The impact of demographical, geographical and climatological factors on building defects in Belgium

Purpose Quality failures in the design and construction process can entail significant delays costs. Databases of building defects have proven to be useful for drawing conclusions on underlying causes identifying potential improvement actions reduce occurrence defects. Design/methodology/approach The database comprising 27,074 cases from a Belgian insurance company was studied, it found that moisture problems account 48% all defects, stability 23%. To better analyse geographical variability, data were enriched with demographical, climatological factors municipality concerned buildings located in. This combined information used determine external impact probability specific types occur. Findings analysis shows do indeed statistically impact. factor highest is number walls has common its neighbours. most wind speed. Originality/value A understanding frequency contribute likelihood are important variables consider quality control prevention.