Critical building components analysis: An empirical study

Abstract. To improve a building's performance, it is essential to critically evaluate the common structural component failures and damages encountered by construction professionals throughout a building’s service life. This study aims to identify and prioritize key building components, as well as critical defects and their underlying causes, in construction projects. After reviewing the relevant literature, 23 building assessment reports were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. The results show that walls are the most affected component, followed by slabs, foundations, columns, beams, joints, and staircases. The most common defects include small or hairline cracks, reinforcement corrosion, concrete spalling, differential settlement, tilting, efflorescence, and seepage in walls and slabs. These issues are primarily attributed to poor planning, inadequate or absent subsurface investigations, low-quality materials, substandard workmanship, increased live loads due to changes in building use, aging structures, and insufficient concrete cover. The findings offer valuable insights for key stakeholders—such as project owners, consultants, contractors, as well as academic and industry professionals—by helping to reduce building defects and raise the standards of building performance throughout their service life.