Harmonised Classification of the Causes of Defects in a Global Inspection System: Proposed Methodology and Analysis of Fieldwork Data

Clara Pereira, Jorge de Brito and José D. Silvestre
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Clara Pereira: CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Jorge de Brito: CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
José D. Silvestre: CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 14, 1-27

Abstract: This research results from the development of a global inspection system based on previous studies about individual expert inspection systems for 12 types of elements/materials of the envelopes of current buildings. The research focuses on the rational harmonisation of the causes of defects in a global classification list, established from 12 individual lists. The process considers predetermined criteria, including guidelines for merging, splitting and combining causes to reach a comprehensive and simple list. The frequency of the prescription of causes of defects is analysed and the causes “C-D12 Dampening of the cladding system” in painted façades and “C-B7 Use of unprescribed, inadequate, incompatible, low-quality, non-certified and/or non-approved materials” in natural stone claddings stand out. Additionally, when analysing the relationship of causes with defects, some causes are highlighted because they are considered direct causes of defects in a broad range of building elements/materials, namely: “C-C9 Accidental collisions with the cladding”, “C-C7 Intentional collisions/vandalism”, “C-D2 Excessive, insufficient or differentiated solar radiation”, “C-D8 Presence of rainwater or snow” and “C-D12 Dampening of the cladding system”. The proposed list of causes successfully gathers causal knowledge on the pathology of the non-structural building envelope in a single component, homogenising the vocabulary used for several building elements/materials.

Keywords: building inspection system; building envelope; building pathology; causes of defects; direct and indirect causes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:14:p:5564-:d:382761

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