A model plan for buildings maintenance with application in the performance analysis of a composite facade cover

The efficiency of maintenance of ordinary buildings is quite relevant in regard to their durability and functionality. It requires an accurate method for planning the different actions involved. This paper deals with some results of one of these models, being developed at the University of Coimbra and oriented toward the maintenance of school buildings, where an Extemal Thermal Insulation Composite System (ETICS) was adopted. The model plan, called PIMEC, was developed in an organized system using the common methods of building maintenance. It can be employed as an algorithm to create informatics applications, allowing the active procurement of component performance data throughout the life of a building. PIMEC differs from past studies in that all the information resulting from the simulated inspection and maintenance procedures in the elements can be organized with a configuration of straightforward consultation files. In order to test and validate the proposed model, it was analyzed large buildings facades covered with ETICS. This paper explains the content of some important stages and the applicability of ETICS by presenting the results of its performance behaviour analysis. Through this specific case study it is intended to show not only the potential of PIMEC but also the extraordinary advantage of slight but accurate maintenance actions over the anticipated lifetime of ETICS. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.