This paper considers the importance of durability in achieving acceptable structural performance over the life of the building. While the significance of durability is independent of the materials used, individual approaches to durability design may be material or project specific.
The focus of the paper is on residential and low rise commercial construction but the principles apply equally to other forms of construction.
Durability is not directly referenced in the Building Code of Australia and is not well covered in many Australian or Industry Standards. Indeed it is not well covered in International Standards. There is, however, an implicit expectation with building regulations that durability has been accounted for in design.
It is suggested here that additional guidance on durability would increase the probability that the building will achieve its design objective over its service life, irrespective of the materials used. An example of this additional guidance is contained in the “Durability Guideline” document published by the Australian Building Codes Board.
It is further proposed that apart from helping to achieve the design life, careful attention to durability can result in buildings that not only meet but exceed their design life. Rather than increasing costs, this approach would actually reduce the life cycle cost of the buildings and lead to more sustainable building stock.