This stimulating day of online lectures with one of Britain’s leading authorities in the field of conservation engineering will focus in considerable detail on the best practice repair and structural consolidation of historic buildings. Ian Hume, former Chief Engineer with English Heritage, will explore considered engineering principles that promote the retention of historic fabric and special character, based on correct identification of structural defects and their causes.

Not all defective historic buildings are as hazardous as they seem, requiring careful analysis and alternative approaches to repairs to consolidate apparently unstable structures and their elements. Various permanent repair methodologies which might be applied to historic buildings will be discussed, including debate about the merits of hidden repairs as against more obvious repairs.

Affording 5 Structured CPD points for the near day-long session, topics of discussion will include:

Conservation philosophy - applying the five basic principles of conservation in a challenging environment.

Conservation engineering techniques – choosing tried and tested solutions versus new methods.

Structural monitoring - diagnosing problems and identifying correct solutions through different methods of monitoring.

Maintenance – learning the rules of regular inspection and works regimes.

Role of Conservation Engineer - interacting with owners, occupiers, planning and conservation authorities, and other members of the team, and having the confidence and expertise to do what is right for the building.