Materials for heritage engineering

About the course

This course combines online learning with a two-day, in-person practical workshop. Designed for engineers, conservators, architects, and heritage professionals, it provides the opportunity to learn from leading experts about traditional building materials, understand the causes and processes of their deterioration, and develop practical skills to assess, conserve, and help prevent further deterioration.

The online course readings, together with optional pre- and post-course written assessments, are complemented by an intensive two-day practical workshop held at the Maritime Museum in Brisbane, Queensland. The workshop draws on the museum's real-world heritage assets to provide hands-on learning and practical experience.

Key topics:

• Understanding heritage, restoration, history and technology.
• Introduction to material and performance characteristics of heritage materials and structures including steel and iron, masonry, timber, and concrete.
• Working with heritage materials on mechanical and electrical engineering projects, conservation architecture.
• Site surveys and materials testing.
• Hands-on opportunities to put learning into practice.

Learning outcomes

Participants will:

• Develop an awareness of the material and performance characteristics of heritage materials and structures.
• Develop an awareness of the range of technical solutions applicable to heritage engineering problems.
• Develop an ability to analyse problems and design practical solutions for the repair and conservation of heritage items and structures.
• Demonstrate an ability to articulate the intellectual nuances of practical solutions that enhance the social values of a site or structure while also satisfying the physical requirements of a project.
• Demonstrate independent work and apply this learning to an industry context.