A preliminary inspection model for defect detection at the facades of modern period buildings in Turkey

Buildings of modern movement, as a part of recent history, have become a subject of focus both in the world and in Turkey, in order to protect and preserve examples with heritage value. Additionally, studies on retrofitting them are also made, especially in relation with environmental sustainability concerns. In both cases, detection and diagnosis of the defects and failures occurring at these buildings is an important step to protect them, and improve their performances. Building facade that is a part of building envelope is affected from exterior environmental factors such as wind, temperature changes or rain, and defects and failures may occur due to physical and chemical changes resulting from being exposed to location specific exterior conditions. The defects and failures observed may also vary depending on the technology used. Therefore, a master’s study is being done on defect detection and diagnosis at the facades of Turkish modern movement buildings to prepare an inspection model. In this paper, as a part of aforementioned study, preliminary outcomes based mainly on literature review are presented. In this respect, facade characteristics and technology of Turkish modern movement buildings, defects that may occur in one of the commonly observed technology, i.e. in rendered facades, and some of the available inspection methods to detect these defects are presented respectively. Finally, the preliminary inspection template generated is introduced briefly.