This study evaluates the influence of the type of finishing, i.e. paint or ceramic tile, on the performance of rendered facades, through hygrothermal simulation and tensile bond strength tests. The research combines computer simulations with experimental data obtained from buildings located in Brasília, allowing for the observation of how different types of finishing affect the physical and mechanical behavior of mortar exposed to climate variations. The results show that the system with ceramic tile finish presents better thermal and hygroscopic performance, with lower temperature amplitude, smaller variation in relative humidity, and lower accumulated moisture content over time. These factors are directly related to better results in the bond strength tests, validating the role of ceramic finish as an effective protective layer for the mortar. In contrast, the system with paint showed greater vulnerability to environmental fluctuations and lower bond strength performance. The results highlight the critical role of surface finishing in the durability of rendered façades. It is therefore recommended that, in technical inspections, the mortar and the surface finishing be evaluated independently, especially in multi-layer systems. This research contributes to the refinement of technical and regulatory criteria for selecting and evaluating facade rendering systems.

The durability of facade coatings is often compromised by incorrect specifications and a lack of technical knowledge, leading to reduced service lives of buildings and their components. This study analyzes how key construction characteristics affect the adhesion of mortars used in facade coatings. Tensile adhesive strength tests were conducted on in-use buildings to assess the quality of mechanical resistance and overall construction performance. The analysis highlights critical factors influencing adhesion strength, including finish type, building age, and solar orientation. Cohesive failures—particularly types E and F, as defined by Brazilian standards—were prevalent, emphasizing the importance of analyzing the types of rupture when discussing the results of adhesion tests. The results highlight that, among the various factors influencing adhesion strength, the type of finish and solar orientation play a significant role. Notably, north-facing external facades are more susceptible to adhesion failures, regardless of the type of finish. However, when considering only adhesive failures (Types B, C, or D), ground orientation tends to exhibit adhesion strength values below the normative limits. These findings provide actionable insights into improving facade performance and optimizing construction processes. By identifying the variables that significantly affect bond strength, this study offers a valuable reference for better decision-making in construction and the long-term durability of building coatings.

Facades are exposed daily to the incidence of degradation agents such as driving rain and solar radiation. Degradation mechanisms that alter the chemical or physical structure of the material are affected according to the level of incidence of such agents, thus leading to the rise of anomalies such as ceramic tile detachment and cracks. Currently, computer simulations are used to model the action of the climate agents, however, it is not always possible to estimate all agents and factors influencing the degradation process. The combined analysis of the results of the hygrothermal simulation and the degradation indicators of the ceramic facades allows a better understanding of the degradation process and mechanisms. The objective of this research is to simulate the degradation caused by the main climate agents and obtain a statistical model able to describe degradation in ceramic facades. The degradation measurement method (DMM) quantifies the degradation of facades as a function of the affected area. The degradation trend is expressed by indicators that consider the severity of different anomalies according to the affected area. The multiple linear regression model age-weighted indicated the total radiation and thermal stress and humidifying and drying cycles as the most representative variables in degradation modeling. Ceramic facades show slight degradation up to 17 years old, and the end of service life after 25 years. From 45 years of age onwards, facades tend to be in a state of severe degradation, impairing the building performance and safety of users.

When a building façade does not meet its performance requirements, the integrity and safety of the structure may be compromised, resulting in the reduction of the building’s service life. Ceramic tiles are a commonly applied cladding solution due to their aesthetic value and durability. However, as soon as ceramic claddings are installed, the claddings are subjected to various degradation agents, thus starting a degradation process in which different anomalies occur sequentially and simultaneously over the years. This study intends to find patterns of incidence of anomalies in distinct areas of the façade and to map the risk of occurrence of a given anomaly. For that purpose, 345 ceramic claddings are analysed (46 buildings, corresponding to 81,500 m2) in the region of Brasília, Brazil. Four main defects are identified based on visual inspections and using auxiliary diagnosis techniques, namely (i) detachment of ceramic tiles; (ii) cracking; (iii) grout failure; (iv) efflorescence. The results reveal that the detachment is the most frequent defect. The sensitivity maps proposed allow identifying a certain pattern in the occurrence of defects on ceramic claddings, revealing that continuous walls, transition between floors, and the top of the building are areas critically vulnerable to defects. The results obtained allow mapping the sensitivity of each part of the ceramic claddings to a given defect, aiding the detection and diagnosis of the degradation condition when carrying out inspections on new façades.

The characterization of mortars of facades of buildings located in the Gaza Strip is the main objective of this work. More specifically, the objective of this work is to provide a reliable source of data that allows the documentation of the construction systems used and that serves as a basis for future renovations and interventions in the buildings under study. Three buildings built at different times (Al-Ashi 1920 BC, Al-Ghussain 1865 BC and Al-Hato 1331 BC) were chosen, aiming to evaluate the evolution of the binders used in these buildings. The characterization was performed by chemical mineralogical analysis (XRF), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XDR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results show that the construction of Al-Ashi consists of mortars made with a natural hydraulic binder obtained with limestone rich in aluminosilicates (clay) and activated by sodium from sea water. Consequently, as the main decomposition phenomena, saline efflorescence was observed. In the realization of the Al-Ghussain building, a natural hydraulic binder was used, made with limestone rock, volcanic ash as natural pozzolans and gypsum plaster to improve the plasticity and adhesion of the mortars. The main pathologies observed were stains and disaggregation, related to the formation of secondary ettringites and mechanical impacts. Finally, the Al-Hato building, built according to Ottoman architecture, features mortars made with natural hydraulic binders like Al-Ghussain and natural fibers. The main pathology is the excess of porous phase, due to the degradation of the natural fiber over time. Thus, it is concluded that the techniques used allow the identification of the main binders used in the production of the mortars under study.

RESUMO: A durabilidade de uma edificação é diretamente afetada pela efetividade do sistema de revestimento de fachadas que a envolve.Tratando-se de revestimentos cerâmicos, diversos agentes podem influenciar na sua degradação distintamente a depender de suas características, impactando severamente o seu desempenho e vida útil.Este trabalho busca identificar a distribuição da degradação no sistema de revestimento cerâmico de fachadas, analisando a distribuição de anomalias

Açai fiber has a characteristic that enhances its application as a reinforcement material in mortars. One of the major problems in the use of natural fibers in cementitious composites is the alkalinity of the porous of these materials, which can be solved by applying surface treatment to the fibers. The objective of this work was to evaluate four different forms of surface treatment of natural Açai fibers, washing them with water, with cyclohexane/ethanol, immersing them in a solution of NaOH or alkaline peroxide, adding them in 4% in relation to the mass of cement in mortars of cement, and lime for coating. Properties such as consistency, incorporated air content, linear shrinkage, mechanical resistance, and water absorption were evaluated, according to Brazilian standards. The results showed that the treatment with alkaline NaOH solution is the one that best managed to modify the surface of the fibers, improving the evaluated technological properties.

As edificações e seus sistemas tendem a deteriorar-se ao longo do tempo por isso, as ações de manutenção são imprescindíveis no âmbito da durabilidade com vistas no alcance da vida útil de projeto de uma edificação.Dentro desse escopo, o presente artigo pretende analisar a frequência de danos e como as ações de manutenção podem prolongar a vida útil funcional do sistema de revestimento de fachadas.Por meio de dados bibliográficos e experimentais de inspeção de fachadas, neste estudo é identificado quais os danos mais frequentes e listado quais as possíveis ações de manutenção em sistemas de revestimento cerâmico em fachadas que permitam melhorar o desempenho e durabilidade do sistema.Os resultados evidenciam a importância das ações de manutenção em fachadas, principalmente se tratando do descolamento cerâmico e indicam a periodicidade

A vida útil é um período de tempo que abrange desde o início do uso de um produto até o momento que o desempenho é inferior ao preestabelecido.O desempenho é comprometido pela degradação, pois quanto maior for o nível de degradação menor será o desempenho e, consequentemente, menor a durabilidade do edifício e seus sistemas.Este artigo visa analisar o impacto das características dos revestimentos de fachada sobre a vida útil através do Método de Mensuração de Degradação

A degradação é um processo natural devido ao envelhecimento dos edifícios.A fachada das edificações sofre a influência da degradação e por estar mais exposta aos agentes climáticos exteriores do que outros elementos apresenta grande vulnerabilidade ao fenômeno de degradação.Este artigo aborda sobre a influência das características e escolhas projetuais sobre o processo de degradação do sistema de revestimento cerâmico em fachadas de edifícios localizados em Brasília,

Resumo: O desempenho de um sistema de revestimento cerâmico de fachadas, que é dependente de uma série de fatores distintos, é de fundamental importância para a proteção adequada de edifícios.Os diversos agentes envolvidos no processo de degradação podem ser de diferentes naturezas.A durabilidade pode ser afetada em níveis variados e com características únicas capazes de gerar danos de maneira heterogênea e consequentemente influenciando de forma particular a vida útil do sistema.Esta pesquisa busca identificar a relevância de variáveis analisadas no processo de degradação de sistemas de revestimento cerâmico em fachadas.Métodos estatísticos foram utilizados para a definição do grau de importância das variáveis estudadas no processo de degradação das fachadas revestidas por cerâmicas de edifícios na cidade de Brasília.O nível da degradação foi mensurado a partir do indicador de degradação denominado Fator Geral de Degradação

Resumo: Os sistemas de revestimento de fachadas de edifícios são coberturas aplicadas nas superfícies externas de edifícios que podem se apresentar em forma de pintura, argamassa ou peças cerâmicas.A proteção contra os agentes de degradação da alvenaria e dos elementos estruturais revestidos é promovida pelo sistema de revestimento.Além da função de proteção, este sistema possui funções estéticas, de impermeabilização e termo acústicas.Entretanto, é comum o surgimento de defeitos nos sistemas de revestimento de fachadas prejudicando estas funções.O estudo dos defeitos permite estimar o atendimento destas funções, e consequentemente a vida útil do sistema de vedação externa do edifício.A partir da análise dos sistemas de revestimento de fachadas, este estudo visa relacionar os principais defeitos em sistemas de revestimento em argamassa com as áreas em que surgiram estes defeitos.Esta análise fornece informações aos responsáveis pelos projetos e processos de executivos quanto a critérios e cuidados a

The facade is the main protective barrier against the atmospheric agents acting in a building. Many times, as a result of these agents, the facade manifests pathologies that lead to the loss of performance of the external wall claddings. This article aims to establish and score the importance of the pathologies involved in the cement mortars rendering. The probable causes and the influence on the performance decrease over time are analyzed. The methodology is based on the survey and mapping of the pathologies observed in field survey, correlating these pathologies with probable causes and implications for the system performance. Among the active pathologies, cracks had both a higher intensity of occurrence and a greater gravity compared to the others. Some pathologies, such as detachment and efflorescence, although of great importance in the degradation, are little observed in the studied buildings. As a result, is presented a scale of importance of pathologies, which has great application for the development of facade degradation models.

The definition of models to evaluate the durability of buildings can be a challenging task due to the large set of variables, and their complexity, which affect the performance and durability of buildings. Recently, several methodologies have been developed to predict the service life of buildings and their components. The knowledge acquired through these models allowed for the adopting of more rational and sustainable solutions. This study proposes the application of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to estimate the service life of ceramic claddings of buildings in Brasilia, Brazil. The variables that impact the service life of these claddings are identified through a stepwise regression analysis. Based on these variables, an ANN model was created to evaluate the degradation of ceramic claddings. The validity of the models proposed, a multiple linear regression (MLR) model and an ANN model, is discussed as well as the physical sense of the results obtained. According to similar studies and the empirical knowledge linked to the degradation of ceramic tile claddings, the models proposed lead to coherent results. (c) 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.

The degradation behaviour of any given building is specifically dependent on degradation actions that result from the local climatic and atmospheric conditions (e.g. solar radiation, wind-driven rain, pollution, degree of airborne salinity), the degree of maintenance and intensity in use of the building in-service, and as well, from decisions made in the design stage, in the selection and specification of materials, and the adequacy of the execution of the construction. The outcome from the research described in this paper intends is to provide information on predicting the service life of adhesive ceramic external wall claddings in the city of Brasília, Brazil. A comparison of service life prediction for wall cladding of buildings located in Brazil and Portugal is also provided, where the Portuguese example is used as a reference for a previous and similar service life analysis. The methodology consists in applying a degradation index, called severity of degradation, to assess the degradation condition of adhesive ceramic external wall claddings in buildings located in Brasília. In this analysis, various factors are considered that can influence the degradation of these ceramic tile claddings. The results obtained clearly demonstrate the applicability of the model, initially developed for the surroundings of Lisbon, for other cities having different climatic characteristics. Apart from contributing to the development of feedback tools to prepare detailed project specifications, this research also allows assessing the most important factors in the degradation of adhesive ceramic external wall claddings.

As fachadas atuam protegendo o edificio e, por esta razao, recebem maior influencia dos agentes de degradacao, tais como radiacao solar e chuva frontal. O estudo desta degradacao contribui para a escolha mais adequada de solucoes construtivas e de materiais, bem como para a prevencao e reparo de patologias. Com este intuito, propoe-se a identificacao e analise da ocorrencia de patologias em fachadas em argamassa por meio do estudo de caso de tres edificios situados em Brasilia, visando a obtencao de padroes e tendencias de degradacao. Inicialmente, foram selecionadas as patologias mais relevantes para fachadas em argamassa; sao elas: fissuras, manchas, pulverulencia, descolamento e eflorescencia, falhas nas pinturas (bolhas, fissura e descolamento). A metodologia empregada consiste na inspecao de edificios e utilizacao de fotografias para a construcao de panoramas ortogonalizados para mapeamento e quantificacao das areas degradadas. A analise dos dados baseia-se no fator de danos (FD), calculado como a soma das areas afetadas por cada anomalia estudada em relacao ao tamanho da amostra. Foi identificado que manchas e fissuras sao as patologias mais recorrentes nas fachadas em argamassa, sobretudo na regiao de topo.

Buildings and their systems naturally tend to deteriorate over time, losing some of their original properties. The buildings’ envelope is more susceptible to the degradation process, due to its higher exposure to adverse conditions, especially in relation to climatic environmental degradation agents. The characteristics of the buildings’ envelope systems must be maintained for a specified minimum period of time, in order to fulfil the users’ needs and expectations. This can be achieved by adopting adequate maintenance policies, which allow avoiding serious and dangerous degradation levels, also promoting a higher durability and service life for these elements. The adoption of rational and suitable maintenance strategies is only possible through the knowledge regarding the degradation process of these elements over time, estimating the instant after which it is necessary to intervene. Therefore, this study intends to develop a model, based on the factor method, to predict the service life of ceramic tiling systems in Brasília-Brazil. The methodology considers the application of the factor method using a deterministic and a probabilistic approach. In the deterministic approach, the durability factors are quantified as absolute values, leading to an estimated service life also given by an absolute value. In the probabilistic approach, each durability factor and the estimated service life for each case study within the sample are given by a probability distribution function. The probabilistic approach encompasses the variability and probability associated with the presence of a given characteristic or durability factor; in this sense, this approach allows obtaining relevant information regarding the risk of failure of the element under analysis, which allow improving the effectiveness of the definition of maintenance strategies. The results obtained seem coherent, stressing the relevance of the quality of design, the characteristics of the material and the exposure to the environmental conditions, for the deterioration of ceramic tiling systems.

Buildings' façades play an important role in the protection of buildings and, therefore, their envelope system must comply with its function, fulfilling the performance requirements and withstanding the external environmental agents during the buildings' life cycle. Although the degradation of buildings is a natural process, there are various factors that influence their durability. The assessment of the buildings' durability and service life is a research field that brings together several knowledge areas, e.g. construction technology, building physics and meteorology. This paper intends to identify the main factors that influence the durability of adhesive ceramic external wall claddings, developing models to predict their service life that involve these variables. The service life prediction models proposed in this study are defined based on simple and multiple regression analysis, both linear and nonlinear. The proposed models are defined based on the in situ evaluation of the degradation condition of 96 ceramic claddings of residential buildings in Brasília. The methodology led to coherent results and its applicability and adequacy to predict the service life of ceramic claddings in Brasília is demonstrated. The knowledge regarding the influence of the façades' characteristics on their durability is extremely useful to designers, in order to improve the selection of a given cladding for a specific situation, and to managers and stakeholders, allowing the optimization of maintenance policies and thus increasing the sustainability of the solutions adopted during the buildings' life cycle.