Structural Repair of Traditional Buildings

Book excerpt: This book will be of interest to everyone involved in the repair, maintenance and refurbishment of traditional buildings. Its purpose is to promote the successful structural repair of masonry, timber and unfired earth. The book begins by explaining how traditional structures work and how they are affected by the behaviour of the soil that supports them. It goes on to explain how the structural design of buildings has to cope with uncertainty. Techniques for doing so are well established for new buildings, but the viewpoint changes when existing buildings need to be repaired or refurbished. The most common sources of structural damage are listed. The more serious and progressive ones are described in detail, as an aid to diagnosis and prognosis. An understanding of prognosis enables repairers to decide whether urgent intervention is necessary or whether the problem can be allowed to run its course. A straightforward method is proposed for arriving at the most suitable remedy. Several typical repairs are illustrated. The book covers many allied topics, including the principles of conservation, health and safety and preventative maintenance. A chapter is devoted to the special needs of insured perils.