Field survey on frost damage to roof tiles under climatic conditions

Abstract

Purpose

Frost damage is well-known as the main cause of roof tile deterioration. The purpose of this paper is to develop an analytical model for predicting the deterioration process under certain climatic conditions. This paper describes the results of a field survey conducted to acquire fundamental information useful to this aim.

Design/methodology/approach

A field survey of roof tile damage by freezing was conducted in an old temple precinct in Kyoto, Japan. Using detailed observations and photographic recordings, the damage progress was clarified. To examine the impact of climatic conditions upon the damage characteristics, weather data and roof tile temperatures were measured and logged in the winter season.

Findings

The deterioration process was observed under the climatic conditions associated with the measured temperature of the roof tiles. In particular, it was revealed that the orientation has a significant influence on increasing or decreasing the risk of frost damage. For certain distinctive forms of damage, the deterioration mechanisms were estimated from the viewpoint of the moisture flow and temperature distribution in the tile.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the elucidation of the mechanism behind frost damage to roof tiles. The findings will guide the construction of a numerical model for frost damage prediction.

Citation

Iba, C., Ueda, A. and Hokoi, S. (2016), "Field survey on frost damage to roof tiles under climatic conditions", Structural Survey, Vol. 34 No. 2, pp. 135-149. https://doi.org/10.1108/SS-07-2015-0033