Survey and Assessment of Traditionally Constructed Brickwork

Book excerpt: The principal aim of this book is to improve the practice of surveying traditionally constructed brickwork. It aims to ensure that those who have a cause to survey buildings constructed of traditional (pre-1919) brickwork have a well-developed, clear methodology for undertaking effective, comprehensive surveys. The book will help readers gain the proper level of knowledge, expertise and skill to be able to survey these buildings correctly; to recognise not just defects within the brickwork itself, but also, crucially, the cause of these defects. Experienced author Moses Jenkins presents a clear and concise methodology for the survey of brickwork in existing buildings with coverage including: identifying repair needs understanding the cause of decay within brickwork ascertaining the age and significance of traditionally constructed brickwork, and identifying significant technical and decorative features. Despite the extensive use of traditionally constructed brick worldwide, the knowledge and expertise to properly survey buildings of this type has not, to date, been laid out in a reliable and methodical way. This book addresses this deficiency and provides an invaluable resource to all those who survey and assess buildings constructed of brickwork. This includes building professionals such as architects, surveyors, engineers and those working in building conservation, but also construction managers and students studying built environment disciplines.