3.2.5. Approaches for structural conservation

3.2.4 Approaches for structural conservation –

The approaches for structural conservation study focus on the rationale and purpose of the research. It establishes the bridge between the field of earthquake engineering and conservation, where this thesis is placed.

Understanding the concepts –

Conservation and restoration The technical definition of conservation based on the Nara charter (ICOMOS, Nara Charter , 1994 ), can be “All actions or processes that are aimed at safeguarding the characterdefining elements of a cultural resource, so as to retain its heritage value and to extend its physical life.” The concept of restoration can be understood as an action or process of accurately revealing, recovering, or representing the state of a cultural resource, or of an individual component, as it appeared at a particular period in its history, while protecting its heritage value. (Lourenço, Varum, Vasconcelos, & Rodrig, 2015) whereas Rehabilitation is the action or process of making possible a continuing or compatible use of a resource through repair, alterations, additions while protecting its heritage value.

Stabilisation, Repair and strengthening –Stabilization - Action to stop the process of deterioration which involves structural damage or material decay. Repair - an action to recover the initial mechanical or strength properties of material, structural component, or structural system. Strengthening - action providing additional strength to the structure.

Approach towards risk reduction –

The research on structural conservation and vernacular construction (Lourenço, Varum, Vasconcelos, & Rodrig, 2015) identifies the approach as shown in figure 20-

Characterise the built heritage Analysis of it Higher risk Buildings

Lower risk Buildings

What interventions are required?

Implementation

Figure 18 Approach towards risk reduction for historic structures, Source- Author

ISCARSAH Guidelines -

The very first lines of the ISCARSAH17 guidelines issued by ICOMOS18 , mentions that –

“A combination of both scientific and cultural knowledge and experience is indispensable for the study of all architectural heritage.” “Conserving architectural heritage usually requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a variety of professionals and organizations.”

Also, the guidelines clearly mention the importance of both qualitative and quantitative analysis which is required for structural conservation. The main purpose for the approach is to conserve the historical and cultural values associated with the structures. It is important to study the structural behaviour of the building parallel to the historical construction methods and archival research for conservation. The guidelines also mention that to understand the structural behaviour the study of shape and connections, construction materials and forces, and deformations are the main factors to be studied.

Low intrusive approach -

Modern conservation respects authenticity of the ancient materials and structure. Which implies that the interventions should be based on the structural integrity and core causes

17 ISARSAH - The International Scientific Committee on the Analysis and Restoration of Structures of Architectural Heritage (ISCARSAH) was founded by ICOMOS in 1996 as a forum and network for engineers involved in the restoration and care of building heritage. 18 ICOMOS - The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS; French: Conseil international des monuments et des sites) is a professional association that works for the conservation and protection of cultural heritage places around the world.