Investigating Defects in Commercial and Industrial Buildings : Trevor Rushton

The design of commercial and industrial buildings is becoming increasingly complex.

New materials and methods of construction bring with them risks of unexpected failure, particularly if the user is unfamiliar with the method of construction and the limitations as to use of a particular material.

Equally, understanding buildings of the past, the way in which they function and the traps and pitfalls of certain forms of construction and materials is essential in diagnosing defects and being aware of what to look for.

Arranged by building element, this technical yet highly practical book follows a workflow structure mirroring the process of carrying out a survey.

Each chapter outlines the specific defects that are likely to occur in certain areas of a building; explores historical perspectives, including the use of certain materials and their expected periods of use; explains the mechanisms and symptoms of failures in materials and components; offers repair strategies where appropriate; and, provides case studies and summaries of key content.

An extensive further reading list is also included.