Preface
This is the first edition of CSA Standard S478, Guideline on Durability in Buildings.
This Guideline sets forth for the first time in North America a set of recommendations to assist designers in creating durable buildings. The Guideline provides a framework within which durability targets may be set and suggests criteria for specifying durability performance of buildings in terms that are commonly used, but that were previously undefined. To do so, the Guideline contains generic advice on the environmental and other design factors that have an impact on the durability of building components and materials. It identifies the need to consider initial and longterm costs, maintenance, and replaceability in the selection of materials and components.
The Guideline makes it clear that service life requirements and design choices which may affect durability should be thoroughly discussed and agreed upon by all concerned, in particular the owner, designer, and constructor. Model documents for recording these decisions are provided in Appendix A. Later Appendices discuss and expand upon issues related to identification and (relative) quantification of environmental loading, deterioration mechanisms, and damage avoidance strategies including the need for appropriate maintenance over the life of the building.
Scope
1.1
This Guideline considers the agents and mechanisms related to durability and provides advice for incorporating requirements for durability into the design, operation, and maintenance provisions for buildings and their components.
1.2
The Guideline includes
(a) definitions of performance, failure, service life, and other concepts related to building durability; and
(b) guidance for designers, builders, owners, and operators on achieving durability by planning the design, construction, maintenance, repair, and renovation of buildings.
1.3
The durability of mechanical and electrical systems and services in buildings is not within the scope of this Guideline.
Notes:
(1) While not addressed specifically, it is recognized that durability of these systems and services should be included in an integrated design. The principles set forth herein may be considered for application to a building's systems and services provided the effects of internal loads resulting from their operation are also taken into appropriate account.
(2) The loads on components and the building that result from the operation of the systems and services should be considered along with environmental and structural loads.
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