DurabilityDurability
Durability can be defined as the capacity of a product, component, system, building or structure to perform the function for which it was designed, be it aesthetic, structural or amenity for a specified period of time.
Durability considerations are important in ensuring an appropriate life for the structure being designed. In Australia, there are a few timber buildings that are close to 200 years old, but in Europe there are some that are over 1000 years old.
The designer has an expectation of performance of timber members for a given number of years, usually the service life of the structure. The performance could be compromised by any of the following:
- attack by insects or fungi (rot),
- break down of adhesives over time,
- corrosion of connectors, or
- loss of the member cross-section caused by fire.
Responsible design will take these factors into account and specify:
- appropriate timber species,
- appropriate chemical treatment to give performance over the required lifetime.
- sizes that allow for satisfactory performance after some loss of section; and
- detailing that will minimise the factors that lead to degradation.
Strategies to improve durability