ABSTRACT

This third edition of Bill Ransom's classic short textbook provides a solid introduction to the study of defects in buildings and, in consequence, to good practice in conservation and repair.

Building failures continue to occur despite continuing experience and growing knowledge in the industry; they may even be on the increase due to cost-cutting measures, the inadequate testing of innovative products and techniques, a lack of maintenance, and user abuse and misuse.

New material includes an outline of the principles of building pathology; new sections on deterioration mechanisms, service life prediction and dampness investigation.

Complete with a handy glossary and bibliography, practitioners and students will find this an excellent source of guidance and information for investigating and avoiding building failures.

chapter 1|26 pages

Introduction to building pathology

chapter 2|21 pages

Principles of building diagnostics

chapter 3|22 pages

Basic investigative methodology

chapter 4|24 pages

Diagnostic techniques and tools

chapter 5|18 pages

Deterioration mechanisms

chapter 6|32 pages

Durability and service life assessment

chapter 7|12 pages

Moisture

chapter 8|11 pages

Foundations

chapter 9|16 pages

Floors, floor finishes and DPMs

chapter 10|22 pages

Walls and DPCs

chapter 11|17 pages

Cladding

chapter 12|10 pages

Doors and windows

chapter 13|23 pages

Roofs

chapter 14|9 pages

Services

chapter 15|16 pages

Failure patterns and control