Last site update 25/06/02

Classification of risk

Durability Critical Areas are critical to the performance of the whole building or structure. Failure results in immediate or eventual failure to provide the desired minimum level of performance of the building. For example:

Membrane on a flat roof: failure causes water ingress into a school classroom making the room unusable.
Entrance floor of a lobby: excessive wear causing a reduction in slip resistance making the floor hazardous.

Durability Sensitive Areas are not critical to the performance of the whole construction but are important to the ability of the building to function effectively. Failure of these parts does not cause immediate or eventual failure, but eventual failure is conceivable. For example:

Felt on a flat roof: failure causes water leakage into an open bus shelter making the shelter damp and causing damage to internal finishes.
Service pipes under entrance to building: failure will mean stone floor must be lifted causing significant disruption and a poor corporate image.

All other areas are Unclassified Areas. Failure is either unlikely or does not affect ability of the building to provide the desired minimum level of performance. For example:

Sulfate attack of above ground concrete structures: is unlikely to occur
Improper fixing of door handles: is unlikely to occur and is easily rectified without disruption