Predicting building life expectancy
The construction industry creates a major consumption of natural resources. This is partially due to the inability to predict performance reliability, which in turn creates waste or premature deterioration. One way for life cycle cost and performance to be optimised is through life cycle analysis. Specifically, a necessary approach is one that employs probabilistic analysis that can account for uncertainties in modelling and performance and can pinpoint risk. This was accomplished through the development of existing LCC (Life Cycle Costs) approaches as well as by collecting cost data throughout Europe and developing predictive performance and cost models. Case studies that determined how LCC and performance can be most effectively integrated were used for the design. Also environmental assessment and socio-economic factors normally difficult to quantify were taken into account. The result was a software package created for the design, monitoring and feedback of data. The database is capable of compiling data on life expectancies of building components. It is also designed to gather and store information such as failure modes and factors to take into account when evaluating the service life of a building component. Its function is similar to that of models designed to predict deterioration rates of building components and materials. It can also serve in determining at which point intervention is necessary to prevent deterioration all together.
