Engineering Surveys for Historic and Ancient Buildings
We provide professional and comprehensive engineering surveys for historic and ancient buildings. We employ advanced methods for structural analysis, including non-destructive testing. Through survey findings and deep familiarity with historical and ancient construction methods and technology, we diagnose engineering failures that threaten the structure and its users.
We study every detail and element of heritage buildings, understand their capabilities and limitations, and recommend appropriate engineering solutions suited to their unique character through a conservative conservation approach that characterizes leading conservation professionals worldwide.
The engineering survey forms the foundation for precise engineering design and professional conservation execution, while considering the building’s historical value and the need to preserve its original character.
Engineering Design, Supervision and Project Support
Our firm offers comprehensive engineering design services for all phases of conservation projects, from initial planning through completion of construction work. As leaders in the engineering field of building conservation, we develop solutions tailored to building values and original materials.
Drawing from our extensive experience and advanced professional knowledge in the field, we prepare detailed plans, bills of quantities, technical specifications, and precise cost estimates. Additionally, we provide close engineering supervision or top-level supervision (client’s choice) throughout the entire implementation process, ensuring accurate execution of plans while maintaining high standards of building conservation.
We adopt an approach of minimal intervention in historic buildings and stabilize structures according to their original construction methods while implementing necessary adaptations to relevant standards.
Structural Assessment Reports for Permits
We provide professional structural assessment reports to planning authorities and private and public clients. Often these reports are a required stage in the permit process for heritage buildings.
Our conservation engineers analyze buildings structurally, examine their compliance with current standards, and produce recommendations for conservation and rehabilitation. Our assessment reports are based on deep understanding of different heritage rankings and consider the historical and cultural value of each building.
This service is vital and necessary in the structural stabilization process of buildings in difficult or dangerous structural condition and in general building conservation projects.
Dynamic Modeling for Historic and Ancient Buildings
Our firm is at the forefront of conservation technology. We are experts in creating advanced 3D models of historic and ancient buildings. This service is based on advanced laser scanning technologies performed by experienced surveyors and integrates engineering expertise in building conservation.
Our dynamic models enable in-depth structural analysis, building response simulations to earthquakes (up to Israeli standards), and precise planning of conservation work. This technology helps us present buildings in an impressive visual manner, identify areas requiring special treatment, and plan reinforcement and conservation interventions with maximum precision.
Dynamic modeling is a vital tool in complex projects for conserving historic and ancient buildings where clients seek to perform structural additions that require the designer to obtain seismic stability certification for the historic portion of the project in accordance with Israeli Standard 413.
This represents one of the most advanced technologies in the conservation field, enabling us to maintain minimal intervention in buildings and thereby ensure that the historical story reflected through the building remains for future generations.
Advanced Structural Diagnostics for Historic and Ancient Buildings
Our office specializes in carrying out advanced structural diagnostics for historic and ancient buildings—tests that are not performed by existing laboratories and institutes in Israel. In collaboration with the Italian company EXPIN, we have introduced unique diagnostic technologies that allow for accurate characterization of the mechanical properties of structural elements in heritage buildings, serving as a critical foundation for their reinforcement and conservation.
Selected Diagnostic Methods
- Load-bearing assessment of historic stone masonry and brick Using on-site Flat-Jack test (single or double), we analyze the existing load conditions and the walls’ load-bearing capacity. These insights are essential for designing interventions and structural alterations in heritage buildings.
- Structural assessment of historic timber ceilings Through advanced engineering solutions for evaluating the condition of wooden beams and joists, we determine material stiffness and assess whether the elements are structurally sound or require replacement.
- Cross-section and internal structure profiling of stone masonry Using core drilling and endoscopic inspection, we reveal wall composition (such as core-filled or cavity walls), identify original construction materials, and evaluate their current structural integrity.
These and other advanced diagnostics provide critical data for ensuring the structural safety, reinforcement, and appropriate conservation design of historic buildings—while maintaining their unique architectural character.
