Exploring the Anomalies and Mechanisms of Chemical Attacks on Patent and Latent Building defects

Abstract

Malaysia is a fast-developing country that is experiencing significant growth in various sectors, including the building industry. However, several newly constructed structures are encountering significant problems, catastrophic defects, and structural breakdowns caused by chemical attack. Defects are classified as either latent or patent, and they pertain to any attribute of the design, structure, or materials that do not fulfill the specifications of the contract under which they were obtained. Latent flaws result from building problems, while patent faults occur due to normal wear and tear. However, these flaws might manifest in several ways and affect the overall stability, safety, usefulness, and appearance of the structure, among other aspects. Various factors might lead to the emergence of building faults. The objective of this study is to assess the factors responsible for defects resulting from chemical attack, the substances causing these defects, the source of these defects, and practical strategies to rectify them. The study employed a rigorous methodology that included an extensive review of relevant literature, careful observation, and in-depth case studies. The results were analyzed through detailed interpretation. The findings revealed that the specific agent of defects that led to chemical reactions were radiation, climate change, greenhouse effect and urban heat. Besides, the origin of defects was mold, algae, rusting and peeling paint. Gaining comprehension of the mechanisms that lead to harmful effects on the environment is essential for improving the durability of materials and structures and devising efficient strategies to reduce their negative influence. Moreover, it is crucial to guarantee the durability and structural integrity of materials in infrastructure development and building construction by studying the chemical processes that cause these flaws and the resulting vulnerabilities. Despite meticulous planning and advanced construction methods, the built environment is susceptible to several challenges, particularly those arising from chemical reactions.