Saudi Journal of Civil Engineering (SJCE)
Volume-9 | Issue-09 | 237-244
Original Research Article
Conceptual Model Aimed at Limiting the Effects of Rainfall on Buildings and Urban Infrastructure in the Republic of Congo
Alain Symphorien Ndongo, Sylvain Ndinga Okina, Vivien Ekouele-Mbaki, Louis Ahouet
Published : Oct. 21, 2025
Abstract
Reports on precipitation and rainfall data show that Congo has a tropical climate characterized by heavy rainfall for eight (08) months out of twelve (12), with volumes reaching up to 225 mm in November and April. Land use and the construction of various structures by the population do not take into account the runoff caused by heavy rainfall. This situation poses serious problems for the architectural quality of buildings and the environment. As a result, human settlements are extremely precarious and unsanitary. Each rainfall causes damage to roads, flooding of plots, silting and soil pollution. Field observations and data from recent newspapers and publications have identified demographic and rainfall characteristics as well as phenomena that cause damage to the urban environment. This study highlights the need to develop a national building standard that takes into account heavy and intense rainfall in the Congo. The main conclusions show that rainfall is one of the key factors influencing the quality of the built environment, that is to say buildings and infrastructure. The anti-erosion development model proposed in this study uses eco-parceling to strengthen the resilience of buildings in the face of natural events. The implementation of such development plans could help engineers and public authorities in the urban crisis linked to natural disasters.