Building Decay Flashcards
What environmental factors can contribute to building decay?
Rainfall
Prevailing wind (building height)
Microclimate
Atmospheric pollution
What is frost heave?
Movement of ground surface caused by the formation of ice in soil
What is shrinkage in clay soil?
Loss of water causing soil to shrink. Shrinkage occurs mostly in summer months
How can trees affect buildings?
They use up ground water which can dry up the soil.
Roots can move under buildings affecting structure
Removal of trees may increase ground water levels disrupting foundations
What negative effects does water ingress cause?
Penetrating damp
Spalling brickwork
Chemical agent erosion
Frost action
Decay of wood
Corrosion of steel and iron components
Sulphate attack on concrete
What negative effects does thermal exposure cause?
Vertical cracking along weak points
Cracking above windows
Delaminating roof slates
Rips in bitumen felt
Tearing lead flashings
Where does chemical decay stem from?
Vehicle emissions
Chloride
Sulphate attack from construction materials exposed to water
Sulphate in ground affecting foundation
What can cause mechanical wear?
Use of building
Quality of maintenance
Building location
People
Traffic
How can design and siting prevent decay issues?
Detailed appraisal of site and use of sound construction materials can increase life expectancy.
What does the acronym DCCSTEEPMOM stand for?
Design and site
Climate
Chemical decay
Subsoil
Thermal
Elevation
Environmental
Physical agents
Moisture ingress
Orientation
Mechanical
