Gypsum plasterboard walls: inspection, pathological characterization and statistical survey using an expert system

Abstract

This paper presents an expert system to support the inspection and diagnosis of partition walls or wall coverings mounted using the Drywall (DW) construction method. This system includes a classification of anomalies in DW and their probable causes. This inspection system was used in a field work that included the observation of 121 DWs. This paper includes a statistical analysis of the anomalies observed during these inspections and their probable causes. The correlation between anomalies and causes in the sample is also thoroughly analyzed. Anomalies are also evaluated for area affected, size, repair urgency and aesthetic value of the affected area. The conclusions of the statistical analysis allowed the creation of an inventory of preventive measures to be implemented in the design, execution and use phases in order to lessen the magnitude or eradicate the occurrence of anomalies in DW. These measures could directly help improve the quality of construction.

Keywords

• inspection system
• drywall
• gypsum plasterboard
• anomaly
• diagnosis