Using Snapshot Data of Deficiency and Generic Deterioration to Predict the Degradation of Building Elements

The typical approach to modeling building degradation is based on consecutive visual inspections using generic deterioration ratings to characterize the conditions of elements. Our research used snapshot data to capture a range of ages efficiently, and very clearly defined element-specific deficiency-based conditions to reduce subjectivity. Snapshot data were obtained of 12 distinct building elements, from buildings owned by 7 local councils in Sri Lanka (with ages up to 60 years), using both generic deterioration- and deficiency-based condition ratings. The deficiency-based ratings were found to be lower than the generic deterioration-based ratings at early ages but higher at later ages. Two data-driven indicators were used to estimate the relatively maintenance-free life of each element. Markov degradation models were developed for both types of ratings. The deficiency-based predictions were found to be more accurate than generic deterioration-based ones. Slabs, beams, and columns had the lowest rate of degradation; timber doors, timber windows, ceilings, wall plaster and floor tiles had higher rates; and ceiling fans, fan regulators, wall paint, and rendered cement floors had the highest rates.