Report on Observations of Attendees at the Engineering Foundation Conference on —'Life Span of Structures'

Structures are designed and built with the intention that they serve their intended purpose for an indefinite period. In this way, the life span of buildings, bridges, dams, and other structures is very analogous to that of human beings. Some do not survive infancy and others grow to sometimes ancient age while still in service. The life span of structures is determined by design, construction, functional serviceability, or environment as natural causes of demise. Violent termination frequently occurs as a result of high winds, fire, explosion, flood, or earthquake. Recommendations are given to help extend life expectancy of various types of structures.