Use of Generalized Limit States Method for Design of Building Envelopes for Durability

This paper introduces a generalized limit states (GLS) method for evaluating long-term performance of building envelopes. The limit states method was originally developed for the design of structures to satisfy performance require ments for safety and serviceability. However, it may be generalized to address durabi lity of building envelopes. The approach used in this paper involves selecting a re quired period of service (design life) for the component of the building envelope, and then to evaluate the envelope for durability by applying the GLS method.