Abstract

Building inspection systems are a useful tool for surveyors, standardising the collection of information. Thisresearch is framed within the development of a global inspection system based on twelve expert inspection systems for twelve types of building elements used in the envelope of current buildings. Homogenised classification lists replace the use of several records and unify designations used in fieldwork. A homogenised global classification list of repair techniques comprises, in a single component, all the techniques used to repair defects and eliminate their causes for different types of building elements. It includes curative and preventive repairs, as well as planned maintenance works. Well-defined criteria guided the harmonisation process of a large set of repair techniquesin a user-friendly list. For instance, the association of different operations in a single repair technique took into account: similarities between procedures, applicability to one type of building element, solving identical defects and the use of similar repair materials. Considering data from the validation samples of the expert inspection systems, it is observed that techniques "R-A1 Cleaning" in painted façades and "R-A12 Application of a new (adequate) cladding/finishing coat over the existent/replacement" in wall renders are the most commonly prescribed. The provision of a homogenised classification list of repair techniques is expected to improve the quality of information collected on-site and give a comprehensive view of the most relevant repair techniques used in the envelope of current buildings.

Abstract

Resilient flooring is a popular choice in healthcare facilities, given its durability, comfort, low maintenance and cost. However, anomalies that occur in vinyl and linoleum floorings (VLF) often do not fulfil the expectations of a flooring with good performance and durability. In fact, studies show that pathological phenomena in VLF occur more often in the first years in service, indicating a probable connection with the design and execution stages. These stages are crucial to the quality of VLF, since, if not given adequate attention, pathological symptoms are likely to increase, hence decreasing service life.The authors developed an inspection, diagnosis and rehabilitation system for VLF in healthcare facilities, including: the classification of anomalies, their probable causes, in situ diagnosis methods and repair techniques; anomalies - causes, inter-anomalies, anomalies - diagnosis methods, and anomalies - repair techniques correlation matrices. The same system was validated through the visual inspection of 101 compartments in six health infrastructures in Lisbon, Portugal, and the respective descriptive statistics analysis of the collected data. That analysis showed, for instance, that the summed contribution of "design errors" and "execution errors" to "faulty welding joints" was 59%. Making an effort to change the situation diagnosed in the mentioned inspection sample, some design and application stages‘ recommendations are highlighted, according to the main sensitive issues of the flooring system during its service life. The sensitiveness of VLF highlights the importance of a suitable maintenance plan to minimise susceptibility to various degradation mechanisms.

Abstract