The Design Estimation Team is a group of experts who specialize in construction cost estimation and CAD/shop drafting.
The main causes of deterioration of construction materials are moisture, temperature changes, chemical reactions, UV exposure, mechanical stresses, workmanship, and lack of maintenance. Many of these can be slowed down with proper material selection, installation, and a realistic budget.
Key takeaways
• Moisture is the number one cause of deterioration.
• Concrete and steel are attacked from the inside by chemical attacks such as carbonation and chlorides.
• A significant number of material failures can actually be workmanship or maintenance failures.
• When estimating for durable materials, you can plan accordingly rather than being penny-pinching.
Every building ages. The question is how fast. A hairline crack, a rust stain, or peeling paint is seldom a coincidence. It is typically the external part of a lengthy procedure that started the day the materials were installed, or even sooner.
The following is the primary causes, their impact, and how to minimize their effects.
Exposure to moisture and water damage.
Damage to building materials is most frequent due to water. It penetrates into pores, joints, and cracks and carries salts and chemicals in with it.
• Cracking and spalling in concrete and masonry walls and floors cause erosion of the surface and weakening of the structure.
• When damp, timber swells and rots as well as hosting fungi and insects.
• When steel is exposed to water and oxygen, it rusts. Rust will occupy more space than steel, which may cause cracking of the surrounding concrete.
• Drywall and plaster stain and crumble and develop mildew
The typical causes of these are poor drainage, leaking roofs, and leaks in the waterproofing. It is easier and cheaper to correct a small leak than it is to correct a large leak.
2. Thermal Effects and Freeze-Thaw.
Materials become bigger when heated and smaller when cooled. This action over thousands of cycles generates stress and cracks.
It is even more severe in cold climates. Water penetrates a crack, freezes, and, since water expands about 9% when it turns to ice, the crack expands. Pavements, bridges, and exterior walls are most commonly damaged by repeated cycles.
The high temperatures in hot climates can dry out sealants and soften asphalt, as well as cause fresh concrete to lose moisture too rapidly that it is weakened from the start.
3. Chemical Reactions
Some damage occurs on a chemical level before it becomes evident.
• Carbonation: The alkalinity of the concrete is gradually decreased as a result of the presence of carbon dioxide. As it comes into contact with the reinforcing steel, the protective coating is destroyed and corrosion begins.
• Corrosion due to chloride attack: When salts from seawater, de-icing, or contaminated aggregates cause rebar corrosion.
• Sulfate attack: Sulfates in the soil or groundwater react with the cement compounds and lead to expansion and cracking.
• Alkali-silica reaction (ASR): Some aggregates are subject to a chemical reaction between cement alkalis and the aggregate that produces a gel which causes concrete to crack from within.
The effect of UV radiation and weathering on a material.
Plastics, sealants, roofing membranes, and wood finishes are degraded by UV light. Materials become brittle, chalky, and discolored. Roofs and exterior cladding are the most vulnerable, as they are exposed day after day.
5 Mechanical Wear, Fatigue, and Overloading
• Floors and pavements can be damaged by the pressure of heavy foot traffic or heavy automobile traffic.
• Over time, vibration effects cause joints and fixings to fatigue.
• Beyond design capacity, loads cause cracks and deflection.
• The uneven distribution of foundation settlement loads on walls and slabs
6. Poor Quality Materials
This could involve using poor quality cement, steel, aggregates, or timber that will cost less initially but more in the long term. Low-grade steel rusts more quickly, a poorly graded aggregate reduces the strength of concrete, and untreated timber will rot prematurely. One of the best choices for durability is to match the material grade to the environment
7. Workmanship Mistakes
As long as there are still bad installations. Common examples:
• Too much water in the concrete mix
• Inadequate curing
• The minimum concrete cover around reinforcement is not provided.
• Excessive voids or poor compaction.
• Faulty flashing, sealing, or waterproofing information
8. Biological Growth
Mold, algae, fungi, and termites grow well in wet and poorly ventilated environments. Pest-control and forestry research organizations estimate that termites cause billions of dollars in property damage worldwide every year. (Include a link to the source here.)
9. Lack of Maintenance
This is the most preventable cause. Cracks, water leaks, dying paint, and clogged gutters all allow water and weather to seep in. Maintenance is much less expensive than major repair.
10. Conditions of the environment and site.
The rate of aging depends on the coastal humidity, desert dust, industrial pollution, heavy rains, and aggressive soils. Site conditions must influence specification, as materials can behave very differently in different contexts.
How to delay the degradation of the material.
• Choose appropriate local building material and use.
• Supervise quality in the purchasing and installation process.
• Provision for drainage and/or ventilation to ensure that water does not accumulate.
• Use waterproofing, protective coatings, and sealants.
• Properly cure and compact concrete.
• Regularly look over and fix small problems early.
• Make sound durability estimates up front.
Why is accurate estimation important for durability?
Rushing estimates and restricting budgets will lead to the most basic protective features being removed, such as waterproofing, higher-grade steel, insulation, or better finishes. The building is in good condition when it's handed over but has a quicker deterioration clock.
A detailed estimate can assist you to:
• Plan the use of correct materials, not the cheapest.
• Add in waste and protection allowances.
• When comparing costs, consider lifecycle costs – not just upfront costs.
• Don't run into shortfalls in the middle of the project and have to use substandard parts.
• Make competitive, transparent bids
Engineers at Design Estimation create comprehensive estimates and material takeoffs for contractors, building companies, and developers, allowing projects to be planned around the budget and performance. (Connect to your estimating service page.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most frequent cause of deterioration of materials used for construction?
Moisture. It causes corrosion, rot, cracking, mold, and freeze-thaw damage.
Even if the concrete structure appears to be well constructed, why does it crack?
In many cases, due to corrosion of the steel enclosed. As rust grows it pushes into the concrete and cracks and spalls the concrete.
Can deterioration be completely prevented?
No, but it can be considerably slowed with the appropriate selection of material, workmanship, protection, and maintenance.
Does the estimation influence the life of a building?
Indirectly, yes. Realistic estimates allow you to precisely define and purchase durable materials and protective systems rather than taking the "shortcut."
Final Thoughts
Water, weather, chemistry, stress, and poor workmanship, along with neglect, cause materials to deteriorate. Almost all of these can be controlled with good design and planning. Need your next project's budget correct and materials identified up front? See how our estimation services can help at www.designestimation.com.
Sources
• American Concrete Institute (ACI): durability of concrete.
• Portland Cement Association (PCA): carbonation, chloride, and sulfate attack.
• USDA Forest Products Laboratory: wood decay and termites
• Weather: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) freeze-thaw and ASR.
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