This Digest gives guidance to professional engineers on the structural appraisal of existing buildings, including making a structural appraisal for a material change of use. Part 4 provides additional coverage on sources of information; on the characteristics of materials; on defects, deterioration and damage mechanisms (physical, chemical, biological, electrochemical and electromagnetic); and on through-life management in a low-carbon future (refurbishment of existing buildings, timing of decisions, through-life value, sustainability). It then looks to the future, with the extension of the Eurocodes to existing structures, and the influence of climate change.

An extensive bibliography provides references and sources of information on building regulation- and safety-related guidance, current design codes, previous standards and design guidance, general construction and building defects, renovation of existing structures, loading and actions, the various types of construction, appraisal of existing structures and structural load testing.