Evaluation of Maintenance Practices on Structural Integrity and Life-cycle cost of Government Buildings in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Government buildings are important public assets whose safety, functionality, service life and economic value depend largely on effective maintenance. The study adopted a quantitative research approach using a structured questionnaire to evaluate maintenance practices and their implications for the structural integrity and life-cycle cost of government buildings in Anambra State, Nigeria., involving a review of relevant literature and a survey of built-environment professionals. From a population of 508 professionals, a sample of 120 was determined using the Taro Yamane formula at an 8% precision level, with 109 valid responses analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean scores and standard deviations. Findings revealed that corrective/reactive maintenance was the predominant strategy (56.0%), while preventive and predictive maintenance accounted for 11.0% and 5.5%, respectively. Regular inspection, condition assessment, scheduled maintenance and documentation were found to be inadequate. Respondents strongly agreed that maintenance was often triggered by failure or visible defects (mean = 4.08), while early maintenance preserves structural integrity (mean = 4.41), delayed maintenance accelerates deterioration (mean = 4.39), and preventive maintenance reduces life-cycle costs (mean = 4.35). Common defects included roof leakage, dampness, electrical problems, cracks, plumbing defects and damaged doors/windows. Major constraints included funding and approval delays, inadequate technical expertise, poor professional supervision and occupant misuse. The study concludes that reliance on reactive maintenance may accelerate deterioration and increase long-term maintenance costs. It recommends systematic preventive, predictive and condition-based maintenance supported by regular inspections, timely funding, competent personnel, professional supervision, proper documentation and life-cycle cost planning.