Failed Stone

"Concrete and stone seem made to last forever. However, they can develop problems. They are not always as dramatic as the partial collapse of a terminal at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport in 2004. Gradual changes also occur that may compromise the appearance and structural soundness of buildings constructed with these materials. These changes can for instance be created by efflorescence, thermal hysteresis, leakage, and corrosion." "This book explains how to avoid typical modes of failure. With this in mind, it systematically analyzes cases of problems in contemporary international architecture. It offers strategies for minimizing the risk of damage. In eight chapters, the various kinds of difficulties are explained and illustrated with examples."--Jacket.