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Diagnosis Methods

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Abstract

Classification lists are a useful tool within building inspection systems. Hence, in situ diagnosis methods are here arranged in a classification list to assist surveyors’ recommendations. This list includes destructive and non-destructive diagnosis methods that can be performed on site, but excludes laboratory tests. Diagnosis methods may complement visual observations to better assess the defects’ characteristics, extent and causes. In the context of a global inspection system for the non-structural building envelope, the classification of diagnosis methods is organised in ten categories: assisted sensory analysis; electrical methods; thermo-hygrometric methods; sound and acoustic methods; nuclear methods; hydric methods; mechanical methods; pressure methods; colour methods; and chemical methods. Considering this classification list and the classification list of defects, the adequacy of each diagnosis method to assess each defect is determined according to the type of results each test can provide. That adequacy is expressed in the defects–diagnosis methods correlation matrix, favouring the use of non-destructive, easier to use and less expensive methods.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

    Jorge de Brito

  2. CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

    Clara Pereira

  3. CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

    José D. Silvestre

  4. CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

    Inês Flores-Colen

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  1. Jorge de Brito
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  2. Clara Pereira
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  3. José D. Silvestre
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  4. Inês Flores-Colen
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Correspondence to Jorge de Brito .

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de Brito, J., Pereira, C., Silvestre, J., Flores-Colen, I. (2020). Diagnosis Methods. In: Expert Knowledge-based Inspection Systems. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42446-6_4

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