Building Pathology: Deterioration, Diagnostics, and Intervention

Building professionals often turn to formulaic prescriptions as a convenient and accepted means of treating building deterioration problems. However, while these techniques can be useful and easy to implement, they may not always result in the best solutions. In Building Pathology, Samuel Harris goes beyond boilerplate remedies to offer a more comprehensive and systematic approach to deterioration problems, diagnostics, and intervention. This approach not only helps professionals improve diagnostic skills by gaining a deeper understanding of the deterioration process, but also offers greater options for treating aging buildings and designing new structures for optimum performance.

Linking the underlying science to the many manifestations of problems, Harris clearly explains the principles and mechanisms of building deterioration, including why and how buildings deteriorate and what the symptoms look like. The information is presented in a straightforward and logical way, with separate chapters on major building systems-structural, vertical closure, horizontal closure, and active systems-that also address the performance and durability of specific materials.

In addition, the author opens up a wealth of valuable treatment choices and possibilities through his intervention matrix-a powerful "toolkit" of treatment methodologies that range from abstention and mitigation to circumvention and acceleration. Throughout the book, photographs and line drawings graphically illustrate the concepts and building problems discussed in the text.

Presenting a solid framework for addressing issues related to building performance, Building Pathology is an essential resource for practicing and aspiring architects, structural engineers, building contractors, preservationists, and others concerned with the health and survival of structures and their component systems.

Offers a systematic approach to diagnosing building related deterioration, identifying sound treatment options and solutions, and designing to minimize performance problems on new projects. Harris (University of Pennsylvania) explains the principles and mechanisms of building deterioration, and interprets symptoms of the aging process. Separate chapters on the major building systems<-- >structural, vertical closure, horizontal closure, and active systems—address the performance and durability of specific materials. Topics include materials pathology, foundations and retaining structures, freeze-thaw cycling, rising damp and salt decay, and roof leaks. Some black and white photographs are provided.
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A comprehensive approach to building-related deterioration and intervention

This essential technical reference gives building professionals the knowledge and tools they need to better diagnose building-related deterioration, identify sound treatment options and solutions, and design to minimize performance problems on new projects. Combining a clear and accessible explanation of the principles and mechanisms of building deterioration with coverage of a broad array of intervention methods, it is a ready resource for anyone whose work is concerned with improving building performance.

"Building Pathology" untersucht und erklärt ein breites Spektrum mechanischer und physikalischer Mechanismen, die bei dem Verfall von Gebäuden eine wesentliche Rolle spielen. Warum altern und verfallen Gebäude, welche Symptome zeigen sie und welche Gegenmaßnahmen gibt es? Erst wenn man Ursachen und Zusammenhänge versteht, kann man die geeigneten Maßnahmen ergreifen und auch künftige Baustrukturen besser schützen. Dieses Buch ist ein unverzichtbares Nachschlagewerk für viele Architekten und andere Bauexperten, die mit dieser alternden Bausubstanz arbeiten. Darüber hinaus ist es auch ein idealer Ratgeber für die Entwicklung neuer Projekte, der Ihnen sagt, wie Sie alterungsbedingte Probleme in der Zukunft so gering wie möglich halten. Mit umfangreichem Fotomaterial zu den behandelten Problemen.

SAMUEL Y. HARRIS, PE, AIA, Esq., is an architect, structural engineer, and attorney. He leads his own consulting company, S. Harris & Co., and serves as an adjunct professor at The University of Pennsylvania and at Goucher College.

Preface.

Introduction.

Mechanisms and Diagnostics.

Structural Systems.

Vertical Closure Systems.

Horizontal Closure Systems.

The Active Systems.

Epilogue.

Glossary.

Index.