Reinforcement of damaged historical buildings
Starting works related to the strengthening of damaged historical buildings, the initial activity should be to stabilize the occurring deformations of movements and foundations. In the field of technical works, the conservation principle must be observed, that the structures are original, of a unique character, as well as accessories of historical value, were preserved. Weakened parts of walls or structures should be relieved, especially at risk. If the excessive load cannot be removed, they need to be spread out over a larger area. In the selection of technical means, attention must be paid to such, which can be reconciled with the properties of the original structures and will not have a detrimental effect on the historic substance. In case of, when there is a need to supplement missing parts - especially when the original batches have not been preserved, and the concept of protection requires it - in part reconstructed from new materials, the principle of distinguishing it from the authentic historic tissue must be maintained. In the selection of relief structures, solutions enabling access to repaired parts should be taken into account.
The problem of great importance is the proper treatment of roofs, is the most important, so that the roof and its covering do not constitute an excessive load and do not deteriorate the performance of the weakened parts of the old building. The roof structure should not cause expansion forces and act on walls with horizontal pressure. If this is the case, structures that take over horizontal forces should be introduced.
In all cases of strengthening historic buildings, the facility and the area associated with it must first be examined in terms of occupational safety, pay attention to ordering and drainage of both the building and the area.