Client: Grangegorman Development Agency
DBFL Consulting Engineers were engaged as a key member of the design team led by Coady Architects in the survey, appraisal and specification for appropriate remediation work for 9 existing structures, a tunnel, a gateway and 2km of boundary walling all of which were protected structures.
The work entailed the specification for the appropriate survey work on a building-by-building basis and the specification of discreet opening-up to allow the condition and capacity of the existing structures to be assessed. A report template was agreed in advance with the Architects, providing a comprehensive record of each building history, their current condition and requirements for conservation and stabilisation.
The existing structures had typically suffered years of neglect or minimal maintenance. Timber wet rot was a recurring item of damage requiring innovation in the specification of appropriate repair that was sympathetic to Conservation principles. A particular example was the condition of the timber scissor trusses in the Church of Ireland where the feet of many of the trusses had suffered severe decay. A structural solution involving in-situ repair using a proprietary (Rotafix) repair was adopted.
Several of the buildings required stabilisation and in the case of the Lower House this was extensive. Stabilisation of the walls of the iconic 1814 Clock Tower building was also required.
The survey and assessment of the 2 km long boundary wall was a particular challenge. This wall was typically 3m high, 500mm thick and generally built in coursed random rubble. Water penetration issues were widespread coupled with out-of-plumbness and shallow foundation issues.
Key sustainability and conservation initatives included: Sympathetic timber repairs;
Consultation with Jason Bolton (Conservation Specialist – Masonry) and Coady Architects in the specification of appropriate masonry repairs and re-building; Design of replacement king post trusses in the Lower House using the existing decayed trusses as a template
Project Director
