- Author
- Frohnsdorff, G. J. C. | Masters, L. W.
- Title
- Suggestions for a Logically-Consistent Structure for Service Life Prediction Standards.
- Coporate
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
- Book or Conf
- American Society for Testing and Materials; Building Research Establishment; International Council for Building Research Studies and Documentation; National Institute of Standards and Technology; National Research Council of Canada; and International Union of Testing and Research Laboratories for Materials and Structures. Durability of Building Materials and Components. International Conference, 5th. Chapter 11. November November 7-9, 1990, E. & F. N. Spon, New York, Brighton, UK, Baker, J. M.; Nixon, P. J.; Majumdar, A. J.; Davies, H., Editors, 113-126 p., 1991
- Keywords
- building materials | durability | standards | methodology | life prediction | kinetics | degradation | mathematical models | life (durability)
- Abstract
- Ability to predict the service life of building materials, components, and systems is needed to improve the selection process. Evaluation of durability using existing standards does not give adequate service life information. Because service life prediction is more complex than current durability evaluations, its standardization will require a new body of standards to be put in place. The standards must define a general methodology, and essential components of the methodology. These are environmental characterization, characterization of the item whose service life is to be predicted, identification of the mechanisms and kinetics of the degradation processes, development of mathematical models of degradation, application of the models in service life prediction, and reporting of the results. It is proposed that the needed standards must comprise a hierarchy with the highest level being the general methodology, the second level defining the essential components of the methodology, and the third and lower levels describing the application of the generic standards to specific materials, components, or systems. The development of the proposed hierarachy will require a well-coordinated activity which cuts across the interests of many different standards committees.