Design Life and Life Cycle

Question 1

What is the definition of design life?

Answer 1

• expected period during which a building or its components perform their intended functions
• without significant repair or replacement under normal conditions.

Question 2

What guidance is provided for design life in the UK?

Answer 2

BS7543:2015 outlines frameworks for assessing and predicting the longevity of buildings and materials.

Question 3

Why is design life important?

Answer 3

It helps in planning for maintenance, replacement, and resource allocation, ensuring optimal building performance throughout its lifecycle.

Question 4

Can you give an example of components with different design lives?

Answer 4

Structural elements like concrete beams have a long design life, while finishes like paint or flooring have shorter lifespans.

Question 5

What is the design life of short-term components, and can you provide examples?

Answer 5

Less than 10 years; examples include temporary site installations, signage, and scaffolding.

Question 6

What is the design life of medium-term components, and can you provide examples?

Answer 6

10-50 years; examples include windows, roofing membranes, and mechanical systems.

Question 7

What is the design life of long-term components, and can you provide examples?

Answer 7

Over 50 years; examples include foundations, load-bearing walls, and reinforced concrete beams.

Question 8

How does environmental exposure accelerate deterioration?

Answer 8

UV radiation degrades materials, freeze-thaw cycles cause cracking, and pollutants or acid rain erode stone and concrete surfaces.

Question 9

Why does poor material quality lead to faster deterioration?

Answer 9

Low-grade aggregates or contaminated water result in weaker, less durable materials prone to early failure.

Question 10

How does neglect of maintenance affect building deterioration?

Answer 10

Small issues like leaks escalate without timely repair, and lack of cleaning accelerates surface degradation.

Question 11

How do design and construction flaws contribute to deterioration?

Answer 11

Errors like improper reinforcement placement or insufficient concrete cover expose structures to environmental damage.

Question 12

What role does physical damage play in deterioration?

Answer 12

Impacts, abrasion, and vibration weaken surfaces and structural components, making them prone to failure.

Question 13

How does overloading affect a buildings lifespan?

Answer 13

Excessive loads cause stress and fatigue in structural elements, leading to cracks and weakening.

Question 14

What is the effect of chemical exposure on building materials?

Answer 14

Chlorides corrode reinforcement, sulfates attack concrete, and alkali-silica reactions cause internal cracking.

Question 15

How does moisture penetration accelerate deterioration?

Answer 15

Water ingress leads to rot, mold, and corrosion; poor waterproofing or drainage exacerbates the issue.

Question 16

What are the effects of thermal fluctuations on buildings?

Answer 16

Expansion and contraction due to temperature changes cause cracking, especially without proper thermal insulation.

Question 17

How does vandalism or misuse affect building deterioration?

Answer 17

Graffiti, unauthorized modifications, and improper use of spaces reduce the lifespan of materials and systems.

Question 18

Why do aging systems contribute to building deterioration?

Answer 18

Systems like HVAC units wear out over time and require regular replacement of components like filters and fans.

Question 19

What is obsolescence in the context of buildings?

Answer 19

Obsolescence occurs when a building or component no longer serves its intended purpose, regardless of its physical condition.

Question 20

What is physical obsolescence, and can you provide an example?

Answer 20

It refers to structural deterioration or wear. Example: A building weakened by corrosion or cracks.

Question 21

What is aesthetic obsolescence, and can you provide an example?

Answer 21

When designs become outdated and less appealing. Example: Brutalist architecture losing popularity.

Question 22

What is environmental obsolescence, and can you provide an example?

Answer 22

Regulatory changes render buildings unusable. Example: Coal power stations phased out by environmental laws.

Question 23

What is social obsolescence, and can you provide an example?

Answer 23

Shifts in societal needs make buildings irrelevant. Example: Empty shopping malls due to e-commerce.

Question 24

What is legal obsolescence, and can you provide an example?

Answer 24

New laws or regulations make buildings non-compliant. Example: Stadiums redesigned after the Hillsborough disaster.

Question 25

What is functional obsolescence, and can you provide an example?

Answer 25

When a building no longer serves its original purpose. Examples: Military bunkers or old telephone exchanges.

Question 26

What is technical obsolescence, and can you provide an example?

Answer 26

Difficulty adapting to modern technology. Example: Buildings without infrastructure for modern HVAC or electrical systems.

Question 27

What is economic obsolescence, and can you provide an example?

Answer 27

Market shifts make buildings unusable. Example: Docklands redevelopment into Canary Wharf after ships outgrew the docks.

Question 28

What is an example of functional and economic obsolescence in London?

Answer 28

Canary Wharf redevelopment transformed docklands into a business district after docks became unsuitable for larger ships.

Question 29

How does Brutalist architecture illustrate aesthetic obsolescence?

Answer 29

Many Brutalist buildings have been demolished or retrofitted due to public dislike of their design.

Question 30

How do environmental laws lead to obsolescence?

Answer 30

Charcoal power stations in the UK became obsolete due to stricter environmental regulations.