Expert Knowledge-based Inspection Systems: Inspection, Diagnosis, and Repair of the Building Envelope

This book provides a novel approach to building pathology in current buildings. Drawing on the available literature, hands-on experience and fieldwork inspections, it presents a systematic perspective on the pathology of the building envelope. The book addresses natural stone claddings, adhesive ceramic tiling, renders, painted surfaces, External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS), architectural concrete surfaces, windows and doors framing, and claddings for pitched and flat roofs.

In addition to highlighting selected materials and construction elements, the book proposes a global classification system for defects and their probable causes, together with in situ diagnosis methods and repair techniques. It also identifies the relationships between defects and causes, diagnosis methods and repair techniques, and the interdependence between different defects, presenting these relations in the form of correlation matrices. Support files with detailed information and an inspection form are also provided.

Selected case studies are presented to illustrate the value of a guidance system in fieldwork. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable guide, particularly for researchers, building inspectors, civil engineers, architects and maintenance planners.

Jorge de Brito is a Full Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon since 2009. He graduated in Civil Engineering in 1982, completed his Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering (pathology of concrete structures) in 1987 and his PhD in Civil Engineering (bridge management systems) in 1993. He was the head of the research centre Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability (CERIS) from 2017 until 2018. Prof Jorge de Brito is a member of the following international commissions: W80 (CIB) ― presently co-coordinator; W86 (CIB) ― presently coordinator; W115 (CIB); TC RAC (RILEM); and WC7 (IABSE). He is also a member of the IABSE, FIB, CIB, IABMAS and RILEM international organisations. Prof Jorge de Brito has published seven international books, including “Methodologies for Service Life Prediction of Buildings” and “Handbook of Concrete Bridge Management”.

Clara Pereira is a PhD Student at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon since 2017. She graduated in Architecture in 2008 and completed her Master’s Degree in Construction and Rehabilitation (characterisation and pathology of secondary schools’ buildings) in 2012. Clara Pereira is a member of the CIB SC-DECivil (at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon).

José D. Silvestre is an Assistant Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon since 2012. He graduated in Civil Engineering in 2002, completed his Master’s Degree in Construction (expert inspection system of adhesive ceramic tiling) in 2005 and his PhD in Civil Engineering (life cycle assessment applied to construction materials and building assemblies) in 2012. Prof José D. Silvestre is a member of the W115 (CIB) international commission. He was the President of the Portuguese Technical Committee CT171 “Sustainability of construction works” between 2017 and 2019. CT171 is a mirror group of the CT350 of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).

Inês Flores-Colen is an Associated Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon since 2016. She graduated in Civil Engineering in 1996, completed her Master’s Degree in Construction (maintenance of building elements) in 2002 and her PhD in Civil Engineering (in-service performance of rendered facades for predictive maintenance) in 2009. Prof Inês Flores-Colen is a member of the following international commissions: W70 (CIB) and W86 (CIB). She is a member of the Portuguese Technical Committee CT192 for “Facility Management”.