Published Article

ABSTRACT 

Cracks in the buildings develop whenever stress exceeds their strength. Stress in the building components could be caused by externally applied forces such as dead, live, wind, seismic loads, or foundation settlement or it could be induced internally due to temperature variations, moisture changes, and chemical actions. This paper examined the determinants of wall cracks in buildings, investigating the consequences and remedial measures for resilience and sustainable development. The study revealed that to address wall cracks and enhance building resilience, it is essential to implement remedial measures such as structural repairs, foundation stabilization, proper waterproofing technique s, and effective crack sealing. It focused on the concepts of wall cracks, the determinants of wall cracks in buildings, the consequences of wall cracks in buildings, the remedies for wall cracks in buildings, the effect of wall cracks on the sustainability of buildings, and the prevention of wall cracks in buildings. The study concluded that cracking in buildings can be the result of one or a combination of factors such as poorly designed or constructed foundations, expansive soils, inadequate soil preparation, and others. Therefore, assessing the determinants of wall cracks, investigating their consequences, and implementing remedial measures are vital for enhancing the resilience and sustainability of buildings. Continued research, awareness, and proactive maintenance practices in this area are essential for creating safer, more durable, and more efficient built environments. One of the recommendations made was that during the building construction, there should be structural integrity of buildings which leads to safety from hazards. This will help avert the structural deficiencies that brings about cracks and other issues with extensive repairs, retrofitting, or even demolition and reconstruction. 

KEYWORDS:   Determinants, Wall Cracks, Buildings, Consequences, Remedial Measures, Resilience and Sustainable Development