Design Life and Life Cycle Flashcards

1
Q

What is the definition of design life?

A
  • expected period during which a building or its components perform their intended functions
  • without significant repair or replacement under normal conditions.
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2
Q

What guidance is provided for design life in the UK?

A

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

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3
Q

Why is design life important?

A

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

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4
Q

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

A

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

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5
Q

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

A

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

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6
Q

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

A

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

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7
Q

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

A

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

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8
Q

How does environmental exposure accelerate deterioration?

A

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

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9
Q

Why does poor material quality lead to faster deterioration?

A

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

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10
Q

How does neglect of maintenance affect building deterioration?

A

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

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11
Q

How do design and construction flaws contribute to deterioration?

A

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

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12
Q

What role does physical damage play in deterioration?

A

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

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13
Q

How does overloading affect a buildings lifespan?

A

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

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14
Q

What is the effect of chemical exposure on building materials?

A

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

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15
Q

How does moisture penetration accelerate deterioration?

A

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

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16
Q

What are the effects of thermal fluctuations on buildings?

A

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

17
Q

How does vandalism or misuse affect building deterioration?

A

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

18
Q

Why do aging systems contribute to building deterioration?

A

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

19
Q

What is obsolescence in the context of buildings?

A

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

20
Q

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

A

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

21
Q

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

A

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

22
Q

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

A

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

23
Q

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

A

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

24
Q

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

A

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

25
What is functional obsolescence, and can you provide an example?
When a building no longer serves its original purpose. Examples: Military bunkers or old telephone exchanges.
26
What is technical obsolescence, and can you provide an example?
Difficulty adapting to modern technology. Example: Buildings without infrastructure for modern HVAC or electrical systems.
27
What is economic obsolescence, and can you provide an example?
Market shifts make buildings unusable. Example: Docklands redevelopment into Canary Wharf after ships outgrew the docks.
28
What is an example of functional and economic obsolescence in London?
Canary Wharf redevelopment transformed docklands into a business district after docks became unsuitable for larger ships.
29
How does Brutalist architecture illustrate aesthetic obsolescence?
Many Brutalist buildings have been demolished or retrofitted due to public dislike of their design.
30
How do environmental laws lead to obsolescence?
Charcoal power stations in the UK became obsolete due to stricter environmental regulations.