Diagnosis and assessment of structural failure of the R & D building at RIIC, Kanye, Botswana

Abstract

An investigation was carried out by University of Botswana Structural Investigation Team, to establish the cause of the structural defects to the R & D Building at RIIC Campus in Kanye. The structural defects consisted of cracks in all exterior as well as most of the interior walls of the building. Cracks also appeared in some floors and the ring beam. The investigation consisted of measurements of crack widths, crack mapping, determination of wall displacements using survey instruments, and geotechnical investigation of the sorrounding soil. The investigation revealed that the site was underlain by expansive soils, and the damage was caused by differential movement of the soil below foundation level due to moisture variation. This paper reports on the examinations carried out and remedial reassures were proffered.