Investigation of the cause of failure of building structures in Damaturu, Northeastern Nigeria, using electrical resistivity method

In this study, building failures were investigated in Damaturu metropolis, using Electrical resistivity method which involves, both Vertical Sounding (VES) and Resistivity Tomography (ERT). The study reveal that the area is composed of five geologic layers, are topsoil, clay, sand, sandy-clay, sand. topsoil thickness ranged from 0.7 to 1.9 m has values 127.6 171.5 Ωm. second layer a clay formation 6.9 12.6 m. thin most parts it mostly excavated during process for foundation laying thereby leading situation where buildings footed on formation. underlain by clay. Clay soils often swell rainy season shrink dry season. Considering appreciable area, swelling shrinking behavior responsible failure collapse area. resultant shrinkage under foundation, subjects shear stress culminate cracking walls deformation buildings. revealed materials underlying foundations incompetent they deserved be compensated construction appropriate types or engineering reinforcement, concretes enhance load bearing capacity proposed sites