Investigating parameters affecting maintenance of heritage buildings in Egypt

Abstract

PurposeMaintenance of heritage buildings in Egypt is essential for extending their life and preserving them in a good condition for current use and future generations. The purpose of this paper aims to study the significant parameters to be taken into consideration in the decision-making process for maintenance of heritage buildings.Design/methodology/approachThis research identifies and analyzes the parameters affecting maintenance decision-making process using relative importance index method. Sixty-three parameters were collected from the literature and were categorized into six groups. The feedback of 15 experts who represent owners' representatives and consultants in the field of maintenance and preservation of heritage buildings was obtained through a questionnaire survey and analyses were conducted on the results.FindingsAccording to the highest values of the relative importance index method, the top 10 influencing parameters are determined. A comparison between feedback of the two groups of experts is conducted. Statistical analysis is carried out to test the parameters, revealing a strong correlation between structural and geotechnical groups of parameters.Originality/valueParameters affecting decision-making for maintenance of heritage buildings were identified, influencing parameters can be used to compare between heritage buildings in greater need of maintenance than others.