Designing for Maintainability

by Piotr D. Moncarz, (A.M.ASCE), Failure Analysis Associates, 2225 East Bayshore Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94303,
John D. Osteraas, (A.M.ASCE), Failure Analysis Associates, 2225 East Bayshore Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94303,
Joel Wolf, Failure Analysis Associates, 2225 East Bayshore Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94303,


Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1986, Vol. 56, Issue 6, Pg. 62-64


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

Inspection and maintenance guidelines are unavailable for many buildings. Building owners seldom have the benefit of such information because buildings are often considered passive systems, requiring little more than minor maintenance, such as cleaning, painting or re-roofing. Esthetics, economic considerations, the use of new materials or old materials in new applications, and changing building use are significant factors in building design and construction. Decisions regarding tradeoffs between durability, serviceability, safety and economy are inevitable. Case studies show that many seemingly well-designed and constructed buildings are developing serious problems as a result of inadequate or improper maintenance. Detailed inspection and maintenance guidelines could prevent such incidents. A well-designed and enforceable long-term maintenance program could pay for itself by increasing the likelihood of early discovery of unexpected deterioration and ensuring that required maintenance is provided.

Subject Headings: Maintenance and operation | Building design | Construction materials | Buildings | Inspection | Economic factors | Case studies

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