Durability is the ability of a physical product to remain functional, without requiring excessive maintenance or repair when faced with the challenges of normal operation over its design lifetime.
There are several measures of durability in use, including years of life, hours of use, and number of operational cycles. In economics, goods with a long usable life are referred to as durable goods.
What is Durability?
Durability is defined as the ability of a material to remain serviceable in the surrounding environment during the useful life without damage or unexpected maintenance, when faced with the challenges of normal operation over its design lifetime.
There are several measures of durability in use, including years of life, hours of use, and a number of operational cycles In economics, goods with a long usable life are referred to as durable goods.
Durability should be understood as the ability of the constructive system and its materials not to exhibit significant deteriorations that imply loss of functionality for which they were designed.
In this sense, more durable constructions reduce maintenance and repair costs and reduce the environmental impact that would be caused by the exploitation of new raw materials and the generation of construction waste in case of the need for demolition.
The durability of a building must meet, at least, the design working life, and during this period the necessary maintenance procedures that should be specified for the system must be met.
Buildings with concrete blocks can have high durability, with a long history of work over 50 years of use.
Due to their characteristics, concrete structures, such as masonry with concrete blocks, can withstand a series of attacks caused by exposure conditions such as high humidity, wind-driven rain, ultraviolet light, and insect attacks.
Requirements for product durability
Product durability is predicated on good repairability and renderability in conjunction with maintenance. Every durable product must be capable of adapting to technical, technological, and design developments.
This must be accompanied by a willingness on the part of consumers to forgo having the “very latest” version of a product.
In the United Kingdom, durability as a characteristic relating to the quality of goods that can be demanded by consumers was not clearly established until an amendment of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 relating to the quality standards for supplied goods in 1994.
Product life spans and sustainable consumption
The lifespan of household goods is a significant factor in sustainable consumption. Longer product life spans can contribute to eco-efficiency and sufficiency, thus slowing consumption in order to progress towards a sustainable level of consumption.
Cooper (2005) proposed a model to demonstrate the crucial role of product lifespans to sustainable production and consumption.
Types of durability
Durability can encompass several specific physical properties of designed products, including:
- Ageing (of polymers)
- Dust resistance
- Resistance to fatigue
- Fire resistance
- Radiation hardening
- Thermal resistance
- Rot-proofing
- Rustproofing
- Toughness
- Waterproofing
Factors Affecting Product Durability
Product durability is influenced by a myriad of factors, each playing a crucial role in determining how long a product can withstand wear and tear while maintaining its functionality.
Understanding these factors is essential for both manufacturers and consumers when evaluating the durability of a product:
Quality of Materials
The choice of materials used in the construction of a product is perhaps the most significant determinant of its durability.
High-quality materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum alloys, or reinforced plastics, are more resistant to corrosion, impact, and degradation over time. Conversely, low-quality materials may lead to premature wear and failure.
Design Sophistication
The design of a product plays a critical role in its durability. Products with thoughtful design features, such as reinforced structural elements, ergonomic considerations, and stress-relief features, are more likely to withstand the rigors of everyday use without succumbing to wear and tear.
Conversely, poorly designed products may experience premature failure due to structural weaknesses or design flaws.
Manufacturing Processes
The methods and techniques used during the manufacturing process can significantly impact the durability of a product. Precision manufacturing, stringent quality control measures, and adherence to industry standards ensure that products meet specified durability requirements.
Conversely, shortcuts in manufacturing or subpar quality control may result in defects or inconsistencies that compromise the product’s durability.
Conditions of Use
The environment in which a product is used can also affect its durability. Products subjected to harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures during transportation and storage in distribution centers, humidity, or exposure to chemicals, may experience accelerated wear and deterioration.
Proper maintenance and care, as well as adherence to recommended usage guidelines, can help extend the lifespan of a product under challenging conditions.
Maintenance and Care
The level of maintenance and care afforded to a product can significantly impact its durability. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning, lubrication, and inspections, can help identify and address potential issues before they escalate into more significant problems.
Neglecting maintenance or using improper cleaning methods may accelerate wear and compromise the product’s longevity.
Intended Use
Finally, the intended use of a product plays a crucial role in determining its durability.
Products designed for heavy-duty applications, such as industrial machinery or outdoor equipment, are typically engineered to withstand more significant stresses and strains than products intended for light-duty or occasional use.
Understanding the intended use of a product and selecting accordingly can help ensure its durability meets the demands of its intended application.
By considering these factors holistically, manufacturers can design and produce products that offer superior durability and reliability, while consumers can make more informed purchasing decisions based on their specific needs and requirements.