The Technology of Building Defects

The Technology of Building Defects has been developed to provide a unique review of the subject. Defects are considered as part of the whole building rather than in isolation. General educational objectives are set out which offer the reader the opportunity of self-assessment. Each section is generously illustrated with photographs and diagrams, forming an accessible self contained review covering the following: objectives; core information; exercises; revision notes; further reading. Taken together these sections build up to offer the reader an understanding of a range of technical topics concerned with building defects. This core text can be used for direct lecture material, seminar and tutorial information, assignment work and revision notes. It is a convenient one stop resource which dispenses with the need to consult a mass of different information sources.

Materials. Defects with materials. Failure mechanisms in cementitious materials. Failure mechanisms in ceramic materials. Failure mechanisms in timber. Failure mechanisms in metals. Components. Defects in components: general mechanisms. Defects in external joinery. Elements.Defects in elements: soil and foundation related problems. Walls. Movement and distortion problems in walls generally. Defects in floors. Problems with internal finishes. Defects in roofs. Radon in buildings. Distortion in buildings. Wind around buildings. Measuring movement. Index.

John Hinks is Reader in Facilities Management in the Department of Building Engineering and Surveying at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UKGeoff Cook is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Construction Management and Engineering at the University of Reading, UK