Challenges Faced by Building Remediation Engineers: Problem-Solving and Insights

[johnsteve1930]

Calling all building remediation engineers and enthusiasts! This discussion thread is dedicated to tackling the real-world challenges encountered in the field of building remediation. Share your experiences, seek advice, and engage in problem-solving discussions with fellow professionals and interested individuals.

 

[basilio]

Welcome to ASF John Steve. This is certainly a ripe topic for discussion. There is no shortage of issues with high rise apartments suffering from water ingress, mould, inflammable cladding, and generally xhitty construction and even xhittier materials. Not quite sure how one mends so many sows ears.

However would this thread also be a place to consider how to ensure new constructions are built with quality long life materials, well designed to prevent water ingress ect and well built with enough care to to ensure basic structures are sound ? And while we are at it an inspection and warranty process that ensured this happened.

Having said that I can also appreciate the value of having to deal with older buildings that need remediation/renovation and ways and means of doing this cost effectively. Well worth some constructive inputs.

 

[basilio]

Ok John Steve get your chops into this unfolding real life building disaster .

The problem is the installation of around 30,000 defective plastic pipes in homes across Australia that are bursting their little hearts out. Of course when the burst they effectively destroy, bathrooms, kitchens and anything else that doesn't like unrestricted water.

The current state of play is outlined in stores in the West Australian and the ABC.

Builder and manufacturer trade blows as pipes burst in newly built homes across Perth

Major Perth builder BGC is pleading with homeowners affected by bursting pipes not to start legal action as the company grapples with almost seven burst pipe reports a day.

www.abc.net.au

This problem of course hasn't come from nowhere. This website offers a very detailed analysis of the issue . I tried to copy at least part of the introduction without success.

This is potentially a very serious problem for people who have new homes or renovations . Well worth checking out.

Comprehensive Guide to polybutylene Piping Issues and Solutions in Australia

Our Guide discusses polybutylene issues in Australia: risks, replacements, and expert advice to safeguard your property.

www.wizardleakdetection.com.au

Everything You Need To Know About Polybutylene Pipes

Get expert advice on improvements to your home, including design tips, how much you'd expect to pay for a pro and what to ask when hiring experts.

www.forbes.com

 

[basilio]

Just following up on the issues of polybutylene water pipes that rapidly deteriorate and burst.

This plastics website produced a White paper that explained why the pipes were going to deteriorate quickly.

Polybutylene (PB) Pipes: Unveiling Three Critical Features Affecting Reliability​

This article delves into three structural characteristics of Polybutylene pipes that challenge their performance in plumbing systems. These three features include the material's weak oxidative stability, which makes it prone to chlorine degradation, its variable crystallization behavior and kinetics, and its polymorphic nature. By investigating these limitations, this article aims to provide insight into the ongoing debate surrounding the use of Polybutylene pipes in potable water distribution systems.

Polybutylene (PB) Pipes: Unveiling Three Critical Features Affecting Reliability - Plastic Expert

This white paper reviews the 3 common causes of Polybutylene tubing or pipe failures. Limitations include oxidative stability, crystallization behavior, and its polymorphic nature. This article aims to provide insight into the ongoing debate surrounding the use of Polybutylene pipes in potable...

plasticexpert.com

In keep with the theme of this thread I came across a plumbing company in the US which has developed very efficient and cost effective processes to repipe homes that have this plumbing.

Better Plumbing - polybutylene plumbing, poly repipe & plumbing supplies.

Information central on polybutylene, repipe and plumbing supplies for plumbers, homeowners and real estate professionals.

polybutylene.com

 

[johnsteve1930]

Why opt for Waffle Slab Construction over other structural methods, and what advantages does it offer in terms of structural efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall performance in building design and construction projects at structural engineer in blacktown?

 

[SirRumpole]

NSW Building Commissioner is facing a tough challeng.

"Since 2016, more than half of apartment buildings registered in the state have had at least one serious defect. "

More than half of newly registered NSW apartments have had a serious defect

As Australia grapples with housing affordability, New South Wales is at the forefront of another crisis sweeping new builds. The problems within the industry have led to an explosion of work for NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler since his appointment in 2019.

www.abc.net.au

 

[PZ99]

The one I'm living in is falling apart with cracks and leaks and not helped by crappy committee office bearers who couldn't organise a fart in a spacesuit. They've spent more money in legal fees than in remediation. Interestingly, it's not far from the business that was hotlinked earlier in this thread. Might have to check them out