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.

Table of Contents:
· Foreword - Bernard Feilden · Structural Behaviour - Basic Principles · Aims, Process And Philosophy Of Structural Appraisal · Procedures Of Structural Appraisal · Masonry · Timber · Iron And Steel · Concrete And Reinforced Concrete · Foundations · Temporary Works And Sequencing The Operations · Epilogue: Maintenance · Suggested Further Reading · Appendix: Weights And Measures: Approximate Conversions

About the Author :
Robert Bowles joined the Practice in 1977 and became a Partner in 1984He is in charge of the work being undertaken at the Palace of Westminster, where the Practice act as Term Consultant on a broad range of alterations and repairs. Other historic buildings, he is responsible for, include the Tower of London, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Hampton Court Palace and St. Paul's Cathedral, where he is assisting Alan Baxter in his role as consulting Engineer to the Dean and Chapter. He coordinates the Practice's overall approach on our advice to Westminster City Council. Here we advise on the structural engineering issues arising out of planning applications by others to alter or demolish historic buildings, or to redevelop sites adjacent to them.Previous work with historic buildings has included the award-winning New Concordia Wharf on the River Thames, where he was responsible for an innovative approach to fire engineering which enabled the retention of the exposed timber floors. His experience with historic buildings was recognised when he was invited to be principal author for the CIRIA publication, Structural Renovation of Traditional Buildings.Robert Bowles has also worked on numerous new-build commercial and residential schemes throughout the United Kingdom for both the private and the public sectors. These include the new 100,000ft2 headquarters of the Skipton Building Society in Yorkshire and a facade retention office scheme in Central London which sits above Green Park station on the London Underground.

Review :
This book is essentially practical, giving valuable advice on procedures and inspections and reporting in subsequent chapters..it takes a great deal of thought to find simple and eleegant solutions to complex problems but Beckmann has shown it can be done. Sir Bernard Feilden