Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
AR40301: Conservation engineering |
![]() | 3 |
![]() | Masters |
![]() | Semester 1 |
![]() | CW 30%, EX 70% |
![]() | AR40301 Reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
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Description: | Aims: To give the student sufficient specialist knowledge and insight to enable participation in design and appraisal of engineering work on historic buildings. Learning Outcomes: The successful student should be able to demonstrate: * familiarity with issues affecting the structural conservation of historic buildings. * an ability to apply a correct methodological approach. * an interest in historic and architectural issues. * a flair for investigation supported by sound structural knowledge. The student will also be able to demonstrate: * a systematic understanding of this knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of this area of professional practice; * conceptual understanding that enables the student to evaluate critically current practice and new developments, and propose new solutions; * an ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly. Content: The mechanics of historic materials, and the assessment of their properties in situ and in the laboratory. The use of analytical tools in the interpretation of the structural condition of existing buildings. The methodology for the analysis of historic buildings: * the collection of data from different fields of analysis (history, architectonic quality, visual inspection, survey and in situ testing, crack pattern interpretation and structural analysis). * interpretation of data to produce a final judgement on causes of damage and present safety level, with examples Choice and implementation of structural conservation techniques. Level of alteration of existing structure, reversibility of new work, homogeneity of old and new materials, with direct involvement in project work. Dedicated seminars will be used throughout the unit, given by representatives of English Heritage and engineering companies. |