Failures account for between five and ten percent of initial construction costs. They also increase the burden on the environment. There are, however, various ways of minimizing the probability of failure, but only if design teams possess a basic knowledge of the potential problems and the foresight to take them into proper consideration during the design process. "Durability of Engineering Structures" introduces novel concepts in design for service life, maintenance strategies, and repair techniques. It provides technical knowledge for assessing the service life of structures and for taking measures to safeguard the functioning of a structure during its service life. Metals, concrete, and wood construction materials receive in-depth attention, each in its own chapter, while another chapter explores various high-performance materials, including fibre-reinforced polymers.For all of these materials, the discussions include deterioration mechanisms and measures to counteract them, as well as maintenance and repair techniques. The final chapter presents some illuminating case studies. Armed with a solid understanding of durability, it is possible to assess a structure over its whole design service life, including the usage phase. Life-cycle costing and environmental life-cycle assessment then become possible, and ultimately, millions of dollars in repair costs could be saved. "Durability of Engineering Structures" builds that understanding and should be required reading for all civil and structural engineers and architects.