Building with Engr Ogar

28/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DzrxZCKC5/

28/02/2026

THE HIDDEN DANGER OF UNEVEN FLOOR LEVELS: A Cautionary Tale of a Collapsed Perimeter Fence

A recent incident in a residential area where I work has highlighted the importance of considering the subtle yet crucial aspect of floor levels during construction. A perimeter fence surrounding an existing house collapsed due to the difference in floor levels between the inside and outside of the compound. The cause of the collapse was attributed to the laterite earth filling done before the concrete overlay, which raised the internal floor level above the external ground level.

Cause of Collapse

The primary cause of the collapse was the failure to account for the difference in floor levels during the construction process. The laterite earth filling, which was done to raise the internal floor level, exerted lateral pressure on the perimeter fence, causing it to collapse. This oversight highlights the importance of considering the structural implications of changes to the original building design or site conditions.

Solution

To address the issue, the following steps can be taken:

1. Assess and redesign: Conduct a thorough assessment of the site and redesign the perimeter fence to account for the difference in floor levels.
2. Reinforce the foundation: Strengthen the foundation of the fence to withstand the lateral pressure exerted by the raised internal floor level.
3. Install drainage: Ensure proper drainage to prevent water accumulation and reduce the risk of erosion or further instability.

Future Preventive Building Practices

To prevent similar incidents, the following best practices should be adopted:

1. Consider site conditions: Take into account the site conditions, including the natural slope and drainage patterns, during the design and construction process.
2. Account for fill materials: Factor in the effects of fill materials, such as laterite, on the structural integrity of adjacent elements, like perimeter fences.
3. Design for differential settlement: Design structures to accommodate potential differential settlement or changes in floor levels.
4. Monitor and inspect: Regularly monitor and inspect construction sites to identify potential risks and address them promptly.

Engr. Ogar, O. M. mNSE COREN

12/02/2026

This will go well for that your new building😍😊👌🏾

12/02/2026

12/02/2026

I came across this building last week Friday, that shows a significant vertical crack running through the corner of a small masonry building. The crack extends from near the top down toward the foundation, indicating structural distress rather than a superficial plaster defect. Such cracks at wall junctions are often serious because corners are critical load-bearing points in any structure.

LIKELY CAUSES:
The primary cause of this type of crack is usually differential foundation settlement. This occurs when part of the foundation sinks more than the rest due to weak or poorly compacted soil, inadequate foundation depth, or water infiltration. Other contributing factors may include:

(i) Absence of reinforced concrete columns or corner pillars

(ii) Lack of a proper ring beam at lintel or roof level

(iii) Poor mortar mix or weak block quality

(iv) Inadequate structural design and supervision

Given the visible construction style, the building may lack proper structural reinforcement to resist stress and load redistribution.

TO DO:
What Should Have Been Done
To avoid such cracking, the following measures should have been implemented:

(a) Conduct a proper soil investigation before construction.

(b) Construct a well-designed, adequately reinforced foundation.

(c) Provide reinforced concrete columns at corners and wall junctions.

(d) Install lintel and roof-level ring beams to tie the structure together.

(e) Ensure quality materials and proper mortar mix ratios.

(f) Maintain proper curing and supervision during construction.

PRO ADVICE:
Professional Advice (Civil Engineering Perspective)
As a civil engineer, I strongly advise that this building be structurally assessed before any further work continues. The crack suggests foundation or structural instability, which could worsen over time. Remedial measures may include underpinning the foundation, stitching the crack with reinforcement bars, or in severe cases, partial reconstruction. Future construction should strictly follow structural design standards and be supervised by qualified professionals to ensure safety, durability, and compliance with building codes.

Engr. M. O. Ogar mNSE COREN

10/01/2026

As a civil engineer, let me give you another professional advice for free if you are thinking whether to buy or mould block for your proposed building project. From experience, it is better you mould the blocks you intend to use for your building construction yourself (i.e under your supervision) if you have the time, except you are working with a time constraints. Don't just take my word for it, here is why.

Moulding your own blocks gives you control over the mixing ratio, ensuring the strength and durability of your building. You can choose high-quality materials and customize the blocks to fit your project's specific needs. On the other hand, bought blocks may prioritize profit over quality, leading to weaker structures.

These are the two very important reasons:

1. The Strength:
Moulding your own blocks gives you control over the mixing ratio, ensuring the strength and durability of your building. You can choose high-quality materials and customize the blocks to fit your project's specific needs. On the other hand, bought blocks may prioritize profit over quality, leading to weaker structures. By moulding your own blocks, you can ensure that the mixing ratio is optimal, resulting in stronger and more durable blocks.

2. The Cost:
The cost is another significant factor. Moulding your own blocks can be more cost-effective, especially when you consider transportation costs and the potential for bulk purchases of materials. With the current high cost of cement in Nigeria, moulding your own blocks can help you save money without compromising on quality. Moulding your own blocks can save you money on transportation costs, material costs, and potentially even labor costs.

Would you like to know more about the best mix ratio for moulding blocks or how to source affordable materials?

10/01/2026

Casting columns before or after blockwork is a common debate in construction 🤔. Here's a quick breakdown:

Casting Columns Before Blockwork:
Pros:
- 🕒 Faster construction process
- 🏗️ Easier to cast and cure columns
- 💪 Provides a strong frame for the structure
Cons:
- 🏗️ Might affect blockwork alignment
- 🚧 Can lead to gaps between columns and blocks

Casting Columns After Blockwork:
Pros:
- 🏗️ Better alignment with blockwork
- 🚧 Less gaps, more seamless finish
- 🏠 Can improve overall structural integrity
Cons:
- 🕒 Might slow down construction
- 💦 More challenging to cast and cure columns

It ultimately depends on the project's specific needs and design 📝. What's your take on this?

09/01/2026

THE END TO POP COLLAPSE

06/01/2026

In building construction, there are two common approaches to installing Damp Proof Course (DPC):
- Method 1:Building walls without DPC and casting the DPC/floor later
- Method 2:Filling with lateritic soil and casting DPC/floor before continuing with the walls

Best Way: Method 2 is generally recommended. Casting the DPC/floor before building walls ensures a continuous barrier against moisture, preventing rising damp and structural damage.

Advantage: This approach provides better protection against moisture, reducing the risk of dampness, mold growth, and structural issues, ultimately increasing the building's lifespan.

Choose wisely.😊

Engr. M. O. Ogar mnse C.Reg
Civil Engineer