Structural Repair of Historic Buildings

A course of special value to those wishing to gain a new perspective in applying engineering principles to the conservation of historic structures; the programme covers inspecting, monitoring and repair works ranging from pointing and grouting to tying and underpinning. It includes practical exercises, demonstrations and trials of equipment, and remedial/monitoring techniques and a visit to a local industrial museum. The course will be of value to architects, conservation officers, masons, carpenters and others involved in conservation as well as to engineers.

The five basic maxims of building conservation are 'conserve as found' and 'minimum intervention', 'like for like repairs’, 'repairs should be reversible' and ‘repairs should be sympathetic’. These philosophies must be tempered with responsibility for the safety and structural integrity of historic buildings, and for the safety of the users of those buildings. This course will attempt to draw together these two, sometimes seemingly opposing, views of conservation and safety.

Various permanent repair methods which might be applied to historic buildings are discussed and there will be debate about the merits of hidden repairs as against more obvious repairs. The programme covers inspecting, monitoring and repair works ranging from pointing and grouting to tying and underpinning; it includes practical exercises, demonstrations and trials of equipment, and remedial monitoring techniques. Use will be made of case studies to illustrate various points, discussion from the floor will be encouraged and there will be opportunity for discussion in small groups to consider specific problems. The informal evening sessions provide an opportunity for participants to present a structural problem for group discussion. Please come prepared with a case you would like to present; pictures/slides and/or drawings would be useful.