Acknowledgement

The process of completing this research has been a unique learning experience for me and could not have been successful without the guidance, support and encouragement from my instructor, friends, project supervisor and my family. I am immensely grateful to all their support.

I am particularly indebted to my guide, Dr BrankaDimitrijevicat the University of Strathclyde, for her dedicated support throughout the research period. Dr Branka was readily available to assist me in completing the work and always motivated me to work hard. Her extensive knowledge and persistent guidance were invaluable in steering me in the right direction during the project undertaking. As a result, I was able to access the required tools and information to help me complete the project in good time. Secondly, I am also deeply indebted to my project supervisor, Jacqueline Lister who was always ready to support me in completing this work. I am also thankful to the many authors who have done significant research and published great work on the restoration and conservation of built heritage. Without this input, it would not have been possible to undertake such a research project.

I am also deeply grateful to my parents and friends who have provided moral support and invaluable advice in this period. Finally, I would also recognize the faculty of the Engineering Architecture Department who availed the opportunity to present this research dissertation and my fellow classmates who helped me correct my dissertation during the peer review.