“Durability and Reliability, Alternative Approaches to Assessment of Component Performance Over Time”

This paper will describe some of the findings of the current UK Teaching Company Directorate funded collaborative research between consultants, Building Performance Group and the University of the West of England. The objective of the research is to provide a practical database on the durability of components and materials used in the construction industry. The current second stage of the research is focused on mechanical and electrical services systems and components in commercial buildings. The paper will compare the type of service life data available for commercial building services systems and components with building fabric components. The different types of data and failure pattern curves indicate that a different approach to maintenance management may introduce higher levels of reliability and sustainability in buildings. The use of reliability engineering in the assessment of component service life is contrasted with the construction industry’s current approach using durability. Techniques including reliability-centred maintenance and condition monitoring will be discussed in relation to the assessment of environmental, economic and life cycle performance. There will also be an analysis of one statistical method of modelling performance that can be used to optimise maintenance and renewal of building services systems and components.