Conservation and Repair of Masonry Ruins

The course will include:

• How to survey and assess the condition of a ruin. And identify defects and vulnerability to weathering.
• Understanding the ecology of ruined sites, the plants and animals that inhabit them, their significance and impact on ruined structures. This includes Historic England research into the effects of ivy on masonry and implications of statutory protection of some species of flora and fauna. (Specialist input from National Landscape Advisor Alan Cathersides)
• Understanding and identification of the diverse range of historic mortars encountered in ruined structures, including those based on or gauged with earth.
• Understanding and identification of past interventions, such as re-setting of broken wall heads and installation of substantial ferrous metal supports and ties, concealed within masonry.
• How to design and assess remedial work options to suit the structure, its site and environment.
• “Soft wall cappings” – how these protect ruined structures and provide an alternative to “hard cappings”; how to design, install and maintain them, drawing on the latest research from Historic England.
• How to design and prepare suitable repair mortars using a range of binders (from quicklime- “hot lime” mixes - to natural hydraulic limes), aggregates, and additives.

Aimed at conservators, conservation officers, architects, surveyors, craftspeople and specialist contractors, the Building Conservation courses attract interest from all over the world. Participants will ideally have training/experience in the field and/or a minimum of two years practical experience.

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