Methodology for service life prediction of architectural concrete facades

作者：Serralheiro Maria Ines; de Brito Jorge; Silva Ana

来源：Construction and Building Materials, 2017, 133: 261-274.

DOI：10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.12.079

• Architectural concrete facades
• Durability
• Service life prediction
• Degradation phenomena
• Degradation curves

In this study, a methodology for the service life prediction of architectural concrete facades is proposed, following a research line previously developed for other types of claddings, to evaluate their durability. The methodology developed is based on the collection of data in visual inspections. In this study, 174 facades were analysed, during the fieldwork phase, through a survey of the different degradation phenomena. This information is used to define degradation curves, which graphically express the loss of performance of architectural concrete facades over time, evaluating the influence of the degradation agents, allowing estimating a reference service life for this type of coating. The model proposed in this study leads to acceptable and consistent results, adequately translating the degradation observed in reality. However, for some characteristics of architectural concrete facades, it is not possible to obtain unequivocal conclusions, which reveals the high susceptibility of these coatings to the aggressive environmental agents, e.g. sea salts, which act simultaneously on the facade, hindering the determination of the separate influence of these characteristics on the degradation found. This study intends to give a contribution to the service life prediction of exterior facades, allowing defining rational maintenance plans and reducing the costs associated to the buildings refurbishment during their life cycle.

• 出版日期2017-2-15