Early Concrete Structures Play an Important Part in our Cultural Heritage
Submitted by Andy_B on Monday, 05 July 2021 Page Views: 226
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The cultural built heritage: Concrete building in the UK
The contemporary generation revolves around cultural values; the outcome is that concrete structures deserve protection so they can be better enjoyed by the current generation and passed on to the future. Architects and engineers involved in the preservation of historic concrete buildings have to understand that they’re in permanent danger of destruction. Most importantly, they are of great value to society in terms of art, history, religion, aesthetics, education, among other things. The cultural element is embedded in these works and buildings, which don’t make an exception in the landscape. Drastic solutions should take into consideration heritage values and good conservation practices.The London building Act of 1774 encouraged great experimentation
The Building Act 1774, commonly referred to as the Black Act, streamlined the quality and construction of buildings. A property had to be as fire-resistant as possible. Properties were rated based on value and floor area, each rate having its own code of structural requirements concerning foundations, external and party walls. Exposed timber details on buildings were prohibited, which resulted in experimentation. Hydraulic cements were used in structures in contact with water, such as the Bell Rock lighthouse. Nonetheless, the first important use of concrete took place in the 19th century. Sir Robert Smirke brought to life the Millbank Penitentiary. The entire building was built with concrete foundations.The most successful figure in the history of concrete – François Hennebique
One name worth mentioning when it comes to the history of concrete in Great Britain is François Hennebique, a French engineer and self-educated builder. His success is largely attributed to its innovative design, which involved cheap, readily available reinforcement. Hennebique established strong relationships with contractors, enabling them to operate his patents. The first building erected following his strict specifications and methods was the Weaver Building. Regrettably, it was demolished in 1984 to make way for the Maritime Quarter development. In the beginning, Hennebique’s calculations were realized by his team of engineers in Paris. Later on, they were carried out by his agents in their own town offices. These days, there’s a useful calculator for that.The people in Hennebique’s day experimented with reinforcement systems, as well as concrete’s physical composition. For those of you who don’t know, concrete comprises a matrix of aggregate and a binder. Reinforced concrete was 1:2:4 cement, sand, and coarse aggregate. A good concrete mix creates the perfect foundation of infrastructure. The strength and durability of the structure are determined by the concrete mix. The water-to-cement ratio is equally important because it impacts how porous the hardened material is, which in turn leads to deterioration. It’s a good thing that the engineers of today understand this vital aspect and take measures accordingly.
Post-war building or new construction
After 1945, there was a non-negligible shortage of materials, meaning that building licensing was restricted to educational institutions, housing, and industry. Concrete was used heavily in buildings during this period, for details such as window sills, porches, and roof trusses. Park Hill was constructed with the help of exposed concrete frames with contrasting yellow, orange, and red brick. Recent repairs have conserved the concrete frame, yet the brick was replaced with glass and aluminium panels. The finish doesn’t really matter in terms of concrete buildings.The only exception is the church of St John the Evangelist and St Mary Magdalene. Post-war buildings took longer to build, but they maintain their value and don’t depreciate.The preservation of historic concrete structures
It might seem absurd to preserve old structures, but they play an important role in cultural heritage highlighting the evolution of British architecture. Even if the brutalism of the concrete age is something that we’d like to put behind us, it’s not possible to remove these buildings from the landscape and make way for new, more appealing developments. The list of concrete buildings features sculptures, houses, churches, factories, bridges, and entire housing estates. While some structures have been erected to very high standards, others have been less well constructed, yet remain of historic importance. Any intervention needs to retain the historic and cultural significance of the building.Effective treatment and repair strategies are paramount to deal with the underlying mechanism of deterioration. If the resources allow it, it’s advisable to promote long-term survival. In some situations, a reconstruction of fabric may be necessary. Selecting the appropriate repair option can turn out to be difficult. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s a good idea to document all work and procedures undertaken. Further intervention may be necessary in future time. Additionally, it’s helpful in terms of maintenance and monitoring. Copies of photographs can help identify other issues and enable further study. The beautiful forms dreamt by talents can be found through every nation and city around the globe.
All in all, early concrete structures are what give Great Britain character and a sense of community. They reflect a particular type of architecture and a significant era. Buildings are witnesses to the passing of time and ensure a connection with the past. By seeing concrete buildings, long-time residents and tourists alike can grasp the aesthetic and cultural history of any given area. We can never know for sure what will be valued in the future. What’s certain is that, if a piece of history is destroyed, it’s gone forever.
