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Historical defects in buildings

This series of short advice notes aims to educate structural engineers on historical defects commonly encountered when working on existing buildings.

The articles alert the reader to each defect, offering broad guidance on investigation and repair, with suggestions for further reading to gain a working knowledge of how to deal with them.

Articles in this series

The Structural Engineer

Historical defects in buildings – Introduction
Hugh Docherty introduces a new series of short advice notes that aims to educate structural engineers on historical defects commonly encountered when working on existing buildings.

Publish Date – 3 October 2023

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The Structural Engineer

Historical defects in buildings – No. 1: Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete
Hugh Docherty looks at the topical subject of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), offering brief guidance on identification and mitigation/remedial options.

Publish Date – 3 October 2023

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The Structural Engineer

Historical defects in buildings – No. 2: High-alumina cement
Hugh Docherty continues this series by summarising the problem of concrete made with high-alumina cement and offering brief advice on identification and remediation.

Publish Date – 13 November 2023

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The Structural Engineer

Historical defects in buildings – No. 3: Alkali–silica reaction in concrete
Hugh Docherty continues this series by examining the potential damage caused by alkalis and silica reacting in concrete, and offering brief advice on identification and remediation.

Publish Date – 2 January 2024

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The Structural Engineer

Historical defects in buildings – No. 4: Carbonation of concrete cover
Hugh Docherty examines the potential damage caused by carbonation in reinforced concrete, and offers brief advice on identification and remediation.

Publish Date – 1 February 2024

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The Structural Engineer

Historical defects in buildings – No. 5: Wood-wool formwork
In this latest note, Hugh Docherty discusses the use of wood-wool slabs as permanent formwork to reinforced concrete slabs and the potential problems that can arise in this form of construction.

Publish Date – 1 March 2024

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The Structural Engineer

Historical defects in buildings – No. 6: Regent Street disease
In this note, Hugh Docherty highlights the problem of corrosion of structural steelwork behind masonry elevations in buildings dating from the first half of the 1900s.

Publish Date – 3 June 2024

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