By MyEngineers
The General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL), Engr. Olayinka Abdul, and her counterpart at the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Oki have issued a strong call for the involvement of core professionals in specific engineering fields when assessing the structural integrity of buildings.
The even was an interagency meeting held at the office of Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, on Friday 30th August 2024.
Engr. Abdul stressed that qualifications alone do not equate to competency, and only specialists in relevant fields should be entrusted with such critical tasks.
According to Abdul, “Qualifications do not validate competency in specific Engineering fields, but only specialists should be employed on specific projects. For example, a Civil Engineer does not certify being a Structural Engineer to proffer solutions to dilapidating structures for demolition, it is only a Structural Engineer who was trained in that specialty.
“A lot of General Practitioners in Civil Engineering and other Engineering fields believe they have the capability to consult on structural defects, but this is very unprofessional and wrong,“ the General Manager added.
She likened using unqualified professionals for structural assessments to administering the wrong treatment for an ailment.
Engr. Abdul highlighted the complexity of materials test results, emphasizing that their interpretation requires the expertise of structural engineers to recommend effective solutions. She noted that while civil engineers can handle buildings up to four floors, structural engineers possess the additional knowledge necessary to safely manage higher structures.
This distinction in specialization is crucial for maintaining safety and integrity in construction.
A lot of General Practitioners in Civil Engineering and other Engineering fields believe they have the capability to consult on structural defects, but this is very unprofessional and wrong-Olayinka Abdul
Engaging Registered members from Bodies like NIStructE
Also, Engr. Abdul also emphasized the importance of professional numbers and seals on all reports. She underscored the need to engage only certified professionals, particularly those recognized by the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers (NISTrucTE), a Division of Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE.
This move, and she said, aligns with LSMTL’s recent partnership with NISTRUCTE to ensure that all test reports are properly interpreted and defective buildings are accurately assessed to avoid unnecessary demolition.
On his part, Earlier, the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Oki said, “Findings from Materials Testing Laboratory Agency often seemed like Greek, to a layman. However, this idea of getting recommendations from a Structural Engineer is quite applaudable, as it enhances dynamics and data analytical interpretation in basic understanding. I believe this becomes a statutory development to ascertain structures that are durable and devoid of defects across Lagos State.”
Collaborations with LSMTL, LASPIC, LASBCA
To streamline the process and enhance efficiency, the General Manager announced that LSMTL, LASPIC, and LASBCA are working together to automate test results and ensure that all relevant agencies are informed. This initiative aims to prevent building disasters by enabling timely intervention.
She reiterated LSMTL’s readiness in collaborating with LASBCA for seamless work process through stage by stage inspection of all ongoing building constructions in the State in order to compel compliance on the part of the building publics.
Abdul revealed that Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory has introduced a Read Alone Platform for both LASBCA and Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) where all the Non-Destructive Tests carried out by the Agency will be shared in order to prevent doctored NDT results presentation.
Earlier, the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, in his welcome address appreciated the newly appointed LSMTL General Manager, Engr Olayinka Abdul for her outstanding performance and effort within a short period of time in making sure that Non-Destructive Tests (NDT) carried out by the Agency are not doctored or poorly appraised by unqualified professionals.
Oki advised LSMTL Management Team to always appraise the NDT reports, especially from third party, with findings and not conclusion as this will further assist registered COREN Civil or Structural Engineer in their final analysis, conclusion and make informed recommendation if a building in question is to be remodeled, renovated or demolished.
Both Agencies unanimously agreed that before a final verdict can be passed on an NDT conducted by LSMTL there must be a joint appraisal and methodology by relevant professionals comprising of COREN registered Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer, etc.for a well detailed and comprehensive analysis of the test.
The meeting had in attendance Management Team from both LASBCA and LSMTL including the District and Divisional Heads of both agencies.