Building Maintenance Technology In Tropical Climates

The main objective of the book is to highlight the important problems in building maintenance technology (broadly defined as the application of scientific principles to the care and preservation of building assets), suggest how they may be overcome with special reference to tropical climates, and encourage a greater participation of professionals in building maintenance work. The contents cover a wide range of problems mostly derived from the experience of the writers with buildings located in Singapore and the South East Asia region. These are dealt with under five general areas: (1) Structure and Roof Systems, (2) Finishing Systems, (3) Natural Systems, (4) Access Systems Building professionals, property managers, developers and others in the industry should find the book useful.

The design, construction and use of buildings in tropical climates pose specific challenges to built environment professionals. This text seeks to capture some of the key issues of technology and practice in the areas of building design, refurbishment, construction and facilities management in tropical regions. Using a consistent chapter structure throughout, and incorporating the latest research findings, this book outlines: the functional requirements of buildings in tropical climates; the challenges associated with the sustainability of the built environment, building form and whole life performance in the context of a tropical setting; the impact of potentially hostile tropical conditions upon building pathology and the durability of components, structure and fabric; the tasks which face those responsible for appraising the design, condition, maintenance and conservation of built heritage in tropical regions; the facilities management issues faced in tropical climates; and the refurbishment, upgrade and renewal of the tropical built environment. The book is ideal as a course text for students of Architecture, Construction, Surveying and FM as well as providing a sound reference for practitioners working in these regions.

Much attention has been given to the increasing number of defects on building facades in relation to the construction industry's growing use of large panel curtain walls. This book highlights the various types of defects commonly found on building facades under tropical conditions. The facade elements discussed include natural stone, glass, metal sheeting, plaster and tiling. The causes of defects, such as poor workmanship, inadequate design and maintenance, inappropriate use of materials and the action of environmental agents, are evaluated. The typical problems highlighted include cracking, water penetration, misalignment, sealant defects, discoloration, staining, efflorescence, corrosion and tile delamination. The causes of these defects and their implications for design, construction and maintenance are described. Illustrated with many photographs, this book will be a useful guide both to practising professionals and to undergraduate and graduate students.

The special focus of this proceeding is to cover the areas of infrastructure engineering and sustainability management. The state-of-the art information in infrastructure and sustainable issues in engineering covers earthquake, bioremediation, synergistic management, timber engineering, flood management and intelligent transport systems. It provides precise information with regards to innovative research development in construction materials and structures in addition to a compilation of interdisciplinary finding combining nano-materials and engineering.

Facade staining is a centuries-old building defect that is globally widespread. Millions of dollars are wasted annually for its rectification. A stained building looks old and worn-out, diminishing the value of the property and the confidence in occupying it. The facade's durability may also be affected by staining. Despite these wide and varying downstream implications, facade staining can actually be foreseen and prevented if conscientious efforts are made at the building's planning and design stages. This book provides insight into the underlying causes of facade staining and proposes an approach to address the root of the problem. It aims to raise awareness of crucial factors that should be understood and considered in the prevention or minimization of facade staining, hence reducing resource wastage in unnecessary maintenance work. Staining of Facades will serve as a useful guide for students as well as practitioners in related professions such as architecture, engineering, building, realestate, and project and property management, in their efforts to minimize the life-cycle costs of buildings.

This book focuses on spearheading the integration of maintainability, starting right from the design stage. To enable such integration, improving the knowledge of maintainability and setting maintainability benchmarks are two key issues. These objectives are fulfilled with the development of a comprehensive defect library, a material manual and a maintainability scoring system. These tools serve to define acceptable standards in design and construction practices, thus enhancing long-term maintainability of facilities.Maintainability of Facilities: For Building Professionals aims to improve the standard and quality of design, construction and maintenance practices to produce efficient facilities that require minimum maintenance. The text covers technical issues related to maintainability of major components of a facility, and discusses the implications and selection of materials for high maintainability.The target readers are practitioners and students in architecture, engineering, building, real estate, construction, project management, facilities management, quantity and building surveying.

Focuses on spearheading the integration of maintainability, right from the design stage. This title aims to improve the standard and quality of design, construction and maintenance practices to produce efficient facilities that require minimum maintenance. It covers the technical issues related to maintainability of major components of a facility.