Knowledge of the architectural history; material characteristics; techniques for investigations, diagnosis and restoration are all vital aspects for the correct understanding of structural behaviour and making correct decisions for repair and strengthening techniques. This book contributes to the development of new approaches in these areas.

Structural analysis of architectural heritage is a new and growing branch of engineering. Knowledge of the history of architecture, material characteristics, instruments and techniques for investigations, diagnosis and restoration are all vital aspects for the correct understanding of structural behaviour and the ability to make correct decisions for repair and strengthening techniques. Designed for use by all professionals involved or interested in the preservation of monuments, the purpose of this book is to contribute to the development of new approaches in the area. Many of the examples examined, including the Colosseum, the Tower of Pisa, the Pyramid of Chephren, the Tilla Kari Mosque in Samarkand, the temples of Angkor and Konarak, the Santa Maria Vieja Cathedral, the domes of St Peter, Hagia Sophia, the Pantheon, St Ignatio de Loyola and St Charles, are the result of projects and studies carried out during Giorgio Croci's distinguished career. The book features numerous black and white photographs and illustrations by the author.

This book focuses on the management and conservation of architectural heritage with the aim of increasing awareness about the value of such conservation and of saving what is left of history, which in turn rewards societies by supporting the tourism industry, generating economic return, and preserving communities’ identities. Since it has become an essential need to manage and conserve the architectural heritage in order to protect the identity and heritage of a city, there appeared a gap between the theory and its application. Therefore, a considerable amount of attention has been directed by experts in this field toward emphasizing the contribution of heritage conservation in order to inspire the development of imaginative, useful high-quality design.

Originating from the 16th edition of the Conference on Studies, Repairs and Maintenance of Heritage Architecture, this volume brings together latest contributions from scientists, architects, engineers and restoration experts dealing with different aspects of heritage buildings, including the preservation of architectural heritage.

The word conservation, when used in the context of the preservation of built heritage, implies an intrinsically complex concept that evolved over time, since it has been influenced by the perception of history throughout time. This volume emphasises why an understanding of the cultural evolution of the conservation approach must be considered a prerequisite for architects and engineers if they are to cooperate in full harmony with historic-artistic culture for the preservation of global built heritage. In particular, the volume highlights how, during the second half of the last century, the preservation process also involved engineering – the science of making practical applications of knowledge – which, for a long time, made an uncritical use of techniques and materials and devised interventions on historical heritage that were heavily invasive. The volume also devotes special attention to the problems related to seismic risk, to which Italy, Greece and Portugal are particularly prone. Problems that emerge during the crisis and reconstruction phases are dealt with in detail, as is scheduled maintenance, as this latter approach always constitutes an improvement in the performance of the monument and is the most appropriate tool for the conservation of the built heritage. Finally, the volume collects examples of building restoration with case studies of many outstanding monuments. The work will appeal to professionals and academics in the broader fields of civil engineering (both geotechnical and structural engineering), architecture, art history, the history of architecture, restoration and cultural heritage management. This book will: Provide a critical reading of the history of conservation; Discuss materials and techniques of ancient architecture; Cover seismic vulnerability and preservation of the historic integrity of the monument; Advocate an approach based on programmed maintenance; Feature numerous case histories, including St Mark’s Basilica in Venice and the complex restoration of the cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris.

Architectural heritage is now recognised to be of great importance to the historical identity of a region, town or nation. In order to take care of that heritage, we need to look beyond borders and share experiences and knowledge regarding heritage preservation. This book contains papers covering the latest advances in this field, presented at the twelfth and latest in a series of now-biennial conferences that began in 1989.The series is recognised as the most important conference on the topic. It covers such topics as Heritage architecture and historical aspects, Regional architecture, Preservation of archaeological sites, Maritime heritage, Heritage masonry buildings, Adobe restorations, Wooden structures, Structural issues and restoration, Seismic vulnerability and vibrations, Assessment, retrofitting and reuse of heritage buildings, Surveying and monitoring, Material characterisation and problems, Simulation and modelling, New techniques and materials, Non-destructive techniques, Experimental validation and verification, Performance and maintenance, Environmental damage. Social and economic aspects, and Guidelines, codes and regulations.

Architectural heritage is now recognised to be of great importance to the historical identity. In order to take care of the architectural heritage of a region, town or nation, now recognised as of great importance to their historical identify, we need to share experiences and knowledge regarding heritage preservation in many parts of the world.Covering advances in this field presented at the thirteenth in a series of now-biennial conferences that began in 1989, this book covers such topics as Heritage architecture and historical aspects; Learning from the past; Surveying and monitoring; Performance and maintenance; Structural restoration of metallic structures; Preservation and monitoring; Earth construction; Modern (19th/20th century) heritage; Maritime heritage; Heritage masonry buildings; Stone masonry walls; Wooden structures; Simulation and modelling; Material characterization; New technologies or materials; Corrosion and material Decay; Seismic vulnerability; Non-destructive techniques; Assessment and re-use of heritage buildings; Heritage and tourism; Social and economic aspects in heritage; Guidelines, codes and regulations for heritage.