Our role in conservation

I have worked on many projects involving historic structures. Drawing upon my experiences and understanding gained, this paper endeavours to put my comprehension of conservation into context, looking at the pivotal role we, as structural engineers, can play. Principles of ‘minimum intervention’, ‘sympathetic approach’, ‘reversibility of repairs’, ‘maximum retention of historic fabric’ all require our consideration. A variety of projects are used by way of example, ultimately showing that compromise almost invariably ends up being the only way to succeed.

Andrew J. Hallum, BSc(Hons), CEng, MIStructE, MICE
Associate, Capita Symonds