Structural Aspects Of Building Conservation

This practical guide to the assessment and repair of historic buildings is invaluable for structural engineers, architects, surveyors and builders working in all aspects of building conservation. Taking a practical step-by-step approach, the authors discuss the appraisal of buildings and the differences in structural behaviour between new and existing structures. Each stage in the appraisal is explained, using examples from the authors' own work. Each major construction material is assessed in detail, with separate sections on masonry, concrete, timber and the particularly complex issues of iron and steel framed buildings. Techniques for testing the ability of a building to continue its existing use or to be converted to a new use are explained.

No building is properly conserved if it is not structurally sound. Consequently architects, engineers and conservation officers need an adequate grounding in the technology, the materials and the historic origins of the building in order to complete a conservation project successfully. Structural Design in Building Conservation deals with design issues and technical choices, showing how they are integrated with the planning and architectural outcomes in a conservation project. It brings together theory with current conservation technology, discussing the possibilities of structural details and strategies in architectural expression. Case studies are central to this, and these are organised around such themes as the addition of roofs, requalification of space, strengthening and re-use of fabric, repristination, additions, completions, stiffness adjustments, and the correction of past mistakes. The reader is encouraged to examine the technical details of these real projects, and explore the possible solutions. The philosophy of structural interventions is introduced in the context of conservation theories and practices in various European countries. The main types of strengthening, repairs and interventions are explained using different building types, and the structural nature of the main elements to be strengthened (linear structures, frames, plates and shells) is explored in detail. Case studies included cover a very wide range of historic types and conversions, not only monumental masonry structures like neoclassical buildings, major temples, churches, public buildings and museums, but also more utilitarian structures like historic mills, early reinforced concrete structures and vaulting types. This is essential reading for all students of architectural conservation, and practicing architects and engineers who are involved in conservation projects.

This book is the second in a series of volumes that combine conservation philosophy in the built environment with knowledge of traditional materials, and structural and constructional conservation techniques and technology: Understanding Historic Building Conservation Structures & Construction in Historic Building Conservation Materials & Skills for Historic Building Conservation The series aims to introduce each aspect of conservation and to provide concise, basic and up-to-date knowledge for architects, surveyors and engineers as well as for commissioning client bodies, managers and advisors. In each book, Michael Forsyth draws together chapters by leading architects, structural engineers and related professionals to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of conservation work. The books are structured to be of direct practical application, taking the reader through the process of historic building conservation and emphasising throughout the integrative teamwork involved. This present volume – Structures & Construction in Historic Building Conservation - traces the history of structures in various materials and contains guidance on the survey, assessment and diagnosis of structures and the integration of building code requirements within the historic fabric. It discusses conservation engineering philosophy, exposes the conflict between building codes and conservation legislation, and offers solutions. Leading-edge, on-site metric survey techniques are described and a range of structural advice is given, including methods of repair in relation to philosophical principles. Causes of induced movement in historic buildings are explained, together with basic soil mechanics and the assessment and diagnosis of structural failure. Chapters also cover the conservation of different types of construction: masonry, iron and steel, and concrete and reinforced concrete. Fourteen chapters written by the experts present today's key issues in structures and construction for historic building conservation: Bill Blake, Michael Bussell, David Cook, Dina F. D'Ayala, Steve Emery, Michael Forsyth, Ian Hume, Peter Norris

Conservation in the built environment raises fundamental questions which have been debated for centuries - what is worth preserving, how is it possible, why is it important? This book takes a modern approach to the meaning of a heritage structure and its conservation. The historical evolution of conservation is briefly addressed, considering prominent individuals and cases; along with the history of construction, focusing on materials and related structural elements, with insight on the sizing rules adopted by masons. This explains structural decisions made during the construction process and allows comparison of scientific theories from the 18th century to modern understanding of limit analysis. Damage and collapse mechanisms for masonry construction, as the most widespread structural form for historical buildings, is described. Excess permanent loading and settlement is differentiated from environmental and anthropogenic actions such as earthquake or incorrect intervention. The team of authors brings together unique expertise, with high level research and leading practice with archetypical cases from around the world. The book addresses the history of conservation by exploring materials and structures and the history of construction and damage, so it is of value to students and professionals in civil engineering and architecture, as well as archaeologists and art historians.

No building is properly conserved if it is not structurally sound. Consequently architects, engineers and conservation officers need an adequate grounding in the technology, the materials and the historic origins of the building in order to complete a conservation project successfully. Structural Design in Building Conservation deals with design issues and technical choices, showing how they are integrated with the planning and architectural outcomes in a conservation project. It brings together theory with current conservation technology, discussing the possibilities of structural details and strategies in architectural expression. Case studies are central to this, and these are organised around such themes as the addition of roofs, requalification of space, strengthening and re-use of fabric, repristination, additions, completions, stiffness adjustments, and the correction of past mistakes. The reader is encouraged to examine the technical details of these real projects, and explore the possible solutions. The philosophy of structural interventions is introduced in the context of conservation theories and practices in various European countries. The main types of strengthening, repairs and interventions are explained using different building types, and the structural nature of the main elements to be strengthened (linear structures, frames, plates and shells) is explored in detail. Case studies included cover a very wide range of historic types and conversions, not only monumental masonry structures like neoclassical buildings, major temples, churches, public buildings and museums, but also more utilitarian structures like historic mills, early reinforced concrete structures and vaulting types. This is essential reading for all students of architectural conservation, and practicing architects and engineers who are involved in conservation projects.

This practical guide to the assessment and repair of historic buildings is invaluable for structural engineers, architects, surveyors and builders working in all aspects of building conservation. Taking a practical step-by-step approach, the authors discuss the appraisal of buildings and the differences in structural behaviour between new and existing structures. Each stage in the appraisal is explained, using examples from the authors' own work. Each major construction material is assessed in detail, with separate sections on masonry, concrete, timber and the particularly complex issues of iron and steel framed buildings. Techniques for testing the ability of a building to continue its existing use or to be converted to a new use are explained.

This book is the first in a series of volumes that combine conservation philosophy in the built environment with knowledge of traditional materials, and structural and constructional conservation techniques and technology: • Understanding Historic Building Conservation • Materials & Skills in Historic Building Conservation • Structures & Construction in Historic Building Conservation The series aims to introduce each aspect of conservation and to provide concise, basic and up-to-date knowledge for architects, surveyors and engineers as well as for commissioning client bodies, managers and advisors. In each book, Michael Forsyth draws together chapters by leading architects, structural engineers and related professionals to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of conservation work. The books are structured to be of direct practical application, taking the reader through the process of historic building conservation and emphasising throughout the integrative teamwork involved. This present volume – Understanding Historic Building Conservation – discusses conservation philosophy and the importance of understanding the history of a building before making strategic decisions. It details the role of each conservation team member and sets out the challenges of conservation at planning level in urban, industrial and rural contexts and in the conservation of designed landscapes. The framework of legislation and charters within which these operate is described and the book also provides guidance on writing conservation plans, explains the fundamental issues of costing and contracts for conservation and highlights the importance of maintenance. Eighteen chapters written by the experts present today’s key issues in historic building conservation: Timothy Cantell, Martin Cherry, Nigel Dann, Peter Davenport, Geoff Evans, Keith Falconer, Colin Johns, Jeremy Lake, Jonathan Lovie, Duncan McCallum, James Maitland Gard’ner, Martin Robertson, Adrian Stenning, David H. Tomback, Giles Waterfield, Philip Whitbourn, John Winter.

Originating from the 16th edition of the Conference on Studies, Repairs and Maintenance of Heritage Architecture, this volume brings together latest contributions from scientists, architects, engineers and restoration experts dealing with different aspects of heritage buildings, including the preservation of architectural heritage.