Name :Divakaran Course: Master of Architectural and Cultural Heritage

First Name : Amal Kiran Matriculation-Nr:5079885

Declaration of Independence

I, Amal Kiran Divakarn, declare that the term assignment I submitted was original to me and
was based on my notes from classes and personal research.

Amal Kiran Divakaran

5079885

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Name :Divakaran Course: Master of Architectural and Cultural Heritage
First Name : Amal Kiran Matriculation-Nr:5079885

1. Describe which wood property is called working of the wood and explain the causes?

The working of wood is referred to the shrinking and swelling property of wood. The
wood have this ability to absorb and desorbs water. In the cell cavities and the cell
walls of wood, there is "free water" and "bound water." Since the only way the bound
water can escape is through diffusing through the cell walls, its release is exceedingly
gradual. The volume of the wood drops and the shape of the wood changes as a
result of the release of water from the fibers, which occurs when the moisture content
of the wood falls below the fiber saturation level of roughly 30%.
The wood may twist or distort and crack throughout this procedure. The volume of the
wood increases once again when moisture is absorbed; it expands. This results in
strengthening of the wood.

2. Explain the terms solid wood, real wood, veneer wood, and board plywood?

Solid woods are those category of wood were solid wood pieces are completely sawn
from a log, and is assembled by finger-jointing and gluing due to quality requirements
and required geometry.( e.g. structural solid wood, solid wood panel).
Real woods are those products that are manufactured from real woods, but where the
glue content and the structure are not clearly defined. Since they are technically
constructed of different wood pieces, types, remnants, fibers, and sections that have
been bonded, pressed, heated, and cut into a standard format or necessary geometry,
real wood products are sometimes said in the media to be inferior to solid wood.
Veneers are thin sheets of wood that are removed by peeling, slicing, or sawing from a
log or portion of a log. Face veneers (beautify/finish (kitchen countertop, fronts)) and
barrier veneers (prevent the wood from working) are distinguished based on their
intended usage.
Plywood are referred to as boards with at least three layers of wood bonded crosswise
together are Because the separate wood layers' shrinkage and swelling directions run
in the opposing directions and interfere with one another, the crosswise bonding
restricts how the wood can be worked.

3. Name four types of joints in timber construction (key points allowed)?

There are different type of joints in timber construction

Four types of joints:
1. Dovetail joint: They are made of series of interlocking pins and tails.
2. Mortise and tenon: It is similar to butt joint but more stronger
3. Tongue and groove: In these joint the tongue slides into the groove to create a
strong joint
4. Butt joint: A butt joint is the most commonly used type of wood

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Name :Divakaran Course: Master of Architectural and Cultural Heritage
First Name : Amal Kiran Matriculation-Nr:5079885

4. What is the difference between mortar and concrete?

Mortar: Binder, aggregate with a larger particle size of 4 mm, water for addition, and
perhaps additional additives and admixtures, make up mortar. On the construction
site, mortar is mixed or made in a factory. When mortar is made on-site, the binder
and aggregate must be mixed in a consistent ratio using scales and a proportioning
container rather than a shovel. Mortar is classified into three groups: normal masonry
mortar, thin-bed mortar (maximum grain size 2.0 mm), and light masonry mortar (with
pumice, expanded clay, and air voids). Mortar is also classified into three groups:
delivery (wet or dry), compressive strength (mortar group 1-3 with increasing
compressive strength), and use (higher tightness due to pozzolana or trass).
Concrete: Concrete is a building material that is created by combining a binder
(cement) with aggregates (aggregate), and if necessary, liquid with the addition of
additives and admixtures. Concrete is the name given to it in its hardened state. The
potential uses are determined by these characteristics as well as specifications for
things like frost resistance, the amount of hazardous components, and light-weight
organic contaminants. The grain composition of aggregate used in concrete is crucial.
Additionally, when making concrete, the surface of the aggregate mixture must be
taken into consideration.

5. What is the difference between cement and concrete?

CEMENT CONCRETE

Binding element for both mortar Widely used material in

and concrete. construction.
Made of limestone, clay, shells Made of cement, sand and
and silica sand. aggregates.
Sets and hardens when Most flexible, forming into any
combined with water. mould and rock hard.

Cement on its own can just

More stronger than cement.
make a grout.

Grout is used to fill cracks and Used in buildings for

make surface impermeable. foundations, slabs, patios

6. For which construction measures additional approvals are required for renovation

An additional approval is necessary for the following construction activities:

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Name :Divakaran Course: Master of Architectural and Cultural Heritage
First Name : Amal Kiran Matriculation-Nr:5079885

 Changes of use
 Dormers, roof extension, change of roof pitch, etc.
 Breakthroughs through load-bearing walls, support of load-bearing walls
extensions
 Demolition of larger building parts
 Extension of the cellar for permanent use
 Installation of boiler room
 construction of oil storage facilities
 Alteration of the sewage system
 Serious change of the exterior design

7. Name 3 methods to improve the foundation and explain one a little more?

Three methods to improve the foundation are:

 Foundation underpinning/reinforcement
 Foundation widening
 Modification of the foundation by installing a concrete base.

Modification of the foundation by installing a concrete base:

If additional room height is desired when constructing the new base, as is frequently
the case when basements are turned into living spaces, and perimeter insulation,
a capillary-breaking layer, and a floor structure are planned, excavations that are 50 to
70 cm deeper than the current floor may be required. There is a chance that the
foundation will fail here: Due to the lacking earth mass at a slip joint, the foundations
separate laterally.
To prevent this, it makes appropriate to use point foundations to strengthen the
existing foundation underneath the load bearing walls against lateral inward breakout.
The working radius of the manual excavation determines the width of the foundation,
which is typically 1 mV

8. Why should basements be waterproofed from the outside?

Moisture intrusion is the main issue with basements in older structures. This results in
obvious masonry damage to the cellar and increases the risk of mold growth in the
items kept there. The cause of this damage is inadequate, absent, or damaged
horizontal or vertical waterproofing of the basement, which can manifest as intricate
damage (particularly to exterior basement stairs, pipe penetrations, and old light wells)
or be observed as massive damage. Additionally, the permeating dampness acts as a
carrier and activator for hostile chemicals, particularly dissolved salts. The thermal
conductivity of the construction material dramatically rises. As long as the wall can
release moisture to the non-saturated air of the basement, the degree of saturation of
the masonry thus decreases and moisture from the surrounding soil can be

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Name :Divakaran Course: Master of Architectural and Cultural Heritage
First Name : Amal Kiran Matriculation-Nr:5079885

reabsorbed. Due to the higher, the thermal conductivity of the building material
increases sharply. Hence basements should be waterproofed from the outside.

9. What is a horizontal barrier and why do you need two if necessary?

Moisture cannot penetrate the masonry because of the horizontal barriers that were
put in the foundations. Effectively preventing moisture from permeating the masonry,
this hydrophobic sealing or horizontal waterproofing is used.
Almost no consideration is given to the presence of an upper horizontal barrier or its
subsequent development before the walls are waterproofed when waterproofing
slurries are applied. The requirement that the barrier layer be at least 80 cm above the
wet region is frequently overlooked. surface of evaporation As a result, the moisture in
the wall keeps rising due to capillary suction as well as penetrating previously
unloaded wall sections.
As a general rule, the first floor area and load-bearing steel girders need to be at least
80 cm away from the moisture damage. If this distance is not specified, a subsequent
horizontal barrier installation is recommended.

10. Name 3 mechanical methods for retrofitting a horizontal barrier. Enumeration

allowed?

Three mechanical methods used for retrofitting a horizontal barrier are:

o . Wall replacement method: Sections of the brickwork that range in size from 50
cm to 1 m are removed using this technique. The part is then bricked up after a
sealing sheet is introduced there and later folded up at the ends to form
an overlap. Once the first sections of the brickwork have suitably hardened,
other sections are processed in the same manner, resulting in the creation of
a continuous horizontal barrier. In particular, the statics receive insufficient
care, which results in static issues, settlements, and settlement cracks, all
of which allow moisture to enter. The drawback is that, if done properly, the
process takes a while because new sections can't be caulked out until
the recently laid ones have reached the required minimum, compressive
strength.
o Wall sawing method: In this procedure, parts of the wall are sliced horizontally.
The resulting gap is filled with a unique sealing layer that is pressure-
resistant. Immediately Wedge plates are then forced into place before the
machine continues. A grouting mortar is used to seal the remaining cavity. It
is vital to rule out any potential arch thrust before employing the technique
because it can render it useless. Another drawback is that any pipes and
lines in the wall are severed. Before caulking out new sections, placed sections
must first reach the minimum compressive strength.
o Chrome steel sheet method: In this method, pressurized air hammers are used
to force a corrugated chrome steel sheet into the masonry in an overlapping
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Name :Divakaran Course: Master of Architectural and Cultural Heritage
First Name : Amal Kiran Matriculation-Nr:5079885

pattern. For this, the brickwork must have a continuous bearing joint. If the
walls are plastered, the working area needs to have a strip around 20 cm
thick removed. Knowing the salt level of the masonry is important since a high
salt concentration might cause the chrome steel sheet to corrode, necessitating
the usage of specific sheets. The adoption of this technology is problematic for
structures in earthquake-prone regions, buildings with slopes, and buildings
with the associated shear pressure on the basement walls, as the building
could move due to the resulting "sliding bearing".

11. Name 3 typical detail damages in basements and explain how to fix them.
Enumeration permitted ?

Three typical detail damages in basements are:

1. Moisture in the area of the outer basement staircase:
 The transition area between the basement masonry and the attached wall of
the basement neck may be leaking due to cracks
 Precipitation water runs down the facade and penetrates into the basement in
the transition area between the step and the wall. Settlement cracks favour this
process
 If there is no drain, it is too small or clogged, rainwater accumulates
However, issues such as the high water accumulation during rain and the risk of
blockage of drains by leaves and soil persist even after renovation (the removal of the
stairs and restoration of the vertical waterproofing). For these reasons, it is typically
advised to cover the area of the basement exterior stairs with a small roof. By doing
this, the aforementioned issues will be prevented from the start.
2. Moisture damage to the light wells:
Masonry light wells frequently develop cracks where they join the basement masonry.
The compromised vertical sealing allows water to enter. Old light wells frequently have
drains that are either too shallow, blocked, or attached to a drainage system that has
clogged up with time. As a result, rainfall builds up in the light well and seeps into the
cellar and the masonry. The most logical course of action as part of a remodeling
project is to swap out the outdated masonry light wells for prefabricated plastic light
wells. The waterproofing should carefully incorporate the area where the brickwork
transitions. Adequate drainage should be ensured by connecting to a functional
drainage system or an appropriately dimensioned pipe system with infiltration facilities.
If the old light wells are to be retained, they must be integrated into the vertical
waterproofing. At the transition points, it is advisable to use fabric reinforcements to
strengthen the waterproofing and minimize cracking in the waterproofing. The top
edge of the light well should then be sloped outward to prevent standing water. Further
measures such as barrier plasters and sealing slurries are advisable.
2. Wall moisture penetration at pipe penetrations:
Leaks and associated moisture damage nearly always happen at the point where pipe
penetrations or cables meet masonry in older structures. Leaks are pre-programmed
due to the differing working of pipe/cable material and the mineral foundation walls if
these penetrations are not integrated into the exterior waterproofing. The pipes are
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Name :Divakaran Course: Master of Architectural and Cultural Heritage
First Name : Amal Kiran Matriculation-Nr:5079885

frequently walled in and then sealed all at once when the connections are made later.
A bituminous sealant could not attach to the damp substrate if it were used for this,
causing the sealer to not bond to the wall and leak. There are mainly 3 options for the
subsequent sealing of pipe penetrations and lines:
a. Pipe sealing from the outside with bitumen thick coating
b. Pipe sealing from the inside with injection method
c. Pipe sealing with barrier plaster from the inside

12. Explain the restoration of plinth masonry?

Rainwater dripping down and entering into outer walls often stresses the plinth region
since it has a protruding design. Additionally, there is more exposure to salts, splash
water, and surface water.
The plinth area should be first exposed up to the vertical waterproofing, or alternatively
up to the higher horizontal barrier, in preparation for rehabilitation. A horizontal barrier
should be built if rising damp is suspected but this is not the case. The spalled stone
surfaces and friable joints must be replaced in exposed masonry. Special rock flour
mortars or colored special mortars are available at stores for natural stone and solid
brick. A jointing of soft trass joint mortar is advised for substantial bricks.
It is advised to permeate the stones and particularly the joint surfaces with a
hydrophobic, or water-repellent, agent suitable for the stone material in cases of
absorbent surfaces, such as solid brick or sandstone. After a few years, the
impregnation must be done again. The only reliable method for removing the salts that
the moisture brought is to chisel off the old plaster in the case of plastered bases.
If at all possible, seal the plinth area that will eventually be below ground level and an
area that is about 30 cm above ground level with a sealing slurry before repainting
with a specific renovation plaster. The plinth's top ought to be chamfered to improve
water drainage. An open coat suitable for rehabilitation plaster, such as silicate paint,
should be used as the final finish. The moisture in the stonework causes paint coats
that are vapor-tight to frequently peel off and blister.
As splash and surface water protection, a gravel bed of 30 cm with infiltration potential
should be installed. For city sidewalk-facing house facades, this won't be achievable
very often. In this situation, a plaster edge profile for outdoor use which is also
available from specialized dealers for renovation plaster thicknesses can be used to
provide a shadow gap to the floor covering.

13. How do you investigate cracks in exterior walls?

Although this examination is quite straightforward, it takes a lot of time. At regular

intervals, plaster marks or specialized crack monitors are applied over the crack and
studied for many weeks. The advantage of crack monitors over plaster marks is that
they precisely record the amount of movement, and unlike exposed plaster marks,
they do not deteriorate outdoors. To reestablish the bond of the brickwork and hence
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Name :Divakaran Course: Master of Architectural and Cultural Heritage
First Name : Amal Kiran Matriculation-Nr:5079885

the stability, construction-related cracks should be sealed with a force-fit. For the
force-fit closure of cracks, pressure-based injection devices and/or spiral anchors may
be used.

14. Why do joints in old exterior walls and facades often break out or stone chips off?

The usage of cement mortar is mostly to blame for joints rupturing. This is just as
tough as a solid brick and far more pressure-resistant than the lime mortar used in
brickwork. Because of this, the cement grout is unable to absorb any potential
deformation of the lime mortar under load, and in the worst scenario, it may separate
from the joint and result in shearing at the masonry unit.

15. What is needling, how is it done ?

Needling is used to reconnect cornices or ornaments to the exterior wall when they no
longer adhere well. It is done in the following steps:
1. Using a long drill bit, drill sufficiently deep into the wall at regular intervals through
the cracked element with approximately twice the diameter of the later needling (low
speed, without percussion drilling)
2. Blow out the drilled hole and remove the dust
3. Spray the drill hole with special mortar
4. Hammer in stainless steel anchor (spiral anchor)

Broken out stucco elements must be completely rebuilt. When repairing damage to
stucco and cast stone, a mortar additive that improves elasticity and adhesion is
recommended.

16. What should be considered when carrying out interior insulation ?

It's crucial when using interior insulation systems that no water can over time
accumulate in the building. It must be remembered that the space between the outer
wall and the insulation is especially crucial. Air backflow and the large temperature
gradient in this area can lead to condensation and moisture penetration of moisture-
sensitive structural materials, like hardwood beams, which can result in mold growth
and pest infestation. Capillary-open systems can cause more moisture to accumulate
in this transition area than closed systems, despite the fact that they are more
favorable for the room environment due to moisture transmission.
Most capillary action-open insulation methods have a much lower insulating value
than, say, the mineral wool of a face layer due to their larger density. The evacuation
of penetrating precipitation moisture from the external wall to the inside can be
impeded by a vapor barrier on the room side, which can also cause moisture to
accumulate on the interior wall side and the insulation.
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Name :Divakaran Course: Master of Architectural and Cultural Heritage
First Name : Amal Kiran Matriculation-Nr:5079885

Driving rain can cause a significant amount of water to seep through, especially in the
case of monolithic exposed brick masonry with poor jointing. Particularly since the
brick lacks a glazed and, as a result, water-repellent surface due to the low firing
temperature used during manufacture.
Areas where thermal bridges may exist must be viewed as extremely dangerous.
These include timber joist ceilings, inner walls that are bound, and window reveals.

17. What work has to be done if an insulating glazing is to be inserted into an existing old
window?

The thickness of the frame and the size of the window will determine whether
insulating glazing can be installed later. The frame is weakened and is subjected to
greater loads as a result of the new glazing's heavier weight and machined groove.
The measure can typically be completed in the case of well-preserved windows with
"Wilhelminian division," or two wings and a top window. However, additional fittings
may be needed in the case of undivided wooden windows, such as those from the
1950s and 1960s, as the frame's load-bearing capacity may not be sufficient for this
measure.
The following work steps must be carried out:
1. Cutting out the old putty joint
2. Removal of the old glass pane
3. Cut a new groove for the double glazing .
4. Insertion of the new double glazing
5. Fitting of the cover profiles .

18. Why are vertical cracks often found in the interior walls of old houses? How are they
repaired?

Old town houses often have vertical cracks on their interior walls. This is due to
vibration and the different functioning of the wooden beams and the masonry of the
wall. For renewal, the plaster can be removed from the damaged area in plaster from
the sides of plaster with a protrusion of about 20 cm. Protective film is then riveted to
the beam for protection, and beam is stretched over the groove with a metal
extension that extends far enough into the masonry. The fastening of expanded metal
with sheet nails should be done exclusively to the masonry and not to the beam to
allow the beam to function freely. A thin, fairly thick layer of mortar is applied to the
expanded metal with a trowel, which covers the expanded metal and the beam below.
Ideally, the cast is only applied the next day. Instead of expanded metal, fabric can
also be placed on the plaster. However, the crack-bridging effect of the fabric is less
than that of expanded metal.

19. What problems do I have to consider when renovating a wooden beam ceiling?

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Name :Divakaran Course: Master of Architectural and Cultural Heritage
First Name : Amal Kiran Matriculation-Nr:5079885

Problems to be considered while renovating a wooden beam ceiling are sorted

below:

• We should check the rot and infestation of wood by wood pests.

• Before renovation, plans of the structure should be thoroughly checked.
• Spaces should be clearly identified from the plans.
• Beams may need to be planned for load transfer in the floor below.
• Before removing structural members, load should be evenly distributed to other
members to avoid collapse.
• Damaged wood should be identified and only that area should be renovated or
removed rather the entire beam.

20. What is a warm roof / cold roof? What is the difference between them?

• A cold roof : Double ventilated roof is created by placing insulating material between
the roof beams. The result is that the living space below the insulation material
remains warmer than the space above the insulation. The warm and humid air of room
rises from the ceiling. When warm, moist air reaches the low temperature zone of a
cold attic, condensation can occur. Such an end result is not desirable, as the resulting
moisture can cause rafts to rot. Therefore, the builder must install adequate
ventilation to allow moist air to escape from the room.
• A warm roof means installing insulating material on the roof. Insulation sheets are
fixed with glue before installing the waterproof coating. To achieve effective isolation of
room the Contractor must seal structural cover with a waterproof membrane. The next
step is to install rigid insulation cover and fill all voids with non-porous cover. This
roofing method provides insulation for the entire roof structure. Therefore, the house
becomes more energy sufficient. The excellent thermal insulation technology of warm
roofs makes the installation budget slightly higher than the repair of a cold roof.

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