| Environmental Degradation of
Buildings: The Institute for Research in Construction (IRC)
of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has reported on an extensive monitoring
program in the Peace Tower, a renowned Canadian
landmark. The Peace Tower stands in front of the Centre Block on the famous Parliament
Hill in Ottawa. An extensive restoration project was performed on this structure in recent
years (reported costs close to $10 million).

The monitoring system is reported to be a complex one, with more than 170
sensors measuring various environmental and other parameters. Monitoring the building for
deterioration is designed to facilitate early identification of problems, allowing
corrective action to be implemented at an early stage.
The monitoring program is expected to be of a long term nature (20 - 30
years) and is deemed to play an important role in maintaining the building's health and
ensuring its longevity.
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