Design Determines Durability

Durability of a material cannot be considered rationally except in the context of that material in service and the environment in which it must function since it is the interaction of elements of environment with a material that determines its durability. By analysis of numerous examples it will be demonstrated that the relative position of materials comprising any building element, in conjunction with the boundary conditions, determines both the functions each material will perform and the environmental conditions to which each material will be subjected in service. Design, being the process of deciding upon what material to use and where, determines durability.