FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF BUILDINGS MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF BUILDINGS MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS

1. Structural stability

   • Building must be able to withstand loadings imposed upon it without suffering deformity or collapse

2. Durability

   • Component parts of building should be able to withstand hostilities of the environment without deterioration

3. Thermal insulation

   • Building should provide an acceptable standard of resistance to the passage of heat
   • Level of insulation dependent upon use of building and its location

4. Exclusion of moisture and protection from weather

   • The passage of moisture from the exterior should be resisted by the building envelope
   • Ingress of moisture can have undesirable effects
     • Timber decay
     • Deterioration of surface finishes
     • Risk to health of occupants

5. Acoustic insulation

   • Level of sound transmission that is acceptable will depend upon use of building and its position

6. Flexibility

   • Buildings should be able to cope with and respond to changing user needs
     • Required future flexibility must be taken into account during initial design of building

7. Aesthetics

   • Sometimes importance of aesthetics may be minimal, whilst in others it might be highly important