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Increase of technical lifetime of infrastructures based on semi‐probabilistic considerations One of the most important measures in the discussion on improved sustainability in construction is to extend the service life of our structures [1]. Therefore, intensive research is conducted with regard to changing environmental conditions as well as external load effects for structures and new materials and their impact on the production and operation of infrastructures. Already now, according to [2], changes in the kinematics of the degradation mechanisms can be observed. In particular, changing environmental conditions (exposures) can accelerate but also slow down the degradation of materials and structures. These understandings of the degradation processes, but also the improved knowledge of the geometry and effective mechanical building material properties, should be effectively transferred into engineering practice for the assessment of structural reliability and remaining service life [3]. This paper presents how the elements of reliability analysis can be combined with the elements of in‐depth testing and monitoring procedures to periodically evaluate the degradation processes due to changing environmental conditions and new building materials. Subsequently, the remaining service life can be continuously updated with the help of semi‐probabilistic partial safety considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life Cycle Assessment in the Building Sector – Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Common Ceiling Systems In the past, life cycle assessments (LCAs) of buildings were only carried out in rare cases at the request of project initiators. Against the backdrop of social and political pressure to act more climate‐friendly and sustainably, LCAs and the available data are also becoming increasingly economically relevant. This paper therefore presents the essential principles of LCA in the building sector. In addition to a critical analysis of the scope of assessment, there is a brief presentation of available data bases, such as the national database ÖKOBAUDAT. Furthermore, the greenhouse gas balance of timber as a building material is discussed, which in some cases opens up considerable scope for assessment with the risk of false incentives. As horizontal building components, ceiling systems of multi‐storey buildings can cause almost 40 % of the structural emissions and are therefore highly relevant for a LCA. By varying the life cycle stages assessed and data sets used as possible factors influencing the results of a LCA, these building components are examined and compared in more detail in the following article. Despite some sensitive effects on the comparison of the ceiling systems, the LCA offers a decision‐making aid for the selection of ceiling systems in terms of reduced greenhouse gas emissions of a shell construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]