ASSESSMENT OF PASSIVE SECURITY MEASURES IN MIXEDUSE BUILDING OFFA, KWARA STATE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Buildings are manmade structures that are primarily meant for shelter. They are designed in different sizes, shapes, forms and functions. Some buildings have only one function and some have multiple functions such as residential and commercial purposes. These types of building are referred to as mixed-use building. One major problem encountered with these structures is the issue of insecurity which is as a result of poor design which makes them more prone to attacks by the terrorist and criminals because of the nature of these buildings and their usage. They are easy target because these terrorists know that huge and valuable properties are stored in them. Theaim of this research is an assessment of passive security design measures in mixed use building. The research method employed is qualitative research where the buildings were randomly selected from the sample population.The criterion for selection is building with three or more significant uses. Significant uses such as residential, commercial, retail, institutional, recreational, and hotel uses. Data was collected through personal observation and analysis of the results from the collected data were discussed and shown in tables and charts using Microsoft office word and power point. It was discovered that passive security measures to consider in mixed-use building are standoff distance, passive security elements on site and access and parking facilities. The study established that 70% of the selected mixed-use buildings in Offa lacked the integration of passive security measureat the design stage. The thesis contributed to knowledge by establishing a clear distance of 1200 millimetres between adjacent security barriers with a height of 600millimeters and above for security design. It is recommended that passive security measures such as maximum standoff between structures, use of carbon reinforced polymer as wall cladding, use of perimeter fence, use of defensive plantings, use of laminated safety exterior glass and the use of chicane and offset road approach should be integrated during the design stage so as to ensure the safety of lives and properties.