This module explores the structural behaviour of traditional buildings, and examines their response to environmental phenomena. It helps the students to analyse the causes and patterns of damage and cultivates a critical understanding of the techniques employed in the repair and strengthening of historic buildings. The module will include lectures delivered by the conservators of Canterbury Cathedral and will constitute an opportunity to observe the methods employed in the conservation of the cathedral. The module’s assignment, a structural report on a historic structure will provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge gained in the lectures and articulating their findings using the relevant presentation skills.
Lecture 16, Seminar 16
1,500 words with illustrations Structural Survey. Assessment Details: Essay worth 40%.
2,500 words with illustrations Essay. Assessment Details: Essay worth 60%.
Reassessment Method: Like-for-like
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
Analyse the structure of historic buildings in an expert, forensic way so as to identify their concealed materials and construction components A2, B1).
Use fieldwork, modelling and advanced observation skills to evaluate the structural behaviour of a wide range of historic buildings (B4).
Analyse and interpret the causes of decay, and repair of historic buildings (A5, B4).
Make expert judgements about the condition of historic buildings, identifying risks for their users (B4, C3, C5).
Describe the structure and current condition of previously uninvestigated buildings with technical accuracy (A4, B6, B7, C4).
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