Verulam

The upgrading of the existing Barlow shed at St Pancras, whilst maintaining the essence of the structure to the satisfaction of English Heritage, involved significant innovations in both materials and methods. This paper describes the application of a very high strength, high steel fibre content cementitious material to resolve one particular design challenge. The work to accurately define and then solve the problem is presented including the analytical approach used, the testing of the novel material and the development of design parameters to feed back into the analytical model to verify the final design. David Gration , BEng CEng MIMechE Tony Jones , BEng PhD CEng FICE Andrew McNulty , MA MSc DIC CEng MICE

Refurbishment needs knowledge of the craft of construction, history of materials and of investigative appraisal for success. It requires different techniques from the design of new structures. Conservation and refurbishment for extended use is an essential component of sustainable development since rejuvenation of existing building stock brings new, extended socio-economic use without incurring substantial additional embodied energy. Successful refurbishment is the result of understanding how the building really works, and normally requires re-engineering of the internal environment. Sound appraisal also needs a plan for safe and healthy investigation, and expert knowledge management. Four case studies appear at the end of the paper. Michael Dickson, CBE , FREng, FIStructE, FICE Consultant Designer, Founding Partner Buro Happold 1976 - 2006 Jim Solomon , BEng, CEng, MICE Associate, Buro Happold Ltd, Accredited conservation engineer Dr Dhana Bruyere Research and Development Manager, Buro Happold Ltd