Biological Degradation of Buildings

Course guarantor:

Lecturer:

Tutor:

Supervisor:

Department of Architectural Engineering

Synopsis:

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the mechanisms of degradation of building materials and structures caused by microorganisms, possibly higher organisms, and animals. The presence of microorganisms tends to affect all parts of a building work to varying degrees, both modern and historical buildings. The true cause of biodeterioration is often confused with the effects of climate change. Therefore, the removal of biotic agents is often delayed or prevented. The microbial infestation of buildings also carries the risk of health problems, which is now a widely studied issue. The course also includes an explanation of the use of biocides and other building protection products. Additionally, students are introduced to practical examples of field research.

Requirements:

Basic knowledge of chemistry and biology at high school level.

Syllabus of lectures:

Classification of degradation agents

Conditions for the occurrence of microorganisms in structures

Degradation of inorganic materials (silicate materials, plasters, glass, ceramics...)

Degradation of organic materials (wood, paper, clay plasters ...)

Degradation of historical materials

Health risk of microorganisms and chemical protection

Practical examples from field research

Syllabus of tutorials:

Identification of microorganisms from real constructions

Degradation of selected materials - according to the focus of bachelor and diploma theses

Study Objective:

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the mechanisms of degradation of building materials and structures caused by microorganisms, possibly higher organisms, and animals. The presence of microorganisms tends to affect all parts of a building work to varying degrees, both modern and historical buildings. The true cause of biodeterioration is often confused with the effects of climate change. Therefore, the removal of biotic agents is often delayed or prevented. The microbial infestation of buildings also carries the risk of health problems, which is now a widely studied issue. The course also includes an explanation of the use of biocides and other building protection products. Additionally, students are introduced to practical examples of field research.

Study materials:

Wasserbauer, R. Biologické znehodnocení staveb. Praha: ABF - Arch, 2000. ISBN 80-86165-30-2.

Witzany, J.; Wasserbauer, R.; Čejka, T.; Kroftová, K.; Zigler, R., Obnova rekonstrukce staveb. Poruchy, degradace, sanace, Praha: CTU. Czech Technical University Publishing House, 2018. ISBN 978-80-01-06360-6.

Note:

The course can be deepened according to the needs of the students, and the time distribution in the schedule can be adjusted. The lecture is held in Czech, in exceptional cases there is the possibility of in English.

Further information:

http://kps.fsv.cvut.cz/index.php?lmut=cz&part=vyuka&sub=semestr&type=LS&kod=124XBDS

No time-table has been prepared for this course

The course is a part of the following study plans: