This book provides a collection of recent research works, helping contribute to the systematization and dissemination of the latest findings on building pathologies (structural and hygrothermal), salt attack and corrosion, durability and service-life prediction. It reflects a number of recent advances concerning the above-mentioned topics, particularly in concrete structures. Intended as an overview of the current state of knowledge, the book will benefit scientists, students, practitioners, lecturers and other interested parties. At the same time, the topics covered are relevant to a variety of scientific and engineering disciplines, including civil, materials and mechanical engineering.

This book presents a collection of recent research works intended to assist in the effective management of service loss. It develops and evaluates methodologies for the assessment of defects and failures, and proposes methodologies for preventing and mitigating building defects. As such, the book will appeal to a broad readership of scientists, practitioners, students and lecturers.

These books contain articles on R&D into the major aspects of durability and service life prediction of building materials and components, as well as theoretical aspects of methods and modelling of prediction, description of degradation environment by use GIS, as practical implementation of knowledge on durability in maintenance procedures and in standardisation and regulations.

First Published in 2004. In the process of harmonising the wide-ranging interests in this field, the series of international conferences Durability of Building Materials and Components, of which this is the seventh, has played a decisive role by bridging between different material and product areas and by giving researchers and practitioners an opportunity to meet every third year to discuss the latest R&D achievements. This conference covers a number of themes ranging from theoretical aspects of service life prediction to the practical implementation of knowledge on durability of building products in standards. This collection is the proceedings and will serve as a valuable reference to all interested in the wide and stimulating area of durability and service life prediction in building and construction. This is Volume Two on Testing, Design and Standardisation.

Building pathology provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of defects and performance in order to develop appropriate remedial and management solutions. It considers how the structure and materials of a building relate to its environment, its occupants and the way the building is used, so as to develop a better understanding of building failures. This book provides a well illustrated introduction to the discipline of building pathology, bridging the gap between current approaches to the surveying of buildings and the detailed study of defect diagnosis, prognosis and remediation. It features a number of case studies and a detailed set of references and further reading. This second edition has been updated to reflect changes in legislation, guidance and construction, and provides new case studies that demonstrate the breadth and depth of the subject.

This book is the Proceedings of the fifth in the major series of triennial international conferences on the Durability of Building Materials and Components. It includes reports on current research into the causes, mechanisms and rates of deterioration of building materials, reliable means of repair and prevention of early failure, and new materials which can reduce construction costs.

This book provides a novel approach to building pathology in current buildings. Drawing on the available literature, hands-on experience and fieldwork inspections, it presents a systematic perspective on the pathology of the building envelope. The book addresses natural stone claddings, adhesive ceramic tiling, renders, painted surfaces, External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS), architectural concrete surfaces, windows and doors framing, and claddings for pitched and flat roofs. In addition to highlighting selected materials and construction elements, the book proposes a global classification system for defects and their probable causes, together with in situ diagnosis methods and repair techniques. It also identifies the relationships between defects and causes, diagnosis methods and repair techniques, and the interdependence between different defects, presenting these relations in the form of correlation matrices. Support files with detailed information and an inspection form are also provided. Selected case studies are presented to illustrate the value of a guidance system in fieldwork. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable guide, particularly for researchers, building inspectors, civil engineers, architects and maintenance planners.

Presenting an analysis of different approaches for predicting the service life of buildings, this monograph discusses various statistical tools and mathematical models, some of which have rarely been applied to the field. It explores methods including deterministic, factorial, stochastic and computational models and applies these to façade claddings. The models allow (i) identification of patterns of degradation, (ii) estimation of service life, (iii) analysis of loss of performance using probability functions, and (iv) estimation of service life using a probability distribution. The final chapter discusses the differences between the different methodologies and their advantages and limitations. The authors also argue that a better understanding of the service life of buildings results in more efficient building maintenance and reduced environmental costs. It not only provides an invaluable resource to students, researchers and industry professionals interested in service life prediction and sustainable construction, but is also of interest to environmental and materials scientists.

Building defects still continue to plague the construction industry. The lessons learned over the last forty years have not been fully applied. Many new or refurbished buildings still leak or crack. Lack of awareness by designers and installers as to the main mechanisms that trigger such failures remains a problem for the industry. Investigating and rectifying building failures form a major part of building surveyors’ bread and butter work. This book provides guidance on this work for typical residential, commercial and industrial buildings – with advice on how to diagnose a wide range of defects with an emphasis on evidence based practice throughout. It considers both modern and older construction methods, together with new and traditional materials. The particular problems of alteration and renovation work are also discussed. The first four chapters provide information and guidance on the methodology for investigating failures – how to prepare for and conduct an investigation into a building defect and subsequently diagnose its cause in a logical manner. This fourth edition has been updated and expanded to cover the latest diagnostic procedures and research. It also includes Appendices and a new Bibliography, and provides an extensive list of books on building pathology and related topics in the UK and North America. It is essential reading for all students and practitioners interested in building surveying and building conservation.

This book provides a collection of recent research works, related to structural stability and durability, service life, reinforced concrete structures, recycled materials, and sustainability with endogenic materials. Intended as an overview of the current state of knowledge, the book will benefit scientists, students, practitioners, lecturers and other interested parties. At the same time, the topics covered are relevant to a variety of scientific and engineering disciplines, including civil, materials and mechanical engineering.