The NCPTT partnered with Michael Henry, PE, AIA, and Sam Harris, PE, RA, JD to develop 4 course modules:
- Materials and older buildings
- Building pathology
- Investigations and diagnostics methodology and
- Treatment strategies and interventions.
Working from the engineer’s standpoint, the course modules introduce the specific issues and technical challenges that are encountered in older and historic buildings and offer illustrative solutions. A description of the contents of each
of course modules follows:
Materials and Older Buildings
Addresses functional requirements and physical properties of historic building materials; common mechanisms of deterioration in historic buildings; concerns when introducing contemporary building materials into older or historic buildings.
Building Pathology
Addresses functional requirements and vulnerabilities of the systems and components comprising the building envelope and structure; combinations of deterioration processes; environmental factors that are necessary for the most common deterioration mechanisms; matching older building components and assemblies with modern replacements; flawed structures which have nonetheless survived.
Investigations and Diagnostics Methodology
Addresses research and documentary review; impact of prior repairs and environmental conditions on the present state of the building; limitations of single-point observations and ways to overcome such limitations; going beyond observable symptoms of deterioration and identifying probable mechanisms and enabling factors; developing and validating a hypothesis as to the mechanism(s) of deterioration.
Treatment Strategies and Interventions
Addresses systematic multidisciplinary approach to investigate deterioration mechanisms and develop effective treatment strategies; documenting the process of selecting treatment strategies; impact of conflicting technical and non-technical considerations; evaluating potential success of treatment strategies; documentation
and evaluation of implemented intervention.