Potential defects & failures in building industry

Abstract

Padang is one of red zone area of earthquake disaster. Quality of building is of important aspect towards disaster resistant. This paper is to report findings of the survey on potential defects and failure modes in building industry in Padang City. The survey was conducted in 3 building projects. The research has uncovered technical defects and potential failures leading to vulnerability of structural deficiencies of buildings. Findings show that inappropriate procedures, defective selected materials and concrete structures of beam, column and foundation, defective design of electrical circuits are among those potential defects undermining the quality of buildings. These quality defects may lead to vulnerability of buildings under earthquake disasters.