BRE is currently undertaking a project on behalf of DTLR (Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions) to assess the risks to construction materials on brownfield sites. The project aims to draw together earlier BRE research and information from various sources to produce guidance and inform judgements made in risk assessments of the use of common building materials and products on brownfield sites. The intention is to provide a simple clear guidance document by (a) focusing on the commonly used building materials in contact with the ground and (b) by considering only those contaminants that are likely to be found in significant quantities in the commonly encountered types of contaminated ground. The long-term performance and durability of construction materials used in contaminated ground may be adversely affected by a wide variety of aggressive chemicals, e.g. acids (both inorganic and organic), alkalis, organic solvents and inorganic salts (sulfates, ch orides etc.) that are potentially highly aggressive. Attack on construction materials is of concern because: 1. damage to the materials can lead to weakening of foundation concrete and thereby possibly compromise the stability of the building, 2. damage to materials used in services, for example, entry of contaminants into water supplies through damaged, or degraded plastics, or inappropriately protected pipes can lead to health risks, and damage to gas supply pipes may lead to release of gas, 3. damage to materials used in works designed to protect humans or the environment from harm due to contamination (e.g. plastic membranes used to protect against gas: cement-bentonite cut-off walls) may compromise their function.
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