Filling in the Blanks: Documenting Concealed Fabric and Deterioration in Existing Structures

The need to develop a highly accurate set of “as-found” condition documents presents a significant challenge in the practice of architecture for any project involving an existing building. For the majority of new buildings, an adequate construction documentation package can be developed simply by applying industry standards along with carefully engineered and well-detailed methods and materials. In contrast, projects involving intervention in existing buildings require an in-depth understanding of the existing building, its methods of construction, and any deterioration that exists. This requirement is particularly critical in the practice of preservation architecture, when renovation, adaptive re-use, and/or restoration projects affect structures with physical fabric of intrinsic historic value. Existing guidelines, such as those of HABS, attempt to ensure that recording is performed in a useful manner that meets certain minimum standards; however, these address only visible conditions, those that can be measured and photographed and those where physical reality is fully observable. Advancements in technology have allowed a marked increase in the ability to understand both the layout of concealed elements, such as wood framing configurations, and the existence of deterioration mechanisms invisible to the naked eye. Unfortunately, these advancements have not necessarily corresponded with the development of standards and guidelines for systematically conducting this type of investigation. Based in part on the author’s experience as a preservation architect, this thesis outlines a methodology and approach for documenting concealed fabric and conditions in historic buildings

Out‐of‐plane reinforcement of masonry walls using joint-embedded steel cables

The out-of-plane mechanism (rocking) of walls often causes fatalities and collapses of historic buildings during earthquakes. This paper addresses the problem of assessing the seismic resistance of walls subjected to out-of-plane bending, before and after reinforcement. A new retrofitting method, consisting in the use of high-strength steel cables fully embedded in the mortar bed joints was studied. An experimental investigation using full-scale brickwork specimens was therefore conducted in an attempt to assess the walls’ structural response when these are subject to out-of-plane loads. Test results demonstrated that it is possible to increase the out-of-plane capacity with the proposed method. A simplified macro-element procedure is also presented along with recommendations for the calculation of the walls’ capacity before and after the application of the steel cable reinforcement. Predictions of the magnitude of horizontal force required to cause out-of-plane failure using the proposed procedure and quasi-static analysis procedures are compared with the results of laboratory experiments

Technological requirements for solutions in the conservation and protection of historic monuments and archaeological remains

Executive summary: This Study has discovered many achievements associated with European support for scientific and technological research for the protection and conservation of cultural heritage. The achievements to date are: 1. Creation of an active research community 2. A body of research of unparalleled and enviable international quality and character 3. Ongoing effectiveness of research beyond initial funding 4. Substantial rate of publication 5. Imaginative tools of dissemination and publication 6. Clear spin-offs and contribution to European competitiveness often going outside the European cultural heritage area 7. Contribution to emerging European legislation, for example, air quality management. The Study has also uncovered important research gaps associated with this field that have yet to begin to be investigated. It has also discovered the need for continuing fine scale advancement in areas where researchers have been active for a number of years. The overall picture is that European research in the field of cultural heritage protection must be put on a secure footing if it is to maintain its commanding lead over other regions of the world. This Study concludes that: 1. It would be invidious to attempt to separate basic and applied research in this area of research. Like any other scientific endeavour, this field needs to integrate basic and applied research if it is to continue to thrive. 2. Small, flexible, focused interdisciplinary teams responsive to European needs, must be sustained, promoted and celebrated as models of sustainability and that what is proposed under the European Research Area (ERA) for large and complex research projects, could inflict serious damage on this area of research. 3. Resources cannot be delegated to Member States because of the interdisciplinary nature of cultural heritage and the need for a co-ordinated pan-European perspective across this research that helps to define the essential character of European cultural heritage. National programmes only serve local needs, leading to loss of strategic output, lessening of competitiveness and risk of duplication. 4. A mechanism needs to be created to help researchers working in this field to communicate and exchange information with related sectors such as construction, urban regeneration, land reclamation and agriculture. 5. There is overwhelming agreement over the need for sustainable research funding for cultural heritage and for an iterative process of exchange among researchers, decision-makers and end-users in order to maximize benefits from project inception through to dissemination, audit and review. For all the reasons mentioned above, the most significant recommendation in this Report is the identification of the need for a European Panel on the Application of Science for Cultural Heritage (EPASCH)

Understanding of historical masonry for conservation approaches: the contribution of Prof. Luigia Binda to research advancement

Prof. Luigia Binda was a Full Professor in Restoration at the School of Architecture of Politecnico di Milano. She began her career teaching building and construction techniques, then strengthening and reinforcement of masonry buildings and preservation of cultural heritage. L. Binda, in her long scientific activity, addressed her interest to historic masonry structures, with a strategic broad knowledge of the process and merging knowledge from different research fields. Thanks to her multidisciplinary attitude, a deep passion toward puzzling problems and a gentle approach, she was able to combine conservation and safety issues with a robust experimental knowledge of masonry behavior, giving an extraordinary impulse to the research into the experimental understanding, modelling, strengthening and preserving the cultural heritage. The paper shortly illustrates the main aspects of selected topics among the most outstanding contributions given by Prof. L. Binda in research, and describes the advancements made possible in many related fields, both academic and of professional practice. The title of each chapter starts with a typical sentence L. Binda used to remind people, which summarizes at a glance the importance of that specific aspect in the topic. In the authors view, it also implicitly indicates the innovative character of her insights and her extraordinary dedication to research

Recording, Documentation, and Information Management for the Conservation of Heritage Places: Guiding Principles

Provides guidance on integrating recording, documentation, and information management of territories, sites, groups of buildings, or monuments into the conservation process; evaluating proposals; consulting specialists; and controlling implementation

GCI Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites Bibliography

Provides practitioners, as well as those new to the subject, with an overview of the literature related to the management and conservation of archaeological sites. Jointly prepared by GCI and the Department of Antiquities, Cyprus

Research on the restoration of heritage structures: Portland cement and concrete repair applications and repercussions

This paper presents a study of the lasting effects of Portland cement and concrete’s acceptance as a restoration material after the technology came of age in the early 20th century. The paper will highlight the development of modern cement technology while also explaining how it came to be accepted as a viable option in the restoration of heritage structures, and the eventual repercussions of such techniques. Presented in the document are the techniques of early restorations and the most common methods utilized during the grand period of reinforced concrete intervention that occurred during the mid 20th century. After highlighting the various techniques, the mechanisms and modes of deterioration that have plagued such affected structures in the years following intervention will be presented, and likely causes will be identified. Forms of chemical, mechanical, and structural deficiencies all related to the addition of reinforced concrete in systems will be mentioned, and relevant examples will be cited through the use of case studies, with hopes of bringing greater clarity to previously mentioned information within the document. Case studies will be presented where lessons were learned from failures resulting from inadequate restoration practices. The document will conclude with a summary of all presented material and suggestions on what was learned throughout in the years following case studies where failure, deterioration, and premature degradation were induced by concrete restoration materials. An attempt will be made to suggest steps in the future to ensure that problems are avoided in future restorations, and also what must be done with existing altered structures that may be vulnerable in the future. Also, the question of whether reinforced concrete has a place in the field of restoration technology will be discussed

Moisture measurement in the historic environment

Technical Paper 35 goes into detail about the different moisture measurement methods used for historic structures. It considers the possible application of the different methods as well as the benefits and barriers

A Conservation Study of the Naulakha Pavilion at Lahore Fort, Pakistan

This research is a conservation study of the marble elements of the Naulakha Pavilion at the Lahore Fort in Pakistan, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The scope of work includes the two sets of adjoining jalis (lattice screens) on either side of the pavilion, that are self-supporting. The jalis along with the decorative veneer of the pavilion, both employ Makrana marble (from Rajasthan, India), more commonly known for its use in the Taj Mahal, India. Currently, the marble displays a wide array of deterioration including cracking, granular disintegration, and deformation that in several areas has led to dimensional loss. In particular, the thin, low strength jalis show signs of severe stress and destructive weathering due to thermal hysteresis in the presence of heat and moisture. So far, no comprehensive documentation of the monument’s construction, previous interventions, or its current conditions exists. This work addresses the digital documentation of existing conditions and a synthesis of the prevalent deterioration mechanisms contributing to the behavior of the stone and the overall performance of the pavilion. Investigations involved analyzing and characterizing the Makrana marble and its use in the pavilion along with conducting an in-depth conditions assessment for answering a range of research questions ultimately concerned with material, design, performance, alteration, treatment, and maintenance. The resulting digital documentation of conditions and synthesis of current deterioration mechanisms present on site, serves as a baseline for future conservation and interpretation of not just the pavilion but of the larger Lahore Fort complex as a whole

Lessons from Island of Mozambique on limits of acceptable change

This paper recalls the eternal dilemma between transformation and protection. It argues on the assumption that protection is a challenging form of transformation, instead of being opposites, as often echoed in cultural heritage management. Follows a plea for more exact global targets on the protection of cultural heritage, elaborated into an introduction to the notion limits of acceptable change, and particular trends on its application. Next, this paper discloses the lessons learned from a case study on the Island of Mozambique, in Mozambique, with particular attention to the application of limits of acceptable change in urban planning, and the subsequent impact on the protection of its cultural (World) heritage. The conclusions recall the reality of applying such limits, and end recommending a roadmap towards the sustainable urban development of Island of Mozambique