Restoration Of Historic Buildings Research Articles

Estimating Damaged Volume of Historic Pagodas in Bagan after Earthquake using 3D Hough Transform

On 24th August 2016, the magnitude of a 6.8 earthquake struck in Bagan from the depth of 52 miles. This earthquake caused much damage in historic pagodas in Bagan, one of the archeological houses in Asia. Analyzing the affected areas is an essential task for the restoration and reconstruction of historic buildings after a disaster. Traditional methods of detecting damage to buildings focus on detecting 2D changes (i.e., only the appearance of the image), but the 2D information provided by the image is not sufficient when it involves detecting damage to buildings is often not precise. For finding out the solution, a method of 3D change detection is needed for estimating the volumes of damaged pagodas after the earthquake. The proposed system aims at producing a quick assessment of the damaged pagodas accurately and correctly. This system estimates the damaged volume of the pagoda based on the nature of the 3D point clouds. Post-earthquake photos are taken using an anonymous aircraft (UAV) and point cloud data is generated using VisualSFM software. The 3D Hough transform is used to find the intersection of the tower vertex and the 3D vertex at the line boundary. Besides, the proposed system can detect the reformed structure of the entire pagoda. The results show that the proposed approach facilitates the automated 3D detection of damaged pagodas and is a time-saving method for estimating the volume of damage caused to precious historic pagodas after a disaster.

Restoration and Strengthening of Historical Buildings: The Example of Minceta Fortress in Dubrovnik

Firstly, some important aspects of the restoration and structural strengthening of historical masonry buildings are briefly discussed. Particularly, as an illustration of the appropriate approach to solving such an issue, an example of the restoration of the Minceta fortress in Dubrovnik has been described. Based on the results of the extensive field and laboratory works with defined damages and cracking state in the fortress, as well as located sliding surfaces in foundation rock near deep excavation, the static and dynamic analysis of stress‐strain states and safety was performed at the characteristic time point in the history of the fortress. Different geometry models for discretization of the fortress and the foundation rock, as well as different constitutive models for masonry and rock, were considered. Based on the results of the case study, the solutions were proposed for the strengthening of the foundation rock, as well as for the restoration and the limited allowed strengthening of the fortress. It is believed that this study may be helpful in the restoration and strengthening of similar historical masonry structures.

Architectural and constructive concept of the historical residential development of St. Petersburg in the XVIII-early XX centuries

The most important stages of the formation of residential development are considered, the spatial and structural features of the construction of historical residential development of St. Petersburg in each period are identified. The organization of private plots, functional and spatial characteristics and design solutions of residential buildings are described. The typology of residential planning systems used at that time was clarified, design options and variants for using building materials in difficult geological conditions and taking into account the peculiarities of the local microclimate are shown. These characteristics are considered by the general system and are the basis for a comprehensive renovation of historical buildings in St. Petersburg.

Dümmerling’s Guiding Manual for Transformation of Sacred Spaces

The Sancrosanctum Concilium approaches the artistic aspects of architecture from the liturgy, while the Charter of Venice approaches the architectural space from the principles of heritage protection. Both emphasized simplicity, functionality and readability. The significance and the combined effect of the two documents in the practice of church construction in Eastern Europe can be considered significant, since the possibility of redesigning the liturgical space arose mainly in the context of the renovation of historic buildings in the atheist political environment. The proof of this statement is presented in the manuscript of the architect Ödön Dümmerling. The architect - a practitioner of monument restorations and an admirer of the spirit of modern architecture - was called upon to draw up design guide after the Second Vatican Council was closed, making recommendations for new equipment for liturgical spaces.

Methodical approaches to revitalization and renovation of historical buildings (analysis of experience)

The article discusses the terms “revitalization” and “renovation” in the context of preserving historical buildings and architectural monuments. It states that the professional standards for the terms “revitalization” and “renovation” are absent and conceptually blurred due to the uncertainty in their methodological principles. The same reasons explain the synonymous use of parallel terms (rehabilitation, regeneration, revalorization, restitution), the essence of which is vague. The reason for this phenomenon is the search of possibilities to modernize the heritage sites and adapt them to the public needs by expanding the range of professional methods which would involve applying to the degraded architectural monuments the actions of a broader range than the restoration requires, and which would form methodological approaches for such type of work. Systematic theoretical researches of this subject are absent. Separate works do not provide an answer to this question either. Therefore the article views the practical experience in the field of revitalization and renovation in Poland (Manufaktura in Łódź), France (Musée d'Orsay in Paris), Netherlands (National Museum in Amsterdam), Germany (Neues Museum in Berlin, Moritzburg Museum in Halle, diocesan museum in Cologne), Spain (CaixaForum in Madrid), which demonstrates related approaches and sometimes controversial concepts. The mentioned objects are those that were positively accepted by the society. They are united by the monofunction (museums), which allowed to apply a single conceptual principle for the revitalization (renovation) of objects. The credibility of their image is largely caused by the high quality of modern materials and the execution of work at the highest technological level. The article emphasizes the need for scientific analysis of a wider range of typologically different objects for the purpose of professional reflection, generalization of methodological approaches and development of legislative principles.

Análisis de las características mineralógicas y petrográficas de piedra “cantera” de Oaxaca, México y su relación con sus propiedades de resistencia y durabilidad

<p>En el presente artículo, se describen los resultados de un proyecto de investigación llevado acabo para caracterizar las propiedades fisicoquímicas de cinco tipos de roca volcánica (riodacita), comúnmente conocida como "cantera", tradicionalmente utilizada para la construcción y restauración de edificios históricos en la ciudad de Oaxaca, México. En el programa experimental, se analizaron cinco tipos de piedra para conocer sus características mineralógicas y petrográficas mediante fluorescencia de rayos X y análisis petrográfico. De la misma manera, se llevaron a cabo pruebas de resistencia a la compresión, densidad y absorción. Finalmente, los resultados obtenidos en el programa experimental fueron analizados y correlacionados con las propiedades de resistencia y durabilidad de los cinco tipos de piedra evaluados.</p>

Application of Jet Grouting technology for the renovation of historic buildings

Renovation and restoration of historic buildings to appropriate functioning is a big challenge for the designer. In the case of this type of buildings, providing them with a new function usually requires the creation of new technical areas for installations and parking spaces. However, the change of function cannot be associated with a fundamental change in the image of the modernised building. In such case, additional areas are obtained by building in the underground spaces under courtyards, streets and often also under existing structures. In certain situations, the mere change in the function of existing underground levels forces an increase in their usable height by deepening of the foundation. Subsequent problem encountered during modernisation is the change in load of individual foundation elements, which is related to the rebuilt static system of the historic structure. In such case, the fragments of foundations require reinforcement that can be implemented by their deepening. One of the methods that enables improvement of the usable properties of basements by increasing their height, as well as reinforcement of the foundations of historic buildings, is jet grouting. This technology resolves many problems associated with limitations in the scope of size of used equipment and access to the place of formation of soil cement elements. Its application allows to significantly facilitate and accelerate the works at the construction site. This study presents the selected examples of the implementation of specialised geotechnical works in the scope of modernisation of historic buildings in Poland, as well as dependence of the strength of soil cement composite on the soil type.

Energy saving potentials in historic buildings’ renovations: to which extent is the heating demand limit value (SIA 380/1) reachable and at which costs?

The renovation of historic buildings is essential to meet the Swiss objectives for energy consumption in 2050. These buildings offer a great saving potential, however, the heritage preservation has to be considered in the renovation scenarios. While essential for the historic conservation, this consideration restricts the renovation possibilities to achieve the heating demand requirements according to the SIA 380/1 standard. This study introduces a framework for identifying the suitable historic buildings’ renovation schemes considering life cycle costs, energy and life cycle environmental impacts. With a case study, the feasibility of achieving the energy performance SIA 380/1 standard is then discussed.

A method for the retrofitting of pre-1914 Walloon dwellings with heritage value

The sustainable energy renovation of historical buildings and listed heritage is a challenge for Belgium and other European countries. These are crucial for urban and rural development and for the future of old buildings. This is the context of the ‘P-RENEWAL’ research project. It aims to develop a methodological tool for retrofitting historical Walloon dwellings built before 1914, to enhance their heritage values while implementing relevant energy measures. The originality of this research is to consider energy, environmental and heritage aspects in a complementary way, in order to help designers achieving a goal of greater sustainability. According to the listed heritage administration, dwelling types built before 1914 represent approximately 25 % of the Walloon stock. This project is related to the research work carried out under the Task 59 of SHC ‘Renovating Historic Buildings Towards Zero Energy’. The methodology used to achieve the research objectives is articulated in various steps. First, a typological analysis of buildings from the interest era is completed. Then, based on on-site studies performed on representative case studies, the evaluations of heritage values and performance are conducted. Finally, dynamic energy models are run to support the proposition and validation of retrofitting strategies.

Diverse approaches to the preservation of built vernacular heritage: case study of post-disaster reconstruction of the Xijie Historic District in Dujiangyan City, China

ABSTRACTPreservation of the built vernacular heritage contributes to maintaining a ‘sense of place' and cultural diversity; yet, it is often ignored in preservation practices that favour high styled architectures and monumental sites. In China, although the understanding of the value of vernacular expression has shown some progress, technical and methodological efforts are still necessary to address the diversity and complexity of vernacular heritage. In this paper, the Xijie Historic District in Dujiangyan City in China provides an example for the preservation of the built vernacular heritage in the context of neighbourhood revitalization during a post-earthquake reconstruction project. Five types of intervention are examined in this paper, including the repair and restoration of the monuments, restoration of historic buildings, rehabilitation of traditional houses, contextual design of new buildings, and demolition to provide public space and facilities. In particular, the measures implemented to meet the residents' needs while maintaining the diversity of the built vernacular heritage are inspected. This study concludes with three recommendations: the classification of vernacular environments and employment of diverse measures to each type; the adaptation of the vernacular environment to meet residents’ expectations and aspirations; and recognition of the development and reasonable control of the changes.

Deep renovation of historic buildings

Purpose Improving the energy performance of historic buildings has the potential to reduce carbon emissions while protecting built heritage through its continued use. However, implementing energy retrofits in these buildings faces social, economic, and technical barriers. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to present the approach of IEA-SHC Task 59 to address some of these barriers. Design/methodology/approach Task 59 aims to achieve the lowest possible energy demand for historic buildings. This paper proposes a definition for this concept and identifies three key socio-technical barriers to achieving this goal: the decision-makers’ lack of engagement in the renovation of historic buildings, a lack of support during the design process and limited access to proven retrofit solutions. Two methods – dissemination of best-practice and guidelines – are discussed in this paper as critical approaches for addressing the first two barriers. Findings An assessment of existing databases indicates a lack of best-practice examples focused specifically on historic buildings and the need for tailored information describing these case studies. Similarly, an initial evaluation of guidelines highlighted the need for process-oriented guidance and its evaluation in practice. Originality/value This paper provides a novel definition of lowest possible energy demand for historic buildings that is broadly applicable in both practice and research. Both best-practices and guidelines are intended to be widely disseminated throughout the field.

Energy Efficiency and Economic Viability as Decision Factors in the Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings

The restoration of historical buildings often implies a change in the main use of the building so that it can once again become a part of people’s lives. Among the interventions needed to adapt the buildings to their new purpose, improving the energy performance is always a challenge due to their particular construction solutions and the influence that these improvements can have on their protected elements. The regulations in force in European Union (EU) member states leave a gap in how the energy performance evaluations in these types of buildings can be defined, and even exclude them from the process. However, rehabilitation of buildings is always seen as an opportunity, because it allows the building to once again be useful to society and play an important role in people’s lives. At the same time, it can also improve their performance and allow benefits to be gained from their use through a reduction in maintenance costs. In the rehabilitation process, the economic viability of the renovation plays a fundamental role which must be compared, in the case of protected buildings, to its impact on the architecture of the building. Since 2002, the EU has issued directives with the aim that countries should define objective methods to improve the energy performance of buildings and, in recent times, methods that demonstrate the amortization of such improvements. Within the process of implementing the new methodologies adapted to the EPBD, Spain was one of the last EU countries to define a process for the energy assessment of existing buildings, introducing an analysis of the economic viability of the construction improvements suggested in the process. The objective of this research was to describe the decision-making process during the evaluation of the feasibility of introducing construction improvements to the energy performance of two catalogued historic buildings located in a warm climate. The estimated energy consumption was evaluated, the net present value (NPV) and the payback period of the investment calculated, and the results obtained were compared with the real energy consumption. At the end of the process, it can be said that the methodologies adopted in Spain offer results that can lead designers to make wrong decisions that may affect the protected heritage values of these buildings.

Mechanical characterization of mortars used in the restoration of historical buildings: an operative atlas for maintenance and conservation

The complexity of the architectural and structural restoration of historical buildings requires a careful choice in the use of repair mortars compatible with the original materials of the existing building. It is important to set up an atlas of reference, compared to many mixtures of mortars and conglomerates, useful to support the operational choices in the project of restoration, recovery, and maintenance of historical buildings. The aim is also to encourage the use of local materials with a “short supply chain”, compatible with buildings and applied by traditional techniques. The research makes use of experimental bending, compression and elastic modulus tests on different mixtures of mortars. This paper describes some of the first results obtained so far, because the research is still underway for many different mixtures to test and catalogue. The comparison between the data and the reference values that will be identified, will lead to set up a reference atlas of mechanical behaviour of repair mortars in order to direct the design and operational choices in function of requirements and performance (of the wall systems) of each specific cases in the field of the restoration of historical buildings.

Polystyrene nanofibers for nonwoven porous building insulation materials

The building industry makes a great effort to reduce energy consumption. The use of nanotechnology is one of the approaches to surpassing the properties of conventional insulation materials. In this work, an industrial cost‐effective method to manufacture highly porous materials with excellent thermal insulation properties is described. The materials are prepared from polystyrene recovered from the building sector and electrospun as nanofiber‐based sheets. Varying electrospinning parameters allow controlling the morphology of the produced materials. The materials are obtained with differences in interfiber and inner‐fiber porosity and morphology. The thermal conductivity of the freestanding and compressed materials is evaluated. Those differences affect the insulation performance: the materials with higher interfiber porosity show better thermal insulation in the freestanding state. An increase of the inner‐fiber porosity leads to better insulation in the compressed samples. Insertion of carbon nanomaterials reduces the effects of the infrared Radiation. Nanofiber‐based insulation materials from the recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) show thermal conductivity values of 20 to 25 mW/mK (ie, 20% to 30% below the thermal conductivity of the commercial EPS). The effect of integrating polystyrene nanofiber sheets into conventional wall‐building materials is also investigated in terms of thermal insulation. The nanofiber insulation sheets are sandwiched between two pieces of the building materials resulting in a drastic increase of the insulation effect. The materials have a great potential in using, for example, as thermal insulation for the restoration of historic buildings in the narrow central parts of the old towns.

LAMINATED WOOD AND MULTIMATERIAL WOOD – ADHESIVE MESHAS REPLACEMENTS OF SOLID WOOD IN RESTORATION OF HISTORICAL BUILDINGS

Abstract. Wooden structure restorationwork in historical buildings requires substitution and/or reparation of structural elements. The aim of this investigation is to compare the density, wave velocity, dynamic module, and quality factor intest pieces of solid wood, laminated wood and a multimaterial of P. pseudostrobus. The work hypothesis proposes that dynamic modules of laminated wood and multimaterial laminated wood reinforced with stainless steel mesh are, at least, equal to solid wood. Small dimension test pieces made of solid wood, laminated wood, and multimaterial wood elaborated with the species P. pseudostrobus were prepared. Humidity content and apparent density of wood were determined. Ultrasound tests in radial, tangential, and longitudinal direction were doneand wave velocity, dynamic module, and quality factor were determined. Empiric evidence indicates that wave velocity, dynamic module, and quality factors are different with the three kinds of test pieces. Laminated wood and multimaterial wood characteristics are similar to P. pseudostrobus solid wood; so that the two compound material have good expectations to substitute some pieces that work as resistance elements in wooden structures.

Minero-Petrographic Characterization of Chianocco Marble Employed for Palazzo Madama Façade in Turin (Northwest Italy)

The study of ancient marble plays an important role in the interpretation of historical and archaeological sites and gives interesting information about building materials used in ancient times and their trade routes. The present work focuses on Chianocco marble that represents one of the most important ancient white marbles for cultural heritage exploited in the Piedmont region (Northwest Italy) and employed for the Palazzo Madama façade. A multi-analytical study based on petrographic (optical and scanning electron microscopy), electron microprobe, cathodoluminescence and stable isotope analyses was carried out on these marbles in order to perform an archaeometric study. Chianocco marble was used in Turin during the baroque era by the Savoy architect Filippo Juvarra (1678–1736) in historical buildings, such as the façade of the Palazzo Madama, the plinth of the façade of the town Cathedral and the columns (now plastered) of the portico of Piazza San Carlo. This stone is a dolomitic rock belonging to the Mesozoic cover of the Dora Maira Massif (Pennidic Unit). It shows a vuggy fabric characterized by a vacuolar texture due to tectonic brecciation and subsequent selective dissolution during subaerial exposure. This kind of research is useful to highlight the importance of the use of local stones as building materials and to investigate stone materials for the restoration and maintenance of historical buildings.

The Use of Natural Stone as an Authentic Building Material for the Restoration of Historic Buildings in Order to Test Sustainable Refurbishment: Case Study

This study deals with the integrated process of conservation and restoration of architectural heritage and sustainability. The objective of the research was to define adequate methodologies for the structural restoration of historic buildings, their re-use, and sustainable refurbishment in accordance with modern requirements and conservation standards while maintaining the original visual character by using natural stone as an authentic building material. The main research method was the in-situ observation of the historic structures during the restoration and adaptive re-use, the analysis, and evaluation of the research findings regarding energy efficiency improvements and energy saving in the Haybarn complex within the monastery Hilandar, Mount Athos, Greece. Due to its cultural and natural values, Mount Athos has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The research included the damaged and abandoned agricultural structures that belong to the Haybarn complex and the analysis of the obtained results after the restoration had finished and the abandoned premises had been turned into guest rooms for the visitors of Hilandar monastery. The result section states the findings of the research arranged as recommendations for historic building restoration and re-use, emphasizing their new function in accordance with modern comfort requirements and environmental protection standards. The main contribution of this study is the analysis of the research findings and the possibilities of energy refurbishment of the restored historic buildings, through the use of natural stone as authentic local construction material, in accordance with energy efficiency measures and principles, conservation requirements and cultural heritage conservation standards.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis of renders and paints for the restoration of historical buildings

A significant percentage of the building stock in Europe was built before 1950, hence the restoration, retrofitting and renovation of historical buildings is of paramount importance not only for society, but also for the overall sustainability of the construction sector, which is known to have a huge environmental impact. In particular, the application of new paints and renders is extremely common in the restoration interventions carried out in historical buildings. In the selection of these materials, it is important to consider that they must comply with compatibility requirements, in terms of low stiffness and high water vapour permeability, not to give rise to premature defects and detachment. However, their environmental impact is basically never evaluated.In this study, a preliminary evaluation of the environmental impact of some selected renders and paints for the restoration of historical buildings by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis was carried out. This analysis was performed using the information that are supplied by the manufacturers of the materials (as reported in the technical data sheets), so from the point of view of the designers, who must select among a range of commercial alternatives. Both ready-mix dry renders and mortars purposely prepared in the building site, with or without paint, mechanically or manually applied, were analysed.The paint, notwithstanding its low amount with respect to the render, seems to have a very high impact. The results also suggest that an evaluation of these materials by LCA is definitely not easy, mostly because some key characteristics of materials which are needed for this analysis are currently not reported at all in the technical datasheet, thus jeopardizing a proper evaluation of their environmental impact.

Restorations of Historic Buildings Considering the Fire Safety in Model Solutions

The paper deals with the theoretical analysis of physical, structural, and layout determinants affecting the design and restoration of historic buildings in terms of fire safety. Legislative requirements for fire safety of historic buildings in the Slovak Republic. Definition of the construction and layout limits in architectural solutions in model buildings in terms of optimizing the original function within the valid legislation. Construction possibilities considering the protection of building elements at higher fire load and layout changes in structures built to the original trusses.

The Policies and Process of Preserving the Historical and Heritage Buildings in Dubai City: Case Study of Historical District

Preserving historical buildings is considered of one of the major priorities in many cities in both developed anddeveloping countries. Dubai is one of the major world cities that is experiencing rapid architectural transformations, thus the Dubai Municipality has taken the initiative to preserve historical buildings maintaining the culture and identity of the city’s heritage. This initiative started in 1991 under a unit called ‘The Unit for the Restoration of Historic Buildings’, which expanded further in 1994 to become ‘Architectural Heritage Department’. Over the years, the department has developed a mechanism of action, objectives, laws and strategies to keep abreast of progress and modernity in the field of repair, conservation and project management. In accordance with international and international standards while preserving the architectural character of the Emirate of Dubai.This paper is it a critical review to assert advantages and disadvantages of the policies and regulations that were set up by Dubai Municipality in terms of how they support the preservation of historical heritage and culture within the city. This paper is related my PhD research, Data was attained using existing documentations on policies, regulations, plans, books and available articles on historical buildings preservation. Findings show that the plan of work for preserving heritage and historical areas in Dubai is efficient and dynamic as it encompasses international standards and regulations while maintaining the cultural values of the city.The analysis shed light upon potentially creative perspectives in terms of protecting and preserving heritage buildings in similar environments. The paper provides a solid foundation for future research on heritage buildings, related complexities and the strategies employed by different governments to make informed decisions.