Degradation processes and durability of building materials

Basic topics: Terminology - Degradation, corrosion, durability of building materials. Causes of degradation of building materials. Types of physical, chemical and biological degradation. Environmental influences. Influence of air. Temperature influence. Influence of humidity. Steel corrosion. Degradation of silicate materials (concrete, glass, ceramics), degradation of wood and polymers. Possibilities of protection of building materials against corrosion and degradation. Possibilities of remediation of degraded materials and structures. Forecasting the durability of building materials. Durability testing. Accelerated durability testing.