Surveying Historic Buildings

Survey and Repair of Traditional Buildings A Sustainable Approach Richard Oxley

With the use of examples, Richard Oxley provides invaluable information on how traditional buildings perform, emphasizing the need for a sensitive and sustainable approach which also takes account of the specific needs of the building. The author shows how to carry out effective assessments taking account of a building’s individual character and its need to breathe, as well as understanding its particular construction. In reflecting on the controversial issues surrounding the treatment of damp and timber decay, he advocates solutions that are appropriate to older buildings rather than using standard, often damaging, methods of treatment.

The book is essential reading for all those embarking on a building conservation course; it deserves to be included on the reading lists for building conservation courses and for surveying courses... it should be read by all those who undertake building surveys of traditional buildings whether for valuation, acquisition or to initiate repair.---Journal of Architectural Conservation

Structural Appraisal of Traditional Buildings

Second Edition Patrick Robson

This book is a comprehensive guide to the common causes of structural damage. It examines the techniques for collecting evidence including desk study, visual inspection, distortion survey, testing and ground investigation, as well as offering advice on managing liability. The second edition has been substantially re-written and includes new material on structural behaviour; initial appraisal; building types; use of iron in buildings; and the problems that occur with buildings built on clay.

It is a clear, well illustrated publication that explains in clear English how to detect, analyse and explain structure failures and defects.---Building Engineer