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18 pages, 7976 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural Assessment and Strengthening of a Historic Masonry Orthodox Church

by Ionuț Alexandru Spiridon, Dragoș Ungureanu, Nicolae Țăranu, Cătălin Onuțu, Dorina Nicolina Isopescu and Adrian Alexandru Șerbănoiu

Buildings 2023, 13(3), 835; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030835 - 22 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1436

Abstract

This study provides insight into the structural assessment, diagnosis, and strengthening of the medieval church of Tazlău Monastery in Piatra Neamț, Romania. The first part of the paper briefly presents the wider context of strengthening and preserving heritage churches and monastic buildings and [...] Read more.

This study provides insight into the structural assessment, diagnosis, and strengthening of the medieval church of Tazlău Monastery in Piatra Neamț, Romania. The first part of the paper briefly presents the wider context of strengthening and preserving heritage churches and monastic buildings and describes the architectural setting and the structural features of the traditional Romanian Orthodox churches. The second part of the paper is a case study related to the rehabilitation of a medieval heritage church, which is the paramount building of a larger monastic complex. Erected in 1496, the church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary closely follows the medieval traditional Orthodox patterns from both architectural and structural points of view. Structural assessment and diagnosis revealed that degradations were induced and developed throughout the life of the structure due to approximately 24 earthquakes (estimated at over 6.0 magnitude) having endangered the structural safety of the building and the mural iconography. After the structural diagnosis, a combined and complex method of strengthening consisting of both grouting and introducing steel rods in vertically drilled galleries along the entire height of the walls was selected. The main advantage of applying this combined strengthening strategy was a remarkable enhancement of the structural seismic performance of the church building. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Conservation)

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23 pages, 10804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Self-Tapping Screws and Bamboo Nails in Reinforcing the Zuo-Dou Connections in Traditional Oriental Timber Frames of Asia

by Yu-Hsiang Yeh, Yi-Chi Yeh, Tzu-Chi Wang and Yin-Chia Hsu

Buildings 2023, 13(3), 709; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030709 - 08 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1287

Abstract

This paper is focused on the retrofitting techniques of Zuo-Dou connections in Dieh-Dou timber frames in Far East Asia. The target is to develop appropriate techniques for the reinforcement and maintenance of the wooden cultural heritage. A series of full-scale tests are intended [...] Read more.

This paper is focused on the retrofitting techniques of Zuo-Dou connections in Dieh-Dou timber frames in Far East Asia. The target is to develop appropriate techniques for the reinforcement and maintenance of the wooden cultural heritage. A series of full-scale tests are intended for the evaluation of the rotational and shear characteristics of the various retrofitting techniques for the Zuo-Dou joints. These retrofitting techniques are conceived by this study based on the principles of the conservation of cultural heritage. The reversible materials, invisible layouts, and structurally efficient schemes are taken into account to figure out the reinforcement strategies. Regarding the conservation targets, this study applies the self-tapping screw (STS) and the bamboo nail for reinforcement. Corresponding to the loading circumstances, moment- and shear-constraining schemes are developed. The STS and the bamboo nail are applied by means of moment- or shear-constraining strategies. Then, rotational and shear tests are carried out to estimate the structural efficiency of the conceived retrofitting techniques. With the appropriate schemes, the STS and the bamboo nail contribute to the enhancement of the structural performance of the Zuo-Dou connection. The STS in a moment-constraining profile can ameliorate the Zuo-Dou’s rotational behaviour. As far as post retrofitting and preventing reinforcing are concerned, the STS reveals considerable structural efficiency. The bamboo nail in a shear-constraining scheme can increase the shear capacity of the Zuo-Dou joint. Besides the quantitative outcomes, these retrofitting techniques exhibit ductility and enhance the deformation processes of the connections. With the alternative fasteners, the slump or vibration during the deformation becomes moderate and the severe damages, such as rocking or block shear failure, are alleviated. The techniques and associated materials used in this study exhibit compatibility and feasibility for constraining the rotation, deformation, and crack of the Zuo-Dou connection. These effects are helpful for retaining the joints’ structural behaviour and contribute to the conservation of traditional timber constructions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Conservation)

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19 pages, 3318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microbial Air Quality in the Built Environment—Case Study of Darvas-La Roche Heritage Museum House, Oradea, Romania

by Dorina Camelia Ilies, Tudor Caciora, Alexandru Ilies, Zharas Berdenov, Mallik Akram Hossain, Vasile Grama, Ranjan Kumar Dahal, Mihaela Zdrinca, Thowayeb H. Hassan, Grigore Vasile Herman, Jan Andrzej Wendt and Paula Dejeu

Buildings 2023, 13(3), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13030620 - 26 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1628

Abstract

Problems in the degradation and biodegradation of cultural heritage objects exposed or stored in public buildings and museums and of construction materials are caused (between others) by the activity of microorganisms. Biodeterioration can be observed not only at the level of the building [...] Read more.

Problems in the degradation and biodegradation of cultural heritage objects exposed or stored in public buildings and museums and of construction materials are caused (between others) by the activity of microorganisms. Biodeterioration can be observed not only at the level of the building materials of museum buildings, but also at the level of materials from which art objects are made (natural or artificial) and is determined by factors such as the chemical composition and nature of the composition material, the microclimate characteristics and exposure objects, but also through the manner and frequency of surface cleaning and housekeeping in museums. Based on this, the present study offers, through classical methods, a qualitative and quantitative identification of microorganisms inside a heritage museum building located in a temperate climate country. The purpose of the work was to determine to what extent the bacteriological microflora inside can directly and indirectly contribute to the health quality of the building’s occupants as well as the degradation of its materials and structures. The results emphasize the presence of some fungi and bacteria, among them Alternaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Cladosporium spp., and Botrytis spp. All of the analyzed rooms have a high and very high degree of fungal contamination (between 524 and 3674 UFC/m³), which can represent a danger to both human health and the integrity of the exhibitions. This is more pronounced considering that some of species of fungi identified are associated with sick building syndrome, problems in humans due to harmful exposure to viruses, bacteria, and pathogens, which generate possible symptoms such as rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, hoarseness, coughing, sneezing, and irritability for the personnel and visitors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Conservation)

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29 pages, 24838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Stakeholders’ Priorities into Level of Development Supplemental Guidelines for HBIM Implementation

by Junshan Liu, Graham Foreman, Anoop Sattineni and Botao Li

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020530 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1834

Abstract

Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) is increasingly utilized to develop accurate and semantic-rich databases for the representation, preservation, and renovation of cultural heritage. A critical factor in successful HBIM delivery is the intended uses of the model, which need to be established by [...] Read more.

Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) is increasingly utilized to develop accurate and semantic-rich databases for the representation, preservation, and renovation of cultural heritage. A critical factor in successful HBIM delivery is the intended uses of the model, which need to be established by stakeholders at the onset of the program. Despite the greater application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies to HBIM workflows, the discipline continues to lack clarity regarding information requirements from a tenant perspective. The first stage of this research was a review of 26 published HBIM case studies to extract information including HBIM workflows, level of development (LOD) models in the field, and the stakeholders’ participation in the HBIM program. The findings from the case studies conclude that most HBIM methodologies did not seek to understand the needs of assumptive stakeholders and lacked a clearly defined objective. Ten interviews with proprietors of ten different historic courthouses in the southeastern United States were also included in the study, which were used to identify the priorities of HBIM programs from a built heritage stakeholder’s standpoint. These priorities were used in conjunction with reviewed field standards to develop LOD supplement guidelines applicable for HBIM, which were then validated through a case study. The findings of this research conclude that the creation of LOD guidelines for HBIM application is both achievable and advisable, as they allow stakeholders to identify their priorities for HBIM projects. Such guidelines would assist in standardizing the HBIM discipline and disseminating its usefulness to historic building managers. This research also provides standards that allow cultural heritage stakeholders to make informed decisions about potential HBIM programs and maximize the use of resources to implement such programs. Moreover, the methodology implemented in this research offers a valuable example for future studies on HBIM guidelines and regulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Conservation)

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23 pages, 10780 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Destructive Multi-Feature Analysis of a Historic Wooden Floor

by Carlos Cruz, Miquel Gaju, Antolino Gallego, Francisco Rescalvo and Elisabet Suarez

Buildings 2022, 12(12), 2193; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12122193 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1673

Abstract

Wood is very present in the structures of old buildings and real estate with historical value. Yet, as a biodegradable material, it is highly vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions, such as permanent high humidity and attacks by xylophages. Furthermore, being a natural material, [...] Read more.

Wood is very present in the structures of old buildings and real estate with historical value. Yet, as a biodegradable material, it is highly vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions, such as permanent high humidity and attacks by xylophages. Furthermore, being a natural material, wood has great potential for low-carbon building within a circular economy. To preserve historical wooden structures, periodic inspections, preferably non-destructive or minimally invasive, are needed. Inspection may involve visual or resistographic testing techniques. However, both of these methods are time consuming and inaccurate. In this work, the joint use of techniques is proposed, in order to make multi-feature decisions about the repair or replacement of elements. The acoustic emission technique is proposed to determine active xylophages, the elastic wave technique to determine the dynamic elastic modulus and the resistance class, and finite element numerical modelling to determine the state of deformation and structural capacity. An old beam floor from a historic building in the center of Granada, Spain, was used as a practical case. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of a multi-analysis, instead of a single analysis, in arriving at correct decision making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Conservation)

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25 pages, 7391 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geo-Environmental Hazard Assessment of Archaeological Sites and Archaeological Domes—Fatimid Tombs—Aswan, Egypt

by Mona M. E. Khalil, Safia M. Khodary, Youssef M. Youssef, Mohammad S. Alsubaie and Ahmed Sallam

Buildings 2022, 12(12), 2175; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12122175 - 08 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2380

Abstract

The Fatimid state was established in Egypt in 969 and lasted until the end of the dynasty in 1171. During the Fatimid rule in Egypt, a large set of monuments were erected. A significant portion of these monuments were shrines dedicated to the [...] Read more.

The Fatimid state was established in Egypt in 969 and lasted until the end of the dynasty in 1171. During the Fatimid rule in Egypt, a large set of monuments were erected. A significant portion of these monuments were shrines dedicated to the descendants of the Prophet Muhammed, especially in Aswan. Groundwater rising, at present, has introduced severe deterioration to the ancient earthen mud-brick architecture of the Fatimid tombs in Aswan city (Egypt). However, monitoring the influence of anthropogenic and environmental aspects on the deterioration issues in Fatimid tombs has not yet been considered. To this end, the scope of this pilot study is to investigate the structural stability and weathering vulnerability of the building materials of mud-brick structures in the Fatimid Cemetery before restoration labor. This was achieved using an integration of remote sensing (Landsat 8 and SRTM-DEM) and hydrogeological datasets in the Geographic Information System (GIS), along with a physicochemical and mineralogical analysis of various materials (the bearing soil, wall plasters, and Muqarnas) from the affected cemeteries. The morphological and mineralogical compositions of the collected samples were analytically examined by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and CT scan. Moreover, geotechnical studies were conducted for the perched soil water and subsoil, including the analysis of the physiochemical composition and heavy metals using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results of multitemporal analysis of land use/land cover (LULC) changes displayed the growth and appearance of wetlands near the Fatimid tombs area over the last decades, boosting the geo-environmental risks from soil water rising. Furthermore, the detailed analytical investigations of building materials and soil foundations showed that this unique and substantial ancient Islamic archaeological site of Egypt shows weak geotechnical properties, and it is highly sensitive to natural and anthropogenic stressors. This innovative methodology can produce novel recommendations and results to the Ministry of Antiquities in Egypt and the Heritage Commission in Saudi Arabia for the adequate restoration of monuments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Conservation)

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20 pages, 11619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness and Advancements of Heritage Revitalizations on Community Planning: Case Studies in Hong Kong

by Edmond W. M. Lam, Fan Zhang and Jessie K. C. Ho

Buildings 2022, 12(8), 1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12081065 - 22 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4269

Abstract

This research paper assesses the effectiveness of conducting heritage revitalization projects on improving community planning and identifies the advancements and revitalization trends of heritage revitalization in Hong Kong. The study proposes three indicators to judge the effectiveness of heritage revitalization, including attractive appearance [...] Read more.

This research paper assesses the effectiveness of conducting heritage revitalization projects on improving community planning and identifies the advancements and revitalization trends of heritage revitalization in Hong Kong. The study proposes three indicators to judge the effectiveness of heritage revitalization, including attractive appearance and components, creative methods of building techniques and planning, and public acceptance. A case study is adopted to analyze the shortcomings and improvements of the effectiveness of heritage revitalization, along with a comprehensive literature review and statistics related to heritage revitalization in Hong Kong. The results indicated that revitalization is able to effectively modify the outlook of the community and even improve community planning in the future in terms of transportation services, supporting facilities, and living quality. Moreover, by considering the revitalized structure, modern elements and building rehabilitation strategies were included to increase its attractiveness to become emerging tourism spots for business activities. Heritage revitalization practices have been carried out in Hong Kong in the recent decade. The study embarks to identify and analyze the advancements of revitalization development and its revitalizing style reformation by means of the cases recently completed in Hong Kong, which brings insights to academics and policy makers of revitalization in community planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Conservation)

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16 pages, 7120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Flexural Performance of the Prestressed Glulam Continuous Beam after Long-Term Loading

by Nan Guo, Yunan Zhang, Lidan Mei and Yan Zhao

Buildings 2022, 12(7), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070895 - 24 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1424

Abstract

The study of the long-term behavior of the prestressed continuous beam is vital for the design and the appliance of wood structures in engineering. In this study, long-term experiments were first conducted to determine the long-term creep behavior. Afterward, the prestress of the [...] Read more.

The study of the long-term behavior of the prestressed continuous beam is vital for the design and the appliance of wood structures in engineering. In this study, long-term experiments were first conducted to determine the long-term creep behavior. Afterward, the prestress of the long-term beam was regulated to the initial state, and we carried out short-term flexural experiments to explore the effect of prestressing regulation. The influences of prestressed value and the number of prestressed steel wires on the mechanical properties of the continuous beam were investigated and discussed. The experimental results demonstrate that the creep reduced the stress in the steel wires, weakened the effect of prestressing, and increased the tensile stress at the bottom of the beam, which led to a reduction in the bearing capacity of the beam. The prestressing regulation could increase the moment arm, so the bearing capacity of the beam was improved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Conservation)

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22 pages, 12996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Experimental Study of the Hysteresis Model of the Kanchuang Frame Used in Chinese Traditional Timber Buildings of the Qing Dynasty

by Junhong Huan, Xiaodong Guo, Zhongzheng Guan, Teliang Yan, Tianyang Chu and Zemeng Sun

Buildings 2022, 12(7), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070887 - 23 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1620

Abstract

Kanchuang frames are important parts of traditional timber architecture in China. This paper used experimental and numerical methods to study the restoring force model of Kanchuang frames, which were used frequently in Chinese ancient timber structures, particularly in North China. The prototyped test [...] Read more.

Kanchuang frames are important parts of traditional timber architecture in China. This paper used experimental and numerical methods to study the restoring force model of Kanchuang frames, which were used frequently in Chinese ancient timber structures, particularly in North China. The prototyped test model is a type of Chinese traditional timber architecture named Qilinyingshan. It was widely used in ancient timber buildings preserved from the Ming and Qing dynasties. This study analyzed the loading process and failure modes of the test model, and the skeleton curve and hysteretic curve data were collected. Moreover, a dimensionless skeleton curve model was developed based upon the findings. The hysteresis loops of the test model were also analyzed, and it was found that each hysteresis loop can be divided into several feature segments according to their stiffness at different loading stages. Regression analysis was also used to obtain the stiffness degradation curvilinear equations of the feature segments. Finally, a hysteresis force model of a Kanchuang frame was established. This study also found that the loading process can be divided into three stages: the elastic stage, in which all of the components are in good condition; the elastic–plastic stage, in which cracks gradually develop on the wall; and the new elastic–plastic stage, after which the wall collapses. It was found there was consistency between the restoring force model and the test results, indicating that the model is valid and reliable. The skeleton curve model and hysteretic model provide reference for the nonlinear seismic response of ancient timber architecture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Conservation)

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26 pages, 9802 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simplified Calculation Model for Typical Dou-Gong Exposed to Vertical Loads

by Yiwei Hua, Qing Chun and Xiaohu Jia

Buildings 2022, 12(5), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12050689 - 20 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2015

Abstract

Early Chinese traditional timber buildings preserved until now are mainly ancient buildings built in the time of the Song and Yuan dynasties (960–1368 AD). Dou-gongs of these ancient timber buildings are complex structures. Their complexities, however, are difficult to fully consider in large-scale [...] Read more.

Early Chinese traditional timber buildings preserved until now are mainly ancient buildings built in the time of the Song and Yuan dynasties (960–1368 AD). Dou-gongs of these ancient timber buildings are complex structures. Their complexities, however, are difficult to fully consider in large-scale structural analyses. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a reliable simplified modeling of Dou-gongs, which is applicable for large-scale analyses. In this study, the features of Dou-gongs of early Chinese traditional timber buildings were firstly reviewed, referring to the historical literature and on-site investigation. Then, the mechanical behavior of typical Dou-gongs exposed to vertical loads was examined through refined finite element analyses, where the solid elements were adopted and geometric characteristics were considered. According to the results of the load transferring path, a new beam-truss model representing a simplified Dou-gong was developed, and its accuracy was numerically verified. The results showed that the gravity load of the roof above the column is transferred down through the central axis; the weight of the overhang of the roof is transferred diagonally to the bottom of the Dou-gong, passing through the front of the cantilever components; in the collapse condition, the vertical load is transferred to the two sides through horizontal beams. Compared with the results of the refined model, the new beam-truss model proposed shows an acceptable computational accuracy concerning stress, deformation and stiffness, with 90–97% reduction in the calculation time consumption, which makes it suitable for large-scale structural analyses of early Chinese traditional timber buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Conservation)

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Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 1502 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research on the Acoustic Environment of Heritage Buildings: A Systematic Review

by Jingyi Mu, Tian Wang and Zhenlin Zhang

Buildings 2022, 12(11), 1963; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12111963 - 11 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2150

Abstract

As a significant part of heritage building protection, an increasing number of researchers pay attention to the study of the acoustic environment. The purpose of this study was to provide a clear understanding of the status quo of acoustic environment research on heritage [...] Read more.

As a significant part of heritage building protection, an increasing number of researchers pay attention to the study of the acoustic environment. The purpose of this study was to provide a clear understanding of the status quo of acoustic environment research on heritage buildings and discuss future development directions through a systematic literature review. The PRISMA protocol was used to conduct a systematic evaluation based on 42 studies on the acoustic environment of heritage buildings retrieved from databases such as the Web of Science. Research on the acoustic environment of heritage buildings mainly focused on the following four aspects: the acoustic environment with different functions, the influence of building materials on the acoustic environment, the digitization of acoustic heritage, soundscape measurement, and perception of the historical area. Second, this study discusses the development trend of acoustic environment research of heritage buildings and the shortcomings of current research. Finally, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the acoustic environment research of heritage buildings and offers suggestions for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Building Conservation)

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