Calculation of the Risk of Lawsuits over Construction Flaws in Flat Roofs

Manuel J. Carretero-Ayuso and Carlos E. Rodríguez-Jiménez
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Manuel J. Carretero-Ayuso: Department of Graphical Expression, Polytechnic College, Musaat Foundation and University of Extremadura, Avenida de las Letras s/n, 10004 Cáceres, Spain
Carlos E. Rodríguez-Jiménez: Department of Architectural Construction II, Higher Technical School of Building Engineering, University of Seville, Avenida Reina Mercedes 4, 41012 Seville, Spain

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 18, 1-18

Abstract: In order to achieve sustainability objectives in the use of a building, its elements’ operating problems should be minimized. From this premise, a total of 497 cases related to construction flaws in flat roofs were analyzed in this research. A matrix was developed indicating the risk of lawsuits by owners according to the degree of nuisance resulting from the construction flaws studied, their technical importance, and the type of pathological origin. Based on these factors, it is possible to predict a greater or lesser probability of an owner filing a lawsuit—risk factor (F). A wide range was found for this probability, with the largest value being 865 times greater than the smallest value. The value of F was divided into 5 categories to classify the diverse results obtained and determine the number of cases and interrelations ascribed to each category. Additionally, the level of presence of said cases was calculated through the analysis of 3 different demographic aspects, it being noted that a greater purchasing power and a higher concentration of urban population lead to more stringent requirements and, subsequently, to a greater number of lawsuits. With all these results, building quality can be improved while resulting in greater constructive-financial sustainability and in a reduction of the economic resources required of society (fewer lawsuits and associated human resources).

Keywords: construction pathologies; roofs; defects; risk; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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