Theoretical guidelines and challenges affecting the interventions of structural restoration in architectural heritage

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Ph.D. in Restoration and Conservation of Historical Buildings and Urban Fabrics, Faculty of Conservation and Restoration, Iran University of Art, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Restoration and Conservation of Historical Buildings and Urban Fabrics, Faculty of Conservation and Restoration, Iran University of Art, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Interventions related to the structural restoration of architectural heritage, which aim to both protect human lives and preserve cultural property, can create more and broader risks compared to other types of restorative interventions for continuity of the historic buildings and the safety of their users. Therefore, designing and implementing structural interventions based on clear and applicable theoretical foundations becomes necessary. However, it seems that the existence of a level of overview of theoretical issues and a lack of clarity in the understanding and applying guiding principles have confused the restorers and structural engineers. This confusion complicates etablishemnt of a proper connection between the theoretical topics and practical interventions. From this point of view, the research has investigated the written recommendations of the experts in this field in order to find applicable guidelines and recognize the challenges facing their proper application in connection with structural interventions of architectural heritage. The experts selected for this study have an international reputation in related fields, practical experience and have authored Authentic written research on this topic. The research is applied in terms of purpose and follows a qualitative approach. The required data was obtained through library studies relying on the written sources of selected experts, and the data analysis has been done based on the content analysis of these sources and with the help of the software analysis technique with MaxQDA software. The research results include a) conservative and technical guidelines related to the proper orientation of structural interventions, b) the challenges of applying these theoretical guidelines and c) solutions to overcome these challenges. Conservation guidelines include conservation of values, maximum conservation of authenticity, compatibility of materials and techniques, conservation of structural integrity, compliance with conservation goals, balance of attitude, degree of similarity of action, distinctiveness of action, minimum possible intervention and relative reversibility of action. Technical guidelines can also be divided into key aspects: adaptability to the status qua, structural efficiency, feasibility, controllability, maintainability, durability of intervention and the final outcome measurement of the action. Also, the challenges facing the application of these guidelines are divided into three categories: 1) challenges affected by the contradiction between the philosophy of conservation and the requirements related to the safety level, 2) internal conflicts between some of the conservative guidelines and 3) the challenges caused by the impact of some external issues such as financial resources on interventions. To overcome these challenges proper structural restoration should be presented with attention to points such as the need to review and establish specific standards and risk levels for historical structures, perform accurate and combined diagnostic studies before deciding, exercising humility in choosing less destructive modern solutions with greater reversibility, using an incremental approach to determine the minimum possible intervention, applying lower levels of reliability and considering parallel arrangements to minimize the possibility of structural failure and use sustainable financial resources without applying external pressures.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

ابوئی، رضا، رحیمی، حسین‌‌علی و پارسائی، علیرضا (1396). نارسایی‌‌های موجود در فرایند بهسازی لرزه‌‌ای ابنیه تاریخی. نشریه باغ نظر،14(48)، 57-68.
آصفی، مازیار و رادمهر، مهسا (1393). ارتقای بهسازی میراث کالبدی، درحوزه فنّی و مرمت معماری با رویکرد تفاهم بخشی دو دیدگاه. مطالعات شهر ایرانی اسلامی، 16، 29-41.
امین‌پور، احمد، اسدی، صابر و باشتنی، پریساسادات (1399). نقدی بر مداخلات گفتمان مهندسی در سد تاریخی کریت-طبس (تبیین رویکرد گفتمان مهندسی به بناهای تاریخی). معماری و شهرسازی آرمان‌‌شهر، 13(31)، 19-29.
امین‌پور، احمد و عباسی هرفته، محسن (۱۳۹۰). اصل حداقل مداخله، چالش پیشِ‌روی مداخلات حفاظتی در میراث فرهنگی، کشف و تبیین کاستی‌‌ها و نواقص اصل مذکور با رویکردی نظری به آراء موجود در این حوزه. نشریه مرمت و معماری ایران، ۱(۱)، 69-82.
ذات اکرم، وحید و زمانی‌فرد، علی (1402). دستیابی به مؤلفه‌های ارزیابی و گزینش روش مناسبِ مداخله مرمتی در میراث معماری مبتنی بر اسناد بین‌المللی حفاظت. معماری و شهرسازی ایران، 14(2)، 95-115.
کروچی، جورجو و یومانس، داوید (۱۳۸۳). توصیه‌‌هایی برای تحلیل، حفاظت‌ومرمتِ سازه‌‌ای میراث معمارانه. (مترجم: باقر آیت‌‌الله‌‌زاده شیرازی). اثر، 36 و 37، 229-244.
 Blondet, M., Neumann, J. V., Tarque, N., Soto, J. P., Sosa, C. R., & Sarmiento, J. P. (2016). Seismic protection of earthen vernacular and historical constructions. In Van Balen, k.; Verstrynge, E (Eds.), Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions: Anamnesis, Diagnosis, Therapy, Controls, (3-14). USA: CRC Press.
Boostani, A., Misseri, G., Rovero, L., & Tonietti, U. (2020). The consolidation strategy of the Noh Gonbad Mosque vestiges in Balkh (Afghanistan). Procedia Structural Integrity, 29, 79-86.
Čaušević, A., Akšamija, L. C., & Rustempašić, N. (2019). Seismic Performance and Recommendation of structural intervention on Masonry Heritage clock towers: Representative Examples in Bosnia and Herzegovina. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 603(2), 1-10.
Čaušević, A., Rustempašić, N., Akšamija, L. C., & Avdić, D. (2020). Structural analysis of Gradačac Clock Tower aiming towards Intervention in Preserving Authenticity. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 960(2), 1-11.
Croatto, G., Turrini, U., & Bertolazzi, A. (2016). Criteria and guidelines about structural reversibility for reinforced concrete historical buildings refurbishment. Journal of Architectural Conservation, 22(3), 189-198.
Croci, G. (2000). General methodology for the structural restoration of historic buildings: the cases of the Tower of Pisa and the Basilica of Assisi. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 1(1), 7-18.
Croci, G. (1998). The conservation and structural restoration of architectural heritage (Vol. 1). UK: WIT Press.
D’Ayala, D., & Forsyth, M. (2007). What is conservation engineering? In Forsyth, M (Eds.), Structures & Construction in Historic Building Conservation (1-11), USA: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Feilden, B. M. (2003). Conservation of Historic Buildings. London: Routledge.
Forsyth, M. (Ed.). (2007). Structures & construction in historic building conservation (Vol. 3). London: Blackwell.
Friedman, D., & Yeomans, D. (2015). Conservation engineering toolbox: Practice codes and standards. Iscarsah newsletter, 32-38.
Gavrilovic, P., & Zelenkovska, V. (1995). Seismic strengthening of historic monuments and experimental investigations. Annali di geofisica, 38 (5-6), 763-773.
Grau, P. N., Neumann, J. V., & Beas, M. (2006). Seismic retrofitting guidelines for the conservation of doctrinal chapels on the Oyon Highlands in Peru. In Hardy, M.; Cancino, C. and Ostergren, G. (Eds.), Proceedings of the Getty Seismic Adobe Project 2006 Colloquium (135-143). Los Angeles: Getty Conservation Institute.
Harun, S. N. (2011). Heritage building conservation in Malaysia: Experience and challenges. Procedia Engineering, 20, 41-53.
Hejazi, M., & Saradj, F. M. (2014). Persian architectural heritage: architecture, structure and conservation. UK: WIT press.
ICOMOS (1983). Appleton Charter for the Protection and Enhancement of the Built Environment. Ottawa, Canada.
ICOMOS (2003). Charter of Principles for the Analysis, Conservation and Structural Restoration of Architectural Heritage. Adopted by the ICOMOS 14th General Assembly. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Kangwa, J., Ebohon, O., Haupt, T., & Olubodun, F. (2019). Perceptibility of barriers and threats to successful and sustainable restoration of Heritage Buildings. A perspective of UK’s heritage practitioners. In The 13th Built Environment Conference (369-388). Durban: Association of Schools of Construction of Southern Africa.
Lourenço, P. B. (2006). Structural restoration of monuments: recommendations and advances in research and practice. In Abdel Hamid, A. (Eds.), Proceedings of The First International Conference on Restoration of Heritage Masonry Structures, Cairo: Supreme council af Antiquities.
Lourenço, P. B. (2013). Conservation of cultural heritage buildings: methodology, practice and challenges. XII Latin American Congress of Construction Pathology and XIV Congress of Quality Control in Construction, Colombia: RILEM.
Lourenço, P. B., Varum, H., Vasconcelos, G., & Rodrigues, H. (2015). Structural conservation and vernacular construction. In Varum, H.; Correia, M.; Lourenco, P. (Eds.), Seismic retrofitting: learning from vernacular architecture (37-42). USA: CRC Press.
Massarelli, M, T. (2008). Structural analysis and restoration of the Guglia Della Madonna di Bitonto. In DAyala, D; Fodde, E. (Eds.), Structural Analysis of Historic Construction: Preserving Safety and Significance, Two Volume Set (1461-1465). USA: CRC Press.
Michiels, T. L. (2015). Seismic retrofitting techniques for historic adobe buildings. International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 9(8), 1059-1068.
Mileto, C., & Vegas López-Manzanares, F. (2022). Earthen architectural heritage in the international context: values, threats, conservation principles and strategies. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 12(2), 192-205.
Mileto, C., & Vegas, F. (2017). Preserving Heritage with Tomorrow›s Technologies: Trials, Errors, and Criteria. APT Bulletin: The Journal of Preservation Technology, 48(1), 32-39.
Miltiadou-Fezans, A. (2008). A multidisciplinary approach for the structural restoration of the Katholikon of Dafni Monastery in Attica Greece. In Structural Analysis of Historic Construction: Preserving Safety and Significance, Two Volume Set (91-108). USA: CRC Press.
Miltiadou-Fezans, A. (2016). Design in process, multidisciplinarity and synergy: Key issues of the structural restoration of Daphni Monastery. In DAyala, D.; Fodde, E. (Eds.), Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions: Anamnesis, Diagnosis, Therapy, Controls (23-34). USA: CRC Press.
Okten, B. B., Okten, M. S., Haydaroglu, C., & Bevzoni, G. (2016). Structural engineering perspective on historic building restoration. In Komurlu, R., Gurgun, A., Singh, A. and Yazdani, S. (Eds.), the First European and Mediterranean Structural Engineering and Construction Conference (583-587), Istanbul: ISEC Press.
Paradiso, M., Garuglieri, S., & Ferrarini, V. (2020). The Convent of Santa Teresa de Jesús in Havana: analysis, consolidation and restoration for the New Museum of Sacred Art. Procedia Structural Integrity, 29, 87-94.
Penelis, G. G. (2002). Structural restoration of historical buildings in seismic areas. Progress in Structural Engineering and Materials, 4(1), 64-73.
Penelis, G. G., & Penelis, G. G. (2020). Structural Restoration of Masonry Monuments: Arches, Domes and Walls. USA: CRC Press.
Roca, P. (2021). The ISCARSAH guidelines on the analysis, conservation and structural restoration of architectural heritage. In Roca, P., Pela, L. and Molins, C. (Eds.), 12th International Conference on Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions (1629-1640). Spain: CIMNE.
Roca, P. (2011). Restoration of historic buildings: conservation principles and structural assessment. International Journal of Materials and Structural Integrity, 5(2-3), 151-167.
Rosado C., M., & Walliman, N. S. R. (2014). Defining criteria for intervention in earthen-built heritage conservation. International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 8(4), 581-601.
Rouhi, J. (2017). Conservation and Restoration of Adobe Architectural Heritage of Bam Citadel (Iran), Affected by the 26 December 2003 Bam Earthquake: Problems and Issues. Dissertation for receiving PhD, School of Architecture, Universita degli Studi di Napoli Federico II.
Saradj, F. M., Pilakoutas, K., & Hajirasouliha, I. (2017). Prioritization of interventions for strengthening architectural heritage. Urbanism. Arhitectura. Constructii, 8(3), 283.
Smars, P., & Patrício, T. (2016). Ethical questions around structural interventions in archaeological sites. In Van Balen, K., Verstrynge, E. (Eds.), Structural Analysis of Historical Constructions: Anamnesis, Diagnosis, Therapy, Controls (986-993). USA: CRC Press.
Sofronie, R. (2018). Intervention methods. In Proceedings of the First International Workshop on Restoration and Strengthening of Historical Structures, Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organisation, ISCARSAH, Tehran, Iran.
Theodossopoulos, D. (2012). Structural design in building conservation. London: Routledge.
Tolles, E. L., Kimbro, E. E., & Ginell, W. S. (2003). Planning and engineering guidelines for the seismic retrofitting of historic adobe structures. USA: Getty Publications.
Tolles, E. L., Kimbro, E. E., Webster, F. A., & Ginell, W. S. (2000). Seismic stabilization of historic adobe structures: Final report of the Getty seismic adobe project. USA: Getty Publications.
Tsakanika, E., & Charalambides, S. (2022). The Restoration Proposal for the 4-storey Load Bearing Timber Structure of Matsopoulos Wheat Mill in Trikala (Greece). In Mazzolani, F., Vayas, I. (Eds), Protection of Historical Constructions: Proceedings of PROHITECH 20214 (790-803). New York: Springer.
Turer, A. (2010). Conservation of Heritage Structures in Turkey: Practice and Difficulties. Advanced Materials Research, 133, 31-42.
Van Roy, N., Verstrynge, E., & Van Balen, K. (2015). Quality management of interventions on historic buildings. Structural Studies, Repairs and Maintenance of Heritage Architecture, 14, 313-324.
Vargas Neumann, J. (2010). The conservation of earthen architectural heritage in seismic areas. Advanced Materials Research, 133, 65-77.
Warren, J. (2004). Conservation of structure in historic buildings. Journal of architectural conservation, 10(2), 39-49.
Journal of Architecture and Urban Planning
Volume 17, Issue 45
December 2024
Pages 105-132

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics