Degradation, the chemical/physical response of building and con struction materials exposed to in-service environments, must be predicted prior to their installation in structures if materials are to be effectively selected, used and maintained. These assessments of materials degradation require that methods be available to aid prediction of service life. The objectives of building materials science are a) to charac terize and categorize materials, b) to predict, preferably in a mathematical sense, material or component response including expected service life, and c) to make improvements in material response through improvements in design, formulation, processing or specification. For building and construction materials, continued progress has been made towards objective (a), but little progress has been made towards objectives (b) and (c). Of these, the mathematical prediction of service life appears to be of greater importance, because, if general approaches or models having application to a wide range of building and construction materials can be identi fied, then the categorization, selection, use and improvement of materials can proceed in a systematic manner. Researchers in advanced technologies, such as aerospace, nuclear, electronics and medicine, have apparently been more successful than researchers in building and construction technology in responding to the need for reliable predictions of service life.
Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Problems in Service Life Prediction of Building and Construction Materials, Paris, France, September 10-12, 1984
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.
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.
First Published in 2004. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company. This volume presents the proceedings of the seventh Conference on the Durability of Building Materials and Components, held in May 1996. Emphasis is given to service life data and in-service performance, and the text reflects current research activity in these areas.
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.
Transport Processes in Concrete presents a comprehensive survey of the physical and chemical processes and transport mechanisms in concrete, and analyses their significance for the movement of heat, moisture and chemical compounds.A critical analysis of the available mathematical models is given, and from this analysis the most suitable models to d
This book presents contributions on new technologies in building and construction. Buildings are complex elements that impact environment significantly. The sustainability of this sector requires a holistic and multidisciplinary approach that allows adequate strategies to be established to reduce its environmental impact. This heterogeneity is represented in these chapters, which have been developed by researchers from different countries. The book is divided into three sections: (i) analysis, (ii) design and modeling, and (iii) solutions. The book chapters together represent an advance in current knowledge about new technologies in building and construction, crucial for researchers, engineers, architects, policy makers, and stakeholders.
2 real examples demonstrate how to obtain the service life of solar collector systems Durable, providing fundamentals that will continue to be valuable over the next 5-10 years Lighting a pathway to the commercialisation of solar products Solar devices lose their performance over time. The rate of degradation controls the service life of these devices. The essential concepts used to assess durability and performance of two specific solar collector systems are described, enabling researchers to assess durability in other solar devices. The examples of modelling, testing and performance measurements give researchers a how-to approach to reach crucial service lifetime predictions. Achieving successful and sustainable commercialisation of solar products relies on the fulfilment of 2 further criteria and these are also discussed. The methodology of service lifetime predictions (SLP), which is explained in detail in the book, is crucially needed in other solar technologies and is generally applicable to a wide variety of materials, components and systems used in other solar, biomedical, aerospace, electronic and coatings technologies. 2 real examples demonstrate how to obtain the service life of solar collector systems Reassuringly durable, providing fundamentals that will continue to be valuable over the next 5-10 years Lighting a pathway for the commercialisation of solar products
This book provides a compendium of material properties, demonstrates several successful examples of bio-based materials’ application in building facades, and offers ideas for new designs and novel solutions. It features a state-of-the-art review, addresses the latest trends in material selection, assembling systems, and innovative functions of facades in detail. Selected case studies on buildings from diverse locations are subsequently presented to demonstrate the successful implementation of various biomaterial solutions, which defines unique architectural styles and building functions. The structures, morphologies and aesthetic impressions related to bio-based building facades are discussed from the perspective of art and innovation; essential factors influencing the performance of materials with respect to functionality and safety are also presented. Special emphasis is placed on assessing the performance of a given facade throughout the service life of a building, and after its end. The book not only provides an excellent source of technical and scientific information, but also contributes to public awareness by demonstrating the benefits to be gained from the proper use of bio-based materials in facades. As such, it will appeal to a broad audience including architects, engineers, designers and building contractors.