were infected by such dampness. Causes of damped building could be hydroscope salt, bridging of cavity walls roof water fitting among others. Base of the finding of our research which is drawn from the population of two hundred, which one hundred and fifty questionnaires were returned and analyzed. The students have negative impression about damped building and contractors are responsible for damped buildings. Appropriate measures to tackle the problems of dampness in buildings were recommended.
Keywords: Dampness, chimneys, parapets, sick building, deterioration, damp-proof membrane, defective orientation, foundation, tenants, Allergies.
[This article belongs to Journal of Structural Engineering and Management ]
Musa H. L, Abdussalam A., Lawal H.M, Shehu N., Ibrahim A. Z., Baba I. H. Evaluation of dampness effect on some buildings in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Journal of Structural Engineering and Management. 2025; 12(03):-.
Musa H. L, Abdussalam A., Lawal H.M, Shehu N., Ibrahim A. Z., Baba I. H. Evaluation of dampness effect on some buildings in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Journal of Structural Engineering and Management. 2025; 12(03):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/josem/article=2025/view=234355
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Journal of Structural Engineering and Management
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 03 |
| Received | 27/08/2025 |
| Accepted | 12/12/2025 |
| Published | 15/12/2025 |
| Publication Time | 110 Days |
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